Association of South East Asian Nations

The twelfth meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP12) to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) met for its final day on Saturday, 28 October 2017. The Committee of the Whole (CoW) convened at 8:30 am to conclude its work and accept the remaining conference room papers (CRPs) for adoption by plenary. In his concluding remarks, CoW Chair Rod Hay thanked the Philippines for their inspirational and effective leadership. He added that although the CoW had to negotiate and vote during previous sessions, the CMS remains “a friendly Convention,” adding that the spirit of collaboration has been palpable and bodes well for the future. The COP12 plenary resumed at 10:00 am. Participants adopted the report of the Credentials Committee, and heard statements from governments, non-state parties, and regional organizations. They adopted all resolutions and decisions, including the Manila Declaration on Sustainable Development, and Migratory Species, and the decision to host CMS COP13 in India in 2020. In his closing remarks, Rodolfo Garcia, Undersecretary and Chief of Staff, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Philippines, on behalf of COP12 Chair Roy Cimatu, emphasized the success of COP12, with almost 100% party attendance, and large support from multiple stakeholders, which raised the profile of the CMS in the eyes of the public. He cited the Manila Declaration on Sustainable Development and Migratory Species, which states that wildlife supports many national and global economic activities, such as agriculture, forestry, fisheries, energy, tourism, transport, mining, and trade. CMS Executive Secretary Bradnee Chambers said that CMS had matured and “come of age,” and cited important milestones of COP12, including the Multi-species Action Plan to Conserve African-Eurasian Vultures, the compliance review mechanism, and new policies and commitments. Chambers thanked CMS Deputy Executive Secretary Bert Lenten, who will retire at the end of the year, for his leadership and dedication to migratory species. Plenary Vice-Chair Rod Hay closed CMS COP12 at 1:00 pm. IISD Reporting Services, through its Earth Negotiations Bulletin (ENB) Meeting Coverage, has provided daily web coverage, daily reports, and a summary and analysis report from the CMS COP12. The summary and analysis report is now available in HTML and PDF. Photos by IISD/ENB | Franz Dejon For photo reprint permissions, please follow instructions at our Attribution Regulations for Meeting Photo Usage Page. Committee of the Whole (CoW) L-R: CoW dais with Bert Lenten, CMS Deputy Executive Secretary; Melanie Virtue, CMS Secretariat; CoW Chair Rod Hay; and Bradnee Chambers, CMS Executive Secretary CoW Chair Rod Hay Bradnee Chambers, CMS Executive Secretary Saras Sharma, Fiji Stefan Leiner, EU Thea Carroll, South Africa Lucinda Mangue, Mozambique Juan Miguel Cuna, the Philippines Julia Cordero, Ecuador Melanie Virtue, CMS Secretariat Bert Lenten, CMS Deputy Executive Secretary Closing Plenary Bradnee Chambers, CMS Executive Secretary, delivering his closing address Rodolfo Garcia, Undersecretary and Chief of Staff, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Philippines, delivering his closing speech L-R: Rodolfo Garcia, Undersecretary and Chief of Staff, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Philippines, and Bradnee Chambers, CMS Executive Secretary Elizabeth Mrema, UN Environment Soumitra Dasgupta, India, formally announced India's intention to host COP13 Clarissa Arida, ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) lham Atho Mohamed, Maldives Alejandra Goyenechea, Defenders of Wildlife Ali Mansoor Abbas, Bahrain Gina Cuza Jones, Costa Rica José Pedro de Oliveira Costa, National Secretary for Biodiversity, Brazil Geoff Richardson, Australia Ariuntuya Dorjisuren, Mongolia Ralf Sonntag, International Fund for Animal Welfare L-R: Bresilda Gervacio; Mayumi Quintos-Natividad; Nonita Caguioa; and Mundita Lim, the Philippines Bradnee Chambers, CMS Executive Secretary, honoring Bert Lenten, CMS Deputy Executive Secretary on his retirement Rodolfo Garcia, Undersecretary and Chief of Staff, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Philippines, presenting gifts to Bert Lenten, CMS Deputy Executive Secretary Vice-Chair Rod Hay, on behalf of COP12 Chair Roy Cimatu, gaveled the meeting to a close at 1:00 pm Photos from CMS COP12 Excursion to the Las Piñas-Parañaque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area (LPPCHEA) L-R: ENB and ENBOTS teams to the CMS COP12 with Franz Dejon; Kate Helfenstein-Louw; Elaine Limjoco; Ikuho Miyazawa; Teya Penniman; Kiara Worth; Iliana Cardenes; Dorothy Wanja Nyingi; Pam Chasek; Nicole de Paula Domingos; Asterios Tsioumanis; and Katie Brown

The following events were covered by IISD Reporting Services on Wednesday, 25 October 2017: African Elephant Action Plan: Safeguarding Africa’s Elephants for Future Generations Green Energy, and Conservation of Migratory Bats Conservation of Migratory Species in the ASEAN Region The Great Apes Survival Partnership (GRASP) is Calling - Changing the Way We Do Great Ape Conservation in a Changing World International Icons: How Sharks Shape Lives Across the Globe Single Species Action Plans for Migratory Waterbirds in the East Asian-Australasian Flyway Protecting Migratory Species in the Middle East and North Africa Region IISD Reporting Services, through its Earth Negotiations Bulletin on the Side (ENBOTS) Meeting Coverage, is providing daily web coverage from selected side events at CMS COP12. Photos by IISD/ENB | Kiara Worth For photo reprint permissions, please follow instructions at our Attribution Regulations for Meeting Photo Usage Page. African Elephant Action Plan: Safeguarding Africa’s Elephants for Future GenerationsPresented by the African Elephant Fund (AEF) Secretariat and UN Environment This session, moderated by Francisco Rilla, UN Environment, highlighted: ongoing activities of range state projects funded by the AEF on implementation of the African Elephant Action Plan (AEAP); lessons learned in implementation; and ways to strengthen CMS parties and African elephant range states’ collaboration on management of cross- border elephant populations. Bradnee Chambers, CMS Executive Secretary, welcomed growing collaboration between African elephant range states on conservation of migratory elephants in the continent, including the Western African Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in 2005. He stressed CMS Secretariat readiness to support and implement the AEAP in partnership with CITES, including through fundraising. Patrick Omondi, Chair, AEF Steering Committee, launched the new AEF/UN Environment joint report, ‘African Elephant Fund: Transforming Strategies into Action.’ He highlighted good practices from AEF-funded projects in addressing challenges such as illegal killing and ivory trafficking, and human-elephant conflicts. James Njogu, Kenya Wildlife Service, noted the African elephant range states' partnership is the main driver for strengthening implementation of the AEAP, and stressed the importance of synergies between CMS and CITES to scale up this initiative. Kofi Nana Adu-Nsiah, Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission, Ghana, emphasized engaging and raising awareness of local communities in implementing the AEAP through logistical support to monitor conservation status on the ground. Tom de Meulenaer, CITES Secretariat, said it is essential for CMS to support and implement the AEAP as most of the listed actions are on “conserving” migratory elephants, a core business of CMS, as opposed to CITES’ mandate on trade. Elizabeth Mrema, UN Environment, celebrated the launch of the new report, highlighting its benefits for other range states working on conserving migratory elephants. In the ensuing discussion, several CMS parties expressed full support for funding and implementing the AEAP, and underlined the importance of ensuring ownership and participation of non-state actors, in particular the private sector and local communities. Omondi concluded the session by urging CMS parties to adopt and implement the AEAP. Panel speakers (L-R): Bradnee Chambers, CMS Executive Secretary; Patrick Omondi, Chair, AEF Steering Committee; James Njogu, Kenya Wildlife Service; Kofi Nana Adu-Nsiah, Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission, Ghana; Tom de Meulenaer, CITES Secretariat; and Elizabeth Mrema, UN Environment. Elizabeth Mrema, UN Environment, and Patrick Omondi, Chair, AEF Steering Committee, launched the new report, ‘African Elephant Fund: Transforming Strategies into Action.’ Bradnee Chambers, CMS Executive Secretary, noted duplication “should be avoided” between CMS and CITES. James Njogu, Kenya Wildlife Service, said “adopting the AEAP in CMS COP12 means more donors and partnerships.” Kofi Nana Adu-Nsiah, Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission, Ghana, highlighted that “efforts to conserve African elephants have been difficult without the AEF.” Tom de Meulenaer, CITES Secretariat, said the AEF has been successful in reaching a broader range of donors and stakeholders to move the AEAP forward. Participants engage in an interactive discussion Contact: Francisco Rilla | francisco.rilla@unep.org More Information: www.africanelephantfund.org/ www.unep.org/ Green Energy, and Conservation of Migratory BatsPresented by CMS Secretariat and UNEP/EUROBATS This event focused on current threats to migratory bat species caused by wind energy production and the potential for the proposed CMS Appendix II listing of four hoary bats (Lasiurus spp.) to encourage needed research and catalyze protection. Andreas Streit, Executive Secretary, UNEP/EUROBATS, urged adoption of the proposed listing, saying “it’s time to start working on bat conservation within CMS.” Rodrigo Medellin, National Autonomous University of Mexico, emphasized the need for model species to help understand wind energy impacts on bats; described a potential 90% decline for hoary bats over the next 50 years without adequate action; said that waiting until bats are listed will be too late; and urged support for the proposed listing. Jessica Galvez-Durand, National Forest and Wildlife Service, Peru, noted that three of the four proposed species occur in Peru. She outlined reasons for the proposed listing, including, inter alia: more legal protection; creating an opportunity to develop a regional action plan; promoting collaboration and synergies in the region and with UNEP/EUROBATS; and increased possibilities to promote sustainable development while mitigating impacts of wind energy. Erin Baerwald, University of Regina, Canada, reviewed increasing trends of bat fatalities in different regions, noting that data suggest fatality rates of 800,000 bats per year for US and Canada. She stressed that conservation measures for wind facilities need to consider: proper siting; curtailment of turbines; acoustic deterrents; ultraviolet lighting; management of cumulative effects; and coordinated international protections and regulations. In discussion, participants noted: purchasing energy from bird- and bat-friendly energy producers as a conservation strategy; the importance of post-construction monitoring; documenting ecosystem services provided by bats to encourage conservation and mitigation measures; and mapping tools and strategies. Panel speakers (L-R): Moderator Alejandra Goyenechea, Defenders of Wildlife; Erin Baerwald, University of Regina, Canada; Jessica Galvez-Durand, National Forest and Wildlife Service, Peru; Rodrigo Medellin, National Autonomous University of Mexico; and Andreas Streit, Executive Secretary, UNEP/EUROBATS Rodrigo Medellin, National Autonomous University of Mexico, called bats the “proverbial nocturnal canary in the mine,” telling us that wind energy is desirable, but we need to make it more environmentally friendly. Erin Baerwald, University of Regina, Canada, noted that wind energy turbines are killing prime breeding age adults that come from large wind catchment areas. Jessica Galvez-Durand, National Forest and Wildlife Service, Peru, said the goal for Peru is to expand the wind energy market while integrating bat conservation. Andreas Streit, Executive Secretary, UNEP/EUROBATS, emphasized the importance of post-construction monitoring for bat mortality at wind energy facilities. Participants during the event Materials on display Contact: Alejandra Goyenechea | agoyenechea@defenders.org Conservation of Migratory Species in the ASEAN Region Presented by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) This event, moderated by Sheila Vergara, ACB, covered activities on the conservation of migratory species in the ASEAN Region, the reduction of marine litter, and the ACB Resource Mobilization Strategy. Tomoko Ichikawa, East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP), presented on the flyway, which supports the highest proportion of threatened migratory water bird species in the world, and on the Flyway Site Network, a set of internationally important sites for conservation of water birds. Christiane Paulus, Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety, Germany, underscored the importance of avoiding marine plastic debris to prevent negative impacts on migratory marine species and other marine life. Roberto Oliva, Executive Director, ACB, presented on the ASEAN Heritage Parks, home to important migratory species such as the Chinese egret. He launched the ACB Resource Mobilization Strategy, to bring citizens and the private sector together for species conservation. Erik Solheim, Executive Director, UN Environment, said we need to simplify UN language and develop “simple, attractive messages to include more people,” and work with the business sector to develop synergies and further environmental causes. Ramon Paje, Vice President for Asia Pacific, UN Environment Assembly (UNEA), expressed hope for achieving a “pollution-free planet,” focusing on the upcoming UNEA. View of the room during the event Ramon Paje, Vice President for Asia Pacific, UN Environment Assembly, said humans are having a disastrous impact on biodiversity, but efforts like the ACB can help. Erik Solheim, Executive Director, UN Environment, noted that “there is a lot of good news,” with important meetings and world leaders focusing on environmental action. Christiane Paulus, Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety, Germany, said there is considerable evidence that marine litter leads to large economic losses in the tourism and fisheries sectors. Roberto Oliva, Executive Director, ACB, expressed that the uniqueness, diversity and outstanding value of certain ASEAN national parks and reserves deserve the highest recognition as conservation areas. Participants during the event Contact: Sheila Vergara | svergara@aseanbiodiversity.org More Information: www.aseanbiodiversity.org/ www.unep.org/environmentassembly/ The Great Apes Survival Partnership (GRASP) is Calling - Changing the Way We Do Great Ape Conservation in a Changing WorldPresented by UN Environment/GRASP and the Government of France This side event, moderated by Neville Ash, UN Environment/World Conservation Monitoring Center, brought together key GRASP partners to discuss new initiatives and ideas to promote the Partnership and great ape conservation. Noting that in a fast and changing world, “we need to think out of the box” regarding conservation, Johannes Refisch, UN Environment/GRASP, stressed that GRASP, with its more than 100 partners, including member nations, research institutions, UN agencies, conservation organization and private sector supporters, can facilitate cross-border and cross-sectorial approaches. François Lamarque, Ministry of Environment, Energy and Sea, France, reiterated his country’s support towards GRASP, noting that ongoing cooperation will be continued and strengthened in the years to come. Underscoring that GRASP is “a very special organization,” crossing the various sectors and facilitating collaboration, Christiane Paulus, Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety, Germany, announced that her country will support two new projects, namely on transboundary cross river gorilla conservation in Nigeria and Cameroon via a transboundary biosphere reserve, and on conflict-sensitive conservation of eastern lowland gorillas in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Stressing that funding is the biggest constraint in conservation efforts in the region, Elizabeth Ehi-Ebewele, Federal Ministry of Environment, Nigeria, remarked that poaching, habitat degradation and deforestation have made gorilla populations in the Nigeria-Cameroon border region critically endangered. Aggrey Rwetsiba, Chair, GRASP Executive Committee, Uganda, emphasized the need to focus on local communities, noting that “unless grassroots people in their poverty see the value in the conservation efforts, all the investments will be wasted.” Gilles Biver, Ministry for Sustainable Development and Infrastructure, Luxembourg, announced that his country will support GRASP projects, deriving the financial resources from climate funds and provide voluntary contribution to the CMS Gorilla Agreement. Erik Solheim, Executive Director, UN Environment, focused on the need for a stronger and better narrative and the necessity to involve local communities. He stressed that “we need to tell better, not boring stories on the environment,” adding that policing is an inadequate measure and the involvement of local communities in conservation efforts invaluable. Noting that gorillas have been listed in CMS Appendix I since the beginning, Bradnee Chambers, CMS Executive Secretary, provided an overview of the CMS Gorilla Agreement, emphasizing that GRASP and CMS have strong overlapping objectives, and announcing the proposal for collaboration between the two institutions under a specific legal framework and programme. Panel speakers (L-R): Aggrey Rwetsiba, Chair of the GRASP Executive Committee, Uganda; Johannes Refisch, UN Environment/GRASP; François Lamarque, Ministry of Environment, Energy and Sea, France; Christiane Paulus, Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety, Germany; Erik Solheim, Executive Director, UN Environment; Elizabeth Ehi-Ebewele, Federal Ministry of Environment, Nigeria; and Bradnee Chambers, Executive Secretary, CMS Johannes Refisch, UN Environment/GRASP, stressed the need to “think beyond our comfort zone” regarding conservation, allowing for new projects and ideas to protect the great apes. Elizabeth Ehi-Ebewele, Federal Ministry of Environment, Nigeria, highlighted the importance of financial pledges, stressing that funding is the single largest constraint in conservation efforts in the area. Noting that in Uganda tourism-generated income related to gorillas and chimpanzees is shared with the local communities, Aggrey Rwetsiba, Chair, GRASP Executive Committee, Uganda, underscored that “the locals will be shooting if anyone tries to hurt a gorilla.” Noting that GRASP is “not only a duty, but an initiative supported by her heart,” Christiane Paulus, Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety, Germany, emphasized that in a conservation environment that is changing, cross-sectoral approaches are essential. Using the example of the well-organized and regulated gorilla-related eco-tourism activities in Rwanda, Erik Solheim, Executive Director, UN Environment, emphasized that development around it “makes the local communities the first to protect the gorillas.” Participants during the event A GRASP video presentation stressed the relationship between humans and great apes Contact: Johannes Refisch | johannes.refisch@unep.org More Information: www.un-grasp.org www.cms.int/gorilla/en International Icons: How Sharks Shape Lives Across the GlobePresented by Marine Wildlife Watch of the Philippines, Save Philippines Seas and the Pew Charitable Trusts This side event, moderated by Anna Oposa, Save Philippine Seas, showcased the importance of whale sharks in the Philippines, focusing on the ecotourism activities around the species in Donsol, and highlighted the other shark and ray proposals for listing in the CMS Appendices in COP12. Josephine Alcantara-Cruz, Mayor of Donsol, Philippines, described how the town of Donsol has been transformed over a period of 20 years from a “sleeping town” into a vibrant, international eco-tourism destination, contributing almost half a billion pesos to the national economy and transforming local livelihoods. She underscored main challenges, including limited resources, relevant legislation development and adaptation to climate change, emphasizing that intensive local conservation efforts are inadequate since the species is migratory. Alcantara-Cruz urged the international community to help protect this iconic species, including its uplisting to CMS Appendix I and introduced a video ‘Migratory Sharks: Sustaining Communities Globally,’ which portrayed the interactions between whale sharks and humans. KerriLynn Miller, The Pew Charitable Trusts, introduced other shark species in need of global cooperation and management, and addressed the angel shark, the white spotted wedgefish, the common guitarfish, the blue shark and the dusky shark, proposed for listing in the CMS Appendices. Danny Rueda Córdova, Galapagos National Park, Ecuador, presented research on the hammerhead, Galapagos, silky, blacktip and tiger sharks in the Galapagos region, both in the national park and beyond, including defining their routes to allow for management decisions. Julia Cordero, Ministry of Environment, Ecuador, presented research on the oceanic manta rays in the region. Noting the importance of the Plata Island, which presents the biggest congregation of oceanic manta rays with 2,600 individuals, she addressed research activities, inter alia: photo laser identification; tagging with telemetry; studies of reproductive behaviour and eating habits; and mapping of movements, including through the installation of acoustic devices. A video discussing the importance of sharks is shown during the event Addressing the conservation of shark and rays as a global priority, KerriLynn Miller, The Pew Charitable Trusts, stressed that “their future is our future.” Stressing that poverty rates in Donsol dropped from 67% to 40% as a result of ecotourism, Josephine Alcantara-Cruz, Mayor of Donsol, Philippines, emphasized that she “cannot imagine when the whale shark will no longer visit us.” Focusing on the oceanic manta ray, Julia Cordero, Ministry of Environment, Ecuador, urged the international community to increase the efforts for its protection. Danny Rueda Córdova, Galapagos National Park, Ecuador, emphasized the importance of studying the movement and routes of shark species. Contact: Anna Oposa (Moderator) | annaoposa@gmail.com More Information: www.cms.int/sharks mwwphilippines.org, www.savephilippineseas.org www.iucnssg.org Single Species Action Plans for Migratory Waterbirds in the East Asian-Australasian FlywayPresented by the Government of Australia, BirdLife Australia, BirdLife International, and the East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP) This session, moderated by Stephen Garnett, CMS Scientific Councillor for Birds, Australia, centered on: sharing experience and knowledge from the implementation of existing migratory waterbird single species action plans (SSAPs) in the EAAF; and galvanizing action and coordination of the continued implementation of SSAPs in range states. Tomoko Ichikawa, EAAFP, presented four SSAPs on: spoon-billed sandpiper; black-faced spoonbill; Chinese crested tern; and Siberian crane. She stressed that the SSAPs have been successful in bringing together range states and other partners to address species-specific challenges. Ruth Cromie, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, presented the Baer’s pochard SSAP, and underlined major threats, including habitat loss and unsustainable harvesting due to: poisoning; inadequate site protection and management; bycatch in fishing nets; lack of public awareness; and excessive use of pesticides and fertilizers. She urged CMS parties to adopt its action plan during CMS COP12. Mark Carey, Department of the Environment and Energy, Australia, explained that the Far Eastern curlew SSAP aims to: restore its population to a positive growth rate for at least three generations; support research and monitoring of climate change impacts; and assess the risk of disturbance impacts. In the ensuing discussion, moderated by Connie Warren, BirdLife Australia, participants discussed: the value of SSAPs as opposed to habitat-based action plans; the SSAP approach as a tool to raise awareness at the political level; and the African-Eurasian Vultures Multi-species Action Plan for bringing together range states with a set of single species action plans. Panel speakers (L-R): Tomoko Ichikawa, EAAFP; Ruth Cromie, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust; Mark Carey, Department of the Environment and Energy, Australia; Evgeny Syroechkovskiy, Ministry of Natural Resources and Ecology, Russia; and Nicola Crockford, BirdLife International Tomoko Ichikawa, EAAFP, noted the SSAPs are important instruments for implementing coordinated measures to restore and maintain migratory waterbird species in favorable conservation status. Mark Carey, Department of the Environment and Energy, Government of Australia, said the Far Eastern Curlew Task Force supports range states in developing national action plans. Ruth Cromie, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, said, “What we need is individual commitment to improve coordination on conserving waterbirds.” Participants engage in an interactive dialogue Contact: Connie Warren | connie.warren@birdlife.org.au More Information: www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/migratory-species/migratory-birds www.birdlife.org.au/ http://www.birdlife.org/ http://www.eaaflyway.net/ Protecting Migratory Species in the Middle East and North Africa RegionPresented by the Government of the United Arab Emirates and the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) This event, moderated by Matt Collis, IFAW, focused on the activities carried out by IFAW and various governments in the Middle East and North Africa region (MENA) to conserve migratory species. Nahla Alnoobi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), summarized national efforts to protect migratory species, with 43 protected areas and various agreements for conservation, including joining CMS last year. She said efforts have focused on capacity building and awareness raising campaigns, including addressing passengers at national airports and youth empowerment campaigns. Ralf Sonntag, IFAW, talked about their work in the MENA region, particularly on sharks, noting that 51% of all species are endangered. He said including them in CITES or CMS is not enough and, noting IFAW support, stressed that actions need to be implemented. Akram Darwich, IFAW, said they are working in MENA to reduce the trade of illegal species, because the region is both a trade and migration bottleneck, attracting illegal hunters, who use these routes to achieve illegal trade. He said that education and awareness campaigns can help reduce these pressures. Matt Collis, IFAW, closed the session by giving an overview of their global work. He said they aim to work across the chain of wildlife crime, including source and transit countries to maximize their impact, and gave examples of the breadth of projects and how they relate to CMS. View of the room during the event Ralf Sonntag, IFAW, highlighted shark killing as “a huge problem,” and emphasized working together internationally and adopting the shark proposals. Nahla Alnoobi, UAE, noted her country’s focus on capacity building, including more than 40 workshops and special training courses on biodiversity. Akram Darwich, IFAW, underscored that education programmes can empower people to take positive action towards animals. Contact: Matt Collis (IFAW) | mcollis@ifaw.org More Information: www.ifaw.org/international/about-ifaw Around the Venue Erik Solheim, Executive Director, UN Environment Delegates speak informally Bradnee Chambers, CMS Executive Secretary, speaks with delegates

The following events were covered by IISD Reporting Services on Tuesday, 24 October 2017: Promoting Conservation of Critical Intertidal and other Coastal Habitats for Migratory Species Leading Shark Conservation: Shark Species Proposals for CMS Conserving African- Eurasian Vultures for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services: the Role of the Multi- Species Action Plan Roadmap for the Conservation of the African Wild Ass Establishing a Network of Safe Havens for Green Turtle, Chelonia mydas, in Sulu- Sulawesi Seascape Year of the Whale in the Pacific Islands – Whales in a Changing Ocean CMS and Partner Action and Plans for Stopping Illegal Killing/Hunting, Taking and Trade of Migratory Birds IISD Reporting Services, through its Earth Negotiations Bulletin on the Side (ENBOTS) Meeting Coverage, is providing daily web coverage from selected side events at CMS COP12. Photos by IISD/ENB | Kiara Worth For photo reprint permissions, please follow instructions at our Attribution Regulations for Meeting Photo Usage Page. Promoting Conservation of Critical Intertidal and other Coastal Habitats for Migratory SpeciesPresented by the Government of the Philippines, Ramsar Secretariat, Wetlands International, and BirdLife International This event focused on migratory species at risk from coastal habitat degradation, good conservation and management practices, a global initiative for conservation and restoration, and elements of the proposed relevant CMS resolution. Introducing the event, Annadel Cabanban, Wetlands International, said that wetlands are declining at a rate of 1% per year, with a multiplier effect on coastal ecosystems. Taej Mundkur, Wetlands International, noted that over 300 CMS-listed species are dependent on coastal habitats. Citing examples of shorebirds, the Mediterranean monk seal, dugong, turtles, rays, dolphins and other species, he emphasized coastal habitat use for feeding, resting, and breeding, and impacts from development, recreation, fishing, and legal and illegal sales. Lew Young, Ramsar Secretariat, emphasized the need to consider and manage for the full range of benefits provided by coastal ecosystems. He noted that 32 of 53 Ramsar sites in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region have coastal components, with 90 percent of those providing food for local people. He highlighted land-use planning as a conservation tool, including the need to consider threats from areas adjacent to protected sites. Ding Li Yong, BirdLife International, described a global restoration initiative ‘Caring for Coasts,’ with key deliverables focused on: increased prioritization of coastal wetlands; coordination in restoration efforts; setting commitments and priorities; knowledge and