European Union

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 twelfth meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP12) to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) resumed Thursday, 26 October 2017. Participants continued their work in the Committee of the Whole (CoW), addressing the listing of avian and aquatic species on CMS Appendices I and II, as well as the template for drafting such proposals. They also considered the item on enhancing synergies and sharing common services among the CMS family instruments. In the afternoon, the CoW resumed its work, beginning with deliberations on proposals for listing terrestrial species on CMS Appendices I and II, and addressed: issues under the implementation of the Concerted Action process; establishing a COP presidency under the Rules of Procedure; and a number of draft decisions to forward to plenary for adoption. On Friday, 27 October, delegates will have a day off for excursions, before returning on Saturday, 28 October, for the final session of the CoW and the closing plenary. 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) Alfred Oteng-Yeboah, Chair of the Terrestrial Working Group Narelle Montgomery, Chair of the Institutional Working Group Marcel Calvar, Chair of the Credentials Committee James Njogu, Chair of the Review of Decisions Working Group Bird's eye view of CoW deliberations Antoinette Taus, Communities Organized for Resource Allocation (CORA) Saras Saras Sharma, Fiji Ugo Eichler Vercillo, Brazil Analiza Rebuelta-Teh, the Philippines Santiago D'Alessio, Argentina Patrick Omondi, Kenya Julia Cordero, Ecuador Stefan Leiner, EU L-R: Malta Qwathekana, South Africa, consulting with Nana Kofi Adu-Nsiah, Ghana L-R: Mundita Lim, the Philippines, consulting with Marku Lamp, EU View of the CoW plenary from the dais L-R: Melanie Virtue, CMS Secretariat; Chris Wold, CMS Secretariat; Bradnee Chambers, CMS Executive Secretary; and Rod Hay, CoW Chair, consulting on the Rules of Procedure for voting Delegates voting to add species to the CMS appendices L-R: Analiza Rebuelta-Teh; Corazon Davis; Nonita Caguioa; and Josie de Leon, the Philippines Simon Nemtzov, Israel Alex Macdonald, New Zealand Soumitra Dasgupta, India Vince Cinches, Greenpeace Southeast Asia Blas Cabrera, Honduras Okoumassou Kotchikpa, Togo CMS COP12 Snapshots Shark mascots campaigning shark for conservation Elizabeth Mrema and Francisco Rilla, UN Environment Participants at the Philippine food and handicrafts booths

The following events were covered by IISD Reporting Services on Thursday, 26 October 2017: Mitigation of Impacts of Human-Elephant Conflicts in Eastern Region of India High Andean Wetlands Regional Initiative and High Andean Flamingos - Synergies of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands and the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals Illegal Wildlife Trade and CMS-Listed Species: Opportunities for Action Unifying Our Voices for Bird Conservation Gangetic Dolphins - Conservation Challenges and Success Stories Our Oceans, Our Sharks Future Reconciling Energy Developments with Migratory Species Conservation 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. Mitigation of Impacts of Human-Elephant Conflicts in Eastern Region of IndiaPresented by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, India, Chief Wildlife Wardens of East Central Landscape of India, Wildlife Trust of India and the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) This side event, moderated by Pranja Paramita Panda, Wildlife Trust of India, addressed the Asian elephant and human-elephant conflicts (HECs), which constitute a problem that not only has persisted, but has escalated over time, despite focused elephant conservation and wildlife management efforts in the region. Vivek Menon, Executive Director and CEO, Wildlife Trust of India, and Chair, IUCN Asian Elephant Specialist Group, stressed that all species populations are included in CITES Appendix I and characterized as endangered by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Emphasizing that approximately only 45,000 Asian elephants currently exist, Menon drew attention to the species’ transboundary movements, focusing on the relevant Jakarta Declaration for Asian Elephant Conservation, and urged for listing in the CMS Appendices in the near future. R.K. Srivastava, Inspector General of Forests, India, stressed that Asian elephants are responsible for killing 400 to 500 humans per year and for causing property damage, bringing forth retaliatory elephant killings. He addressed, inter alia: the characteristics of HEC in the Eastern Region of India; regional elephant corridors and obstacles caused by human development, including mining operations, high-speed trains and highways; HEC in West Bengal and Jharkhand; policy responses, including interstate committees and regional strategic action plans; and transboundary migration, including between India and Bangladesh. Discussing key issues of Indo-Bangladesh transboundary elephant conservation, Mohammad Shamsul Azam, Ministry of Environment and Forests, Bangladesh, addressed the status and distribution of resident and non-resident elephants in his country. Presenting a survey estimating population size, identifying routes and corridors, and determining sex ratio, he highlighted as major threats food scarcity and direct elephant loss, and habitat fragmentation and loss due to road construction and human settlement. Underscoring that HEC is “a huge issue in the region, for both elephants and people,” Matt Collis, IFAW, stressed the need to “make space for the elephants,” and offered success stories from conservation efforts in the border areas between China and Laos, and Kenya and Tanzania. He concluded that a future proposal to list the Asian elephant in the CMS