From left to right: Nick P. Williams, Programme Officer Birds of Prey (Raptors), Reinhard Schnidrig , Deputy Head of Division of the Federal Office of the Environment, Bradnee Chambers , Executive Secretary of CMS.
Quito, 5 November 2014 –The Czech Republic and Switzerland signed the CMS Memorandum of Understanding on the Conservation of Migratory Birds of Prey in Africa and Eurasia (Raptors MoU) at the 11th Conference of Parties to CMS (COP11) in Quito, Ecuador. This brings the total number of Signatories to 48.
“The Czech Republic and Switzerland are critically important countries for many species of migratory birds of prey. Their signature to the CMS Raptors MoU is a welcome and highly positive sign that strengthens international coordinated efforts to conserve migratory birds of prey in Eurasia and Africa” said Nick P. Williams, CMS Programme Officer - Birds of Prey.
At least 40 species listed under the Raptors MoU occur in the Czech Republic and Switzerland. Of those, the Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug) is ‘Endangered’, and both the Greater Spotted Eagle (Aquila clanga) and Eastern Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca) are classified ‘Vulnerable’ by IUCN.
Libuše Vlasáková, Head of delegation for Czech Republic at COP11 said, "The Czech Republic hosts over 50% of the species covered by the Raptors MoU. Our government is actively contributing to the development of an EU Regional Raptor Conservation Strategy to implement the Action Plan of the MoU. We are looking forward to extending our collaboration to all Range States and partners to protect this spectacular group of birds".
"Birds of prey roam far. They are at the top of the food chain and are therefore important for functional ecosystems. By signing the Raptors MoU, Switzerland, a small country in the middle of Europe, has demonstrated its commitment to helping protect these species within an international framework" said Reinhard Schnidrig, Head of delegation for Switzerland at COP11.
The CMS Raptors MoU will enter into effect in the Czech Republic and Switzerland on 1 December 2014.
The Coordinating Unit warmly welcomes the Czech Republic and Switzerland onboard!
Last updated on 02 November 2015