capacity building; and increased engagement with key stakeholders. Presenting on the proposed resolution, Theresa Mundita Lim, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Philippines, described five key elements: a coastal wetland forum; protected areas; a solution to loss of intertidal flats; public awareness; and reporting. She highlighted the need to have more stakeholders involved to protect coastal ecosystems, habitats and people. During the ensuing discussion on the resolution, participants considered the role of the private sector and whether the resolution will complement or duplicate Ramsar work. A proposed resolution promoting the conservation of critical intertidal and other coastal habitats for migratory species Taej Mundkur, Wetlands International, said migratory species “act as ambassadors” for a range of species that will benefit from conservation of coastal areas. On outreach to the media and other sectors, Lew Young, Ramsar Secretariat, noted that “we often focus on species, but need to talk their language,” to highlight the benefits of coastal ecosystems for fisheries, livelihoods, disaster risk reduction and other services. Ding Li Yong, BirdLife International, said that wetlands are in decline globally, especially in the Asia-Pacific region. Theresa Mundita Lim, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Philippines, said the proposed resolution is intended to create synergies between the CMS, Ramsar, and CBD on conservation of migratory species and habitats. Participants during the event Contact: Marlynn Mendoza | mmmendozapawb@yahoo.com Leading Shark Conservation: Shark Species Proposals for CMSPresented by the Pew Charitable Trusts and Shark Proponent Governments (Philippines, Israel, Sri Lanka, Monaco, Senegal, Mauritania, Togo, Honduras and Samoa) This side event, moderated by Anna Oposa, Save Philippine Seas, highlighted the shark and ray species proposed for listing in the CMS Appendices at COP12, stressing the need for global cooperation to address imminent threats. Gamini Jayawickrama Perera, Minister of Sustainable Development and Wildlife, Sri Lanka, underscored the need to respect “the rights of animals, birds, water and land,” along with human rights. Highlighting disaster management and national conservation efforts, he urged for global collaboration and invited all participants to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) COP18, to be held in Sri Lanka in 2019. Jonas Leones, Under-Secretary for Policy, Planning and International Affairs, Philippines, presented the proposals to uplist the whale shark to CMS Appendix I and list the white-spotted wedgefish in Appendix II. On the whale shark, he noted that it faces threats from bycatch, fisheries, finning, unregulated tourism and marine debris, while lacking legislative protection in range states. Regarding the white-spotted wegdefish, he said that it is poorly studied with limited information on population structure and movements, noting that the proposed listing will initiate collaborative management. Djibril Diouck, Ministry of the Environment and Protection of Nature, Senegal, focused on the proposal for listing the common guitarfish in CMS Appendix II. Emphasizing that an increase in fishing pressure in the late 1990s led to severe population decline, he underscored that, despite its endangered status worldwide, it is still unmanaged over much of its range. Highlighting the proposal to list the dusky shark in CMS Appendix II, Blas Cabrera, Honduras, stressed that it is one of the least productive and most vulnerable shark species. He emphasized that the low intrinsic growth rate of the dusky shark makes it vulnerable to exploitation and difficult to recover from population declines. Maria Satoa, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Samoa, and Daniel Fernando, Ministry of Sustainable Development and Wildlife, Sri Lanka, presented the proposal to list the blue shark in CMS Appendix II. Satoa underscored the cultural and environmental significance of healthy shark populations for Samoa. Urging for international cooperation, including the adoption of measures to regulate blue shark catches by Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs), Fernando noted that the blue shark is one of the most heavily traded shark species with 20 million individuals killed annually. The event was concluded with a ceremonial signing of the CMS Memorandum of Understanding on the Conservation of Migratory Sharks (Sharks MOU) by Sri Lanka. Panel speakers during the event (L-R): Gamini Jayawickrama Perera, Minister of Sustainable Development and Wildlife, Sri Lanka; Djibril Diouck, Ministry of the Environment and Protection of Nature, Senegal; Jonas Leones, Under-Secretary for Policy, Planning and International Affairs, Philippines; Daniel Fernando, Ministry of Sustainable Development and Wildlife, Sri Lanka; Blas Cabrera, Honduras; and Maria Satoa, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Samoa Jonas Leones, Under-Secretary for Policy, Planning and International Affairs, Philippines, said the whale shark was the first nationally protected shark species, also featured in the 100 peso note. Blas Cabrera, Honduras, said the dusky shark was one of the most important species in shark-fishing sports tournaments held in Florida, US, until the population collapsed. Djibril Diouck, Ministry of the Environment and Protection of Nature, Senegal, emphasized that the common guitarfish is one of the main targets of teams specialized in shark fishing. Emphasizing the significance of sharks for marine ecosystem and reef health, Maria Satoa, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Samoa, noted their cultural importance nationally. View of the room during the event Gamini Jayawickrama Perera, Minister of Sustainable Development and Wildlife, Sri Lanka, conducts a ceremonial signing of the Sharks MOU Local staff dressed as sharks welcome participants to the event Contact: Anna Oposa (Moderator) | annaoposa@gmail.com More Information: www.cms.int/sharks Conserving African- Eurasian Vultures for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services: the Role of the Multi- Species Action Plan Presented by the CMS Memorandum of Understanding on the Conservation of Migratory Birds of Prey in Africa and Eurasia (Raptors MOU), BirdLife International, IUCN Species Survival Commission Vulture Specialist Group, Vulture Conservation Foundation and SAVE Consortium This session, moderated by Nick Williams, Raptors MOU, centered on: the crisis facing African-Eurasian vulture populations; the important role of the Vulture Multi-species Action Plan (MsAP), including its aims, approaches and outcomes; a case study on vulture conservation in Spain; and challenges to implement the MsAP. Fernando Spina, Chair, CMS Scientific Council, underscored vulture population decline is due to multiple threats, including: intentional poisoning; belief-based use of vulture bodies; sentinel poisoning; lead poisoning due to toxic ammunition; and electrocution on energy infrastructure. He highlighted the proposed MsAP to conserve African-Eurasian vultures being considered for adoption at this COP together with proposals for ten vulture species to be listed in CMS Appendix I. André Botha, Overarching Coordinator, MsAP to conserve African-Eurasian vultures, presented the main MsAP objectives, namely to develop a comprehensive strategic action plan to cover the geographic ranges of 15 species of Old World vultures to promote concerted collaboration and coordinated international conservation actions, and accelerate cooperation between stakeholders. He called for CMS COP12 participants to actively support the adoption of the MsAP and the listing proposals, and promote development of the national vulture conservation strategy. Rubén Moreno-Opo, Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Food and Environment, Spain, explained that Spain, which is home to more than 90% of European vulture populations, has experienced significant vulture population decline in the 20th century due to hunting, increased livestock farms, agriculture, racing pigeons, and food availability alternation. He introduced several national measures, including: setting up strict legal frameworks such as penal codes; the Biodiversity and National Heritage Act; and collaborating with local NGOs to raise awareness. Bradnee Chambers, CMS Executive Secretary, congratulated the launch of the MsAP and stressed that the vulture population decline represents a loss of biodiversity but also a significant ecological change, as vultures are supremely adapted to scavenging, and therefore play a unique role in ecosystem functioning. He said CMS has a critical role to play, bringing together all stakeholders to ensure the most effective use of the MsAP. In the ensuing discussion, participants expressed their full support for the development and implementation of the Vulture MsAP and stressed the importance of having a multi-species perspective. Williams concluded the session and called for CMS Parties to adopt the MsAP and the listing proposals, and subsequently implement the plan at national and regional levels. Materials on display during the side event Nick Williams, Raptors MOU, urged CMS Parties to “implement the MsAP when you get back home.” Fernando Spina, Chair, CMS Scientific Council, emphasized that vultures are under extreme pressure from a range of human activities and are “the most threatened group of birds in the world.” Bradnee Chambers, CMS Executive Secretary, said vulture population decline represents “highly significant economic and social damages to human activities.” André Botha, Overarching Coordinator of the MsAP, noted the next step is to mobilize resources to facilitate the establishment of the coordination framework for implementing the MsAP. Contact: Nick Williams (Moderator) | nick.williams@cms.int More Information: www.cms.int/raptors/ www.birdlife.org/ www.iucn.org/ssc-groups/birds www.4vultures.org/ www.save-vultures.org/ Roadmap for the Conservation of the African Wild AssPresented by the Government of Germany, IUCN Equid Specialist Group and the CMS Secretariat This event, moderated by Christiane Paulus, Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety, Germany, addressed: the status of the African Wild Ass in its two key range states; ongoing research; and the draft roadmap for the conservation of the species. Paulus opened the event highlighting the African Wild Ass as one of the most threatened mammal species in the world, urging action. She expressed optimism about the future survival of the species thanks to initiatives by CMS and Germany. Fanuel Kebede, Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority, said the IUCN Red List assesses the species as critically endangered, with about 200 mature individuals remaining, and summarized national research and initiatives, including work with local communities to save the species from extinction by combining indigenous knowledge with modern conservation science. Reade Teclai, Centre for African Ecology, Wits University, highlighted the Wild Ass as the most critically endangered equid in the world. He explained the threats to its survival, noting that the species is not hunted by local people in Eritrea due to cultural reasons. Patricia Moehlman, IUCN Equid Specialist Group, offered concluding remarks, noting that the greatest challenge of her group is to improve the conservation status of equids. She said that management plans are needed that incorporate local needs and encourage cooperation between civil authorities and local users. Discussions centered around community-based action, such as working with village elders and leaders, and genetic differentiation between different ass species. The African Wild Ass Fanuel Kebede, Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority, asked for support to list this species in the CMS Appendix I. Christiane Paulus, Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety, Germany, said meaningful action is needed to conserve the African Wild Ass, otherwise “we are facing imminent risk that these fascinating ungulates will disappear from their natural range.” Reade Teclai, Centre for African Ecology, Wits University, outlined research investigating the future viability of the species in the Eritrean Messir Plateau. Patricia Moehlman, IUCN Equid Specialist group, noted that additional support to conserve the species is needed, including surveys to look for undocumented populations in other historical range states. Participants during the event Contact: Yelizaveta Protas | yelizaveta.protas@cms.int More Information: www.cms.int/en/document/conservation-african-wild-ass-equus-africanus Establishing a Network of Safe Havens for Green Turtle, Chelonia mydas, in Sulu- Sulawesi SeascapePresented by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Government of the Philippines, Conservation International Philippines, and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) Philippines. This session highlighted progress made towards establishment of the Marine Turtle Protected Area Network (MTMPAN) in Sulu-Sulawesi Seascape, a priority seascape project under the Coral Triangle Initiative for Coral Reefs, Fisheries and Food Security (CTI-CFF), and showcased the partnership at work at the national and regional levels. During the event, DENR and representatives from the Philippines Marine Turtles Protected Areas Networks (MTPAN) signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). Theresa Mundita Lim, Director, Biodiversity Management Bureau, DENR, Philippines, presented the successful efforts under the CTI-CFF to scale up conservation of marine turtles in her country and beyond, and underscored DENR’s central role in facilitating this partnership. Tan Geik Hong, Chair, CTI Threatened Species Working Group, Department of Fisheries, Malaysia, stressed his country’s long-term partnership with the Philippines and Indonesia on this initiative, and presented Malaysia’s national measures, including: developing a national action plan and drafting regulations on conservation and management of sea turtles; and developing an online database on turtle mortality rates to improve reporting accuracy. Bradnee Chambers, CMS Executive Secretary, noted this initiative demonstrated how CMS mandates to protect marine migratory species can be implemented effectively, and highlighted this as a first step to establish a “truly” transboundary network. Roy Cimatu, Secretary, DENR, Philippines, stressed as a unique feature of this initiative its link with global political commitments, including the SDGs and the Aichi Targets, which can be replicated in other regions. Jefrie Sahagun, Assistant to the Governor, Province of Palawan, Philippines, noted Palawan’s efforts to: integrate wildlife enforcement protocols inside and outside the MTMPAN; facilitate exchanges of experiences and knowledge; and establish new MPAs for other animals including dugongs. Christiane Paulus, Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety (BMUB), Germany, said her country continues to support the MTMPAN in Sulu-Sulawesi Seascape under BMUB’s International Climate Initiative (IKI), which aims to support biodiversity protection and climate change through a co-benefit approach. Tracy Farrell, Conservation International (CI), congratulated the signing of the MOA, and stressed as a next step developing management planning and implementation at regional levels. Panel speakers during the event (L-R): Theresa Mundita Lim, Philippines; Jefrie Sahagun, Province of Palawan; Roy Cimatu, Philippines; Christiane Paulus, Germany; Bradnee Chambers, CMS Executive Secretary; Tan Geik Hong, Malaysia; and Tracy Farrell, CI Roy Cimatu, Secretary, DENR, Philippines, said the Sulu-Sulawesi Seascape “makes waves in the area of marine turtle conservation.” Tan Geik Hong, Chair, CTI Threatened Species Working Group, Department of Fisheries, Malaysia, stressed the progress in the Philippines in Sulu-Sulawesi Seascape is of special interest to Malaysia for scaling up its efforts to conserve marine migratory species. Jefrie Sahagun, Assistant to the Governor, Province of Palawan, Philippines, highlighted maintaining sustainability of marine biodiversity through Sulu-Sulawesi Seascape partnerships. Tracy Farrell, expressed CI’s strong commitment to supporting the Sulu-Sulawesi Seascape initiative. Signing of the MOA between the Philippines MTPAN and DENR Contact: Evangeline Miclat (Conservation International) | emiclat@conservation.org Marion Daclan (GIZ) | marion.daclan@giz.de More Information: www.bmb.gov.ph/ www.conservation.org/global/philippines/Pages/default.aspx www.giz.de/en/worldwide/376.html Year of the Whale in the Pacific Islands – Whales in a Changing OceanPresented by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) This event, moderated by Michael Donoghue, Threatened and Migratory Species Adviser, SPREP, covered Pacific Year of the Whale Campaign events and the signing of the Pacific Whale Declaration. Nanette Woonton, SPREP, asked guests to wear the frangipani flower throughout the event to enhance Pacific States’ visibility. Kosi Latu, Director-General, SPREP, said that whales are an iconic species worldwide with enormous significance for the Pacific region, not just culturally, but also for livelihoods, jobs and tourism. After signing the Pacific Whale Declaration alongside Latu, Laurent Legodec, Deputy Head of Mission, French Embassy to the Philippines, highlighted France’s commitment to SPREP and expressed its support the 2017 initiative. Donoghue noted that whales are one of the great stories of conservation in the Pacific, representing a source of sustainable revenue for coastal communities, “if whale watching is done sustainably.” Marino Wichman, Ministry of Marine Resources, Cook Islands, gave an overview of his country’s activities evidencing their commitment to the Year of the Whale, such as passing the Marae Moana Act in July 2017. Saras Sharma, Ministry of Fisheries and Forests, Fiji, noted her country’s long history of whales in its waters, particularly humpbacks, and outlined work to conserve them. McQuinston Temol, Bureau of Marine Resources, Palau, said Palau’s whale sanctuary provides a safe haven for whales, sharks and dugongs and described activities on the ground to protect the species. Donoghue closed the event with a film produced during the ‘Whales in a Changing Ocean’ conference. Group photo of participants attending the event Michael Donoghue, SPREP, explained that the main objectives of the Year of the Whale are to celebrate whales, look at emerging threats, and promote best-practice whale watching in the region. Kosi Latu, Director-General, SPREP, said the side event was intended to build on the work done in the ‘Whales in a Changing Ocean’ conference in Tonga earlier this year. McQuinston Temol, Bureau of Marine Resources, Palau, highlighted tour operator leadership in carrying out surveys, education, and outreach about whales. Marino Wichman, Ministry of Marine Resources, Cook Islands, reflected, “We don’t go to the whales, the whales come to us.” Saras Sharma, Ministry of Fisheries and Forests, Fiji, commented that, in the regional context, whales have “strong cultural connections with people.” Contact: Nanette Woonton | nanettew@sprep.org More Information: www.sprep.org/yearofthewhale CMS and Partner Action and Plans for Stopping Illegal Killing/Hunting, Taking and Trade of Migratory BirdsPresented by BirdLife International, the East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP), the Arctic Migratory Bird Initiative (AMBI), Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna (CAFF), the European Federation of Associations for Hunting and Conservation (FACE), and CMS Secretariat This side event, moderated by Jonas Leones, Under-Secretary for Policy, Planning and International Affairs, Philippines, addressed illegal killing, taking and trade that threatens the East Asian Australasian Flyway (EAAF), driving species to the brink of extinction. Leones explained that the purpose of the event is to share experiences, review the current status of knowledge and galvanize action, building consensus among relevant stakeholders. Carmen Naves, Coordinator, Mediterranean Task Force on Illegal Killing, Taking and Trade of Migratory Birds (MIKT) provided an overview of MIKT; highlighted that 25 million birds are killed each year in the Mediterranean region; addressed progress made; and described relevant activities, including priority areas of its Workplan 2016-2020. Melanie Heath, BirdLife International, launched a new BirdLife report, ‘The Killing 2.0, A View to Kill,’ which addresses illegal killing in Northern and Central Europe and the Caucasus. Providing details on data collection and methodology, Heath stressed that an estimated 0.4 to 2.1 million birds are illegaly killed or taken each year in the region. She further addressed the worst location for illegal killing, noting that 13 out of 20 of them are located in the Caucasus, concluding that “while illegal killing continues largely unabated despite legal protection, efforts to tackle the problem start to bear fruits in some areas.” Urging focus on terminology, David Scallon, FACE, distinguished among illegal killing, and legal or intensive hunting. He stressed that legal hunting and sustainable use are recognized in the relevant CMS Resolution 11.16, underscoring that FACE has zero tolerance towards illegal killing, in line with the Bern Convention. Evgeny Syroechkovskiy, AMBI Chair, summarized the goals of AMBI to: improve the status of Arctic-breeding migratory birds; act as a catalyst to focus attention on Arctic-breeding migratory birds; help bring added value to projects; and raise Arctic bird conservation issues to diplomatic-level discussions. He also addressed the AMBI East Asian Australasian flyway unit workplan objectives, namely to protect Arctic breeding habitat and intertidal non-breeding habitat, and address illegal killing in the region. Vinayagan Dharmarajah, BirdLife International, presented on the situation analysis of the illegal killing and taking of birds along the EAAF. He underscored: the need to understand the magnitude of the problem; the impact of hunting pressure on particular bird species; the establishment of critical baselines for measuring the impact of future conservation actions; and the provision of a factual matrix to allow for identification of priorities and strategic actions. Dharmarajah also addressed activities under the situation analysis, methodology used, and the geographical scope. View of the room during the event Highlighting the need for collaboration and synergies, Evgeny Syroechkovskiy, AMBI Chair, stressed the need for an overarching structure under the CMS umbrella for all birds in Southeast Asia. Melanie Heath, BirdLife International, emphasized the need for additional data from other regions, including from Sub-Saharan Africa and the rest of Asia. Carmen Naves, MIKT, noted that in the second meeting of the Task Force in Malta, a scoreboard to assess the progress in IKB for national use has been developed. David Scallon, FACE, offered examples where national hunting associations have assisted with enforcement against illegal killing. Vinayagan Dharmarajah, BirdLife International, underscored that the situation analysis will galvanize international attention and resources, encouraging national-level action and supporting the work of CMS, EAAFP and AMBI. Participants during the session The new BirdLife report 'The Killing 2.0, A View to Kill' Contact: Jonas Leones (moderator) | jonasrleones@hotmail.com More Information: www.birdlife.org www.eaaflyway.net www.caff.is/arctic-migratory-birds-initiative-ambi www.caff.is www.face.eu Around the Venue Christiane Paulus, Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety, Germany Bradnee Chambers, CMS Executive Secretary, speaks with Ian Redmond, Great Apes Survival Partnership (GRASP) Gamini Jayawickrama Perera, Minister of Sustainable Development and Wildlife, Sri Lanka, speaks with Daniel Fernando, Sri Lanka Delegates speak informally between events

The First Asia-Pacific Ministerial Summit opened at the UN Conference Centre in Bangkok, Thailand, on Tuesday, 5 September. The Summit brings together the seventh Ministerial Conference on Environment and Development in Asia and the Pacific (MCED7), organized by the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), and the second Forum of Ministers and Environment Authorities of Asia Pacific, organized by UN Environment. The Senior Officials Meeting of MCED7 took place on Tuesday. Wijarn Simachaya, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Thailand, welcomed ministers and senior officials, highlighting the importance of the conference as a platform to provide regional commitment and concrete recommendations for implementing the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development. Shamshad Akhtar, Executive Secretary, UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), noted resource efficiency challenges for the region, observing that 32% of the world’s GDP is produced in the Asia-Pacific region, whereas 60% of the world’s resources is consumed here. She encouraged countries to take their own policy measures, such as integrating resource efficiency targets into national development agendas, and introducing resource efficiency standards. Endah Murniningtyas, Co-Chair, eminent scientists group on the quadrennial Global Sustainable Development Report (GSDR) 2019, delivered the keynote address, in which she urged countries to give the same attention to their natural resources ‘carrying capacity’ as they would to their national borders. In the morning, delegates elected meeting officers, adopted the meeting agenda (E/ESCAP/MCED(7)/L.1-UNEP/APEnvForum(2)/L.1), and reviewed implementation of previous regional commitments on sustainable development. A panel discussed ‘The environmental dimension of sustainable development’ with representatives of the Solomon Islands, Fiji, Republic of Korea, Bhutan, and Kazakhstan, followed by interventions from the floor. In the afternoon, a multi-stakeholder panel discussed ‘Policy perspectives towards a resource-efficient Asia-Pacific region’, in which participants from government, business and civil society offered thoughts on ways to advance the sustainable development agenda in the region. Finally, delegates considered the text of a draft ministerial declaration (E/ESCAP/MCED(7)/WP.1) and agreed to recommend it, without amendment, to the Ministerial level. IISD Reporting Services, through its ENB+ Meeting Coverage, is producing daily photographic coverage of the meeting proceedings, as well as of key side events, and also produced a summary report, which is available in HTML and PDF. Photos by IISD/ENB | Sean Wu For photo reprint permissions, please follow instructions at our Attribution Regulations for Meeting Photo Usage Page. Opening Session Shamshad Akhtar, ESCAP Executive Secretary View of the conference room during the morning session Endah Murniningtyas, Co-Chair, GSDR 2019 Wijarn Simachaya, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Thailand Chair Lorna Eden, Assistant Minister for Local Government, Housing and Environment, Fiji Samuel Manetoali, Minister for Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology, Solomon Islands Moderator Sirpa Jarvenpaa, Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) (L-R) Moderator Sirpa Jarvenpaa, GGGI; Samuel Manetoali, Solomon Islands; Lorna Eden, Fiji; Suho Seong, Republic of Korea; Tenzin Wangmo, Bhutan; Md Ziaul Haque, Bangladesh; and Aliya Shalabekova, Kazakhstan Tenzin Wangmo, Bhutan Suho Seong, Republic of Korea Md Ziaul Haque, Bangladesh Aliya Shalabekova, Kazakhstan Deepa Ravindran, Pesticide Programme Coordinator, Pesticide Action Network Asia & Pacific Oleg Kobiakov, Russian Federation Afternoon Session Moderator Shun Fung Chiu, International Resource Panel, consulting with speakers (L-R) Moderator Shun Fung Chiu, International Resource Panel; Yoshinori Suga, Japan; Jumpote Himacharoen, Thailand; Akash Bhavsar, India; Bernadette Resurreccion, Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI); John Bongat, the Philippines; and Imogen Ingram, Cook Islands Moderator Shun Fung Chiu, International Resource Panel Jumpote Himacharoen, Thailand John Bongat, the Philippines Imogen Ingram, Cook Islands Akash Bhavsar, India Majid Shafiepour, Iran Manoranjan Hota, India Side Event A Common Path: How does the Paris Agreement promote the goal of a resource-efficient and pollution-free Asia-Pacific? Experts and practitioners in the field of climate action came together for a discussion on how the implementation of the Paris Agreement contributes to resource efficiency and pollution reduction in the Asia-Pacific region. Jens Radschinski, UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) secretariat, moderated a panel discussion involving Hideyuki Mori, President of the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES); Friedel Sehlleier, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ); and Gajanana Hedge, UNFCCC Secretariat. The panel indicated the climate and sustainable development agendas are deeply interdependent, saying well-designed emissions reduction policies and actions can provide broader sustainable development benefits. They noted it is increasingly understood that tackling air pollution and climate change can lead to substantial gains, as technologies or policies often serve both objectives. For example, a recent study projected that global climate action aimed at avoiding 1.5 degree Celsius global warming can also avoid 4-7 million air pollution deaths each year. Friedel Sehlleier, GIZ discussed energy efficiency in transport, including transport reduction and smoothing proposals. He noted that transport represents over a quarter of total energy consumption in the 10 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and other key economies, and that transport proposals have co-benefits in reducing carbon emissions and generating broader socio-economic benefits for cities. Gajanana Hedge, UNFCCC Secretariat, and Hideyuki Mori, IGES, emphasized broad learnings from the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), indicating that the most robust methodologies from a range of sectors, particularly those with potential for upscaling and SDG co-benefits, should be reflected in the Paris Agreement’s emissions trading mechanisms. The panel concluded that well-designed climate action can greatly contribute to pollution prevention and enhancing resource efficiency, noting that measurement, reporting and verification (MRV) will be key to success. (L-R) Jens Radschinski, UNFCCC secretariat; Hideyuki Mori, President of the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES); Friedel Sehlleier, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ); and Gajanana Hedge, UNFCCC secretariat Jens Radschinski, UNFCCC secretariat Gajanana Hedge, UNFCCC secretariat Around the Venue