Appendices will have IFAW support. Materials on display during the event Mohammad Shamsul Azam, Ministry of Environment and Forests, Bangladesh, discussed national conservation initiatives, including the Elephant Response Teams, habitat improvement programmes, changes in cropping patterns, early warning systems, biological fencing, compensation systems, and communication, education and outreach programmes. Vivek Menon, Executive Director and CEO, Wildlife Trust of India, and Chair, IUCN Asian Elephant Specialist Group, noted that elephants are simultaneously “deity Ganesha for Hindus, flagship species for conservationists, victims for animal lovers and killers for those faced with conflict.” R.K. Srivastava, Inspector General of Forests, India, discussed efforts to promote cooperation with Bangladesh for transboundary elephant conservation, noting that similar arrangements must be agreed with Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar and Sri Lanka. Participants during the session Contact: Prajna Paramita Panda (Moderator) | prajna@wti.org.in More Information: www.wti.org.in www.ifaw.org/international/our-work/protecting-elephant www.moef.nic.in/division/project-elephant?theme=moef_blue www.elephantbd.org High Andean Wetlands Regional Initiative and High Andean Flamingos - Synergies of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands and the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild AnimalsPresented by Ramsar Secretariat and CMS Secretariat This event, moderated by Santiago D’Alessio, Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, Argentina, focused on the connection between High Andean wetlands and flamingos, and the potential for increased synergies under the Ramsar and CMS conventions to enhance conservation efforts for both habitats and species. Teresa Pérez Chávez, Ministry of Environment and Water, Bolivia, highlighted: deepening and streamlining initiatives to strengthen conservation of important wetlands; the importance of evaluations, characterization studies and monitoring; and concrete measures for joint work between the conventions based on the Action Plan for the Americas Flyways. Jessica Gálvez-Durand, National Forest and Wildlife Service, Peru, emphasized: threats to wetlands, including contamination; work in her country in zones that currently lack protection; and potential synergies between CMS and Ramsar to address companies that don’t support conservation initiatives. María Rivera, Ramsar Secretariat, identified potential opportunities for increased synergy, including: overlap in reporting mechanisms, such as national reports; information gleaned from designating areas of national importance; synchronizing updates to Appendices that have relevance to Ramsar sites; and regional processes. Borja Heredia, CMS Secretariat, focused on: the joint programme of work; the need to address threats to wetlands, including agriculture, mining, unregulated tourism, and climate change; and the value gained from exchanges of experience between the two conventions. During the discussion, participants considered: threats from invasive species; helping local communities understand that wetlands are a source of life; and the need for scientific tools to conserve wetlands and for technical assistance. Panel speakers (L-R): Jessica Gálvez-Durand, National Forest and Wildlife Service, Peru; Teresa Pérez Chávez; Ministry of Environment and Water, Bolivia; Borja Heredia, CMS Secretariat; María Rivera, Ramsar Secretariat; and Santiago D’Alessio, Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, Argentina Santiago D’Alessio, Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, Argentina, highlighted activities and programmatic links between the two conventions and the importance of continued communication. Maria Rivera, Ramsar Secretariat, noted that CMS and Ramsar share many of the same focal points. Borja Heredia, CMS Secretariat, suggested transmitting through CMS the importance of Ramsar and continuing this project in the future. On ways to improve synergies, Teresa Pérez Chávez, Ministry of Environment and Water, Bolivia, suggested developing potential mechanisms to generate information and mobilize knowledge between CMS and Ramsar. Participants during the event Contact: María Rivera (Coordinator) | rivera@ramsar.org More Information: www.cms.int/flamingos/en www.ramsar.org/document/regional-initiative-for-the-conservation-and-wise-use-of-high-andean-wetlands-haw Illegal Wildlife Trade and CMS-Listed Species: Opportunities for Action Presented by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), WWF International, and European Union This session, moderated by Susan Lieberman, Vice President, WCS, highlighted: the need for and opportunities to combat wildlife trafficking for CMS-listed species; efforts and achievements from CMS-CITES cooperation; and how efforts to combat wildlife trafficking can deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Lieberman stressed that illegal wildlife trafficking is a global issue to be addressed in CMS and it is “time for action.” She underscored that CMS implementation can help monitor the problem along the wildlife trade chain from poaching to final sale, including at: poaching sites; landscapes and seascapes in core protected areas; transport nodes where trade flows converge in international borders, ports, and airports; and end-point sales. She noted synergizing CMS-CITES actions can help directly address the SDGs on illegal wildlife trade. Colman O’Criodain, WWF International, emphasized CMS and CITES are “equal partners” and highlighted successful joint projects on illegal trafficking of migratory species, such as Saiga antelopes, African elephants, and sharks. He highlighted the benefits and opportunities for CMS-CITES collaboration, including: fundraising; collaboration among CMS range states and CITES consumer countries; and ensuring more widespread stakeholder engagement. Stefan Leiner, Environment Directorate-General, European Commission, introduced the EU Action Plan against Wildlife Trafficking, which prioritizes actions on: prevention by reducing demand and supply, and corruption; enforcement through implementing legislation; and a global partnership using a diplomatic tool to link with trade policy. He highlighted the EU is committed to raising the issue’s profile in the non-environmental arena, not only through financial contributions, but also by supporting global, regional, and national programmes. In the ensuing discussion, participants noted governments need to: track down growing illegal wildlife trade through the internet; strengthen deterrents by reviewing and modifying legislation; increase awareness of environmental crime; and, raise political commitments, both in environmental and non-environmental arenas. Stefan Leiner, Environment Directorate-General, European Commission, said “We are committed to collaborate in a holistic, cross-cutting and integrated manner.” Susan Lieberman, Vice President, WCS, observed “CMS listing alone won’t solve the problem, but it is an important policy tool to raise political commitment.” Colman O’Criodain, WWF International, noted “Resources are the biggest issue for CMS-CITES collaboration.” Participants engage in an interactive discussion Participants during the event Contact: Susan Lieberman (Moderator)   | slieberman@wcs.org More Information: www.wcs.org www.worldwildlife.org/threats/illegal-wildlife-trade www.ec.europa.eu/environment/cites/trafficking_en.htm Unifying Our Voices for Bird ConservationPresented by Environment for the Americas (EFTA), CMS Secretariat, and the African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbird Agreement (AEWA) Secretariat This event focused on the signing of an agreement to bring the International Migratory Birds Day (IMBD) and the World Migratory Birds Day (WMBD) together, and join efforts to conserve migratory bird species globally. Taej Mundkur, Wetlands International, introduced the event and announced that “today brings together something that has been long in the coming, everyone’s been talking about it, and finally it has arrived: two programmes are coming together to enhance global work on migratory birds.” Susan Bonfield, Executive Director, EFTA, highlighted work with AEWA to strengthen collaboration and bring IMBD and WMBD together into globalized efforts on migratory birds. Florian Keil, CMS/AEWA, said the new partnership agreement joins IMBD and WMBD to create a global awareness-raising campaign about migratory bird conservation and combines partner resources and strengths, building a global network to engage wider audiences. Jacques Trouvilliez, Executive Secretary, AEWA, announced that the partnership will have two main campaign targets: children, because “their future is the future of humanity,” and more transboundary events, because migratory bird protection requires international cooperation. Bradnee Chambers, CMS Executive Secretary, celebrated the partnership as an opportunity to join forces and make the case of why migratory birds matter. He emphasized that the reasons people connect with birds need to be at the center of conservation communication. Bonfield, Trouvilliez and Chambers signed the partnership, joining the IMBD and the WMBD. Panel speakers (L-R): Susan Bonfield, Executive Director, Environment for the Americas; Florian Keil, CMS/AEWA; Jacques Trouvilliez, AEWA Executive Secretary; and Bradnee Chambers, CMS Executive Secretary. Taej Mundkur, Wetlands International, underscored the importance of “good science” feeding into awareness raising for migratory birds, and recognized the use of visually attractive materials by partners in the event. Susan Bonfield, Executive Director, EFTA, said both WMBD and IMBD have expertise and knowledge to share, and an ability to create a strong campaign for migratory birds by working together. Florian Keil, CMS/AEWA, explained that WMBD is a joint CMS/AEWA awareness-raising campaign that highlights the need for the conservation of migratory birds. Jacques Trouvilliez, AEWA Executive Secretary (left), and Bradnee Chambers, CMS Executive Secretary (right) sign the partnership agreement joining the IMBD and the WMBD Contact: Florian Keil (CMS/AEWA) | contact@worldmigratorybirdday.org More Information: www.birdday.org www.worldmigratorybirdday.org/about Gangetic Dolphins - Conservation Challenges and Success StoriesPresented by the Government of India This session, moderated by R. Suresh Kumar, Wildlife Institute of India, centered on: Gangetic dolphin population declines in India; actions taken by India; and conservation challenges and success stories. R. Suresh Kumar, Wildlife Institute of India, explained major threats to Gangetic dolphins, including: habitat fragmentation by dams and barrages; dry-season flow reductions; impacts on habitat suitability by mining and development projects; overharvesting of fish; dolphin mortality due to net entanglement and poaching for oil; and water pollution by chronic and acute exposure to toxins. He introduced India’s conservation actions to generate reliable information for policy making and reduce dolphin mortality including: multi-dimensional research to improve status assessment; technological solutions such as pingers to hinder approach to fishing nets and alternative oil-bait; and creating citizen conservation networks involving fisher folks and schools to raise awareness. Kumar noted challenges ahead: improving status assessments; better understanding of Gangetic dolphin ecology; assessing developmental pressures on dolphin populations and relevant mitigation; implementing community-based conservation programmