CMS COP11 Topics Discussed at Preparatory Workshop in Fiji

Nadi, Fiji /Bonn, 29 August 2014- The UNEP/CMS Secretariat, in conjunction with the Department of Fisheries of Fiji and the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environmental Programme (SPREP), successfully completed the regional preparatory workshop for the 11th Conference of the Parties to CMS (COP11). The workshop took place in Nadi, Fiji on 18-20 August 2014.

This workshop provided an excellent opportunity for CMS delegates from the Pacific Region to prepare for the upcoming COP11 which is being held in November in Quito, Ecuador.  The primary objective was to introduce the relevant topics prior to the COP and to provide training in negotiations and protocol.

The workshop was attended by over 15 participants from CMS Parties, non-Parties and NGOs from the Pacific region.  Attendees debated the main topics of the COP11 agenda.  Some of the key documents discussed were: the Strategic Plan for Migratory Species; the proposed addition of species to Appendices I and II of CMS, especially sharks and rays; the proposed Budget; Synergies within the CMS Family Secretariats; and draft resolutions on sharks, boat-based wildlife watching, live capture of cetaceans and the management of marine debris.

In addition, the workshop also provided information and activities to familiarize participants with the comprehensive training tool prepared by the CMS Secretariat: the Manual for the National Focal Points of CMS and its Instruments.

A special evening reception dedicated to the conservation of rays and sharks was hosted by the Pew Environment Group.  These species play an important role in ecosystems in the Pacific region and some are on the brink of extinction.  This topic is especially relevant as several species of sharks and rays are being considered for inclusion in the CMS appendices.

The NGO sector was also present, particularly involving Wild Migration and BirdLife International.

The workshop was made possible by funds raised through the EU ACP MEAs Phase II programme1 and was held back to back with a similarly funded, wider regional preparatory meeting for the upcoming COPs of CBD, Ramsar and CMS.

Formore information, please do not hesitate to contact either the Capacity Building Officer: Francisco Rilla, email: [email protected]or Head of the Aquatic Species Team, Melanie Virtue, email [email protected]



1 The European Commission Programme entitled “Capacity-Building related to the Implementation of Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) in African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Countries

Last updated on 03 September 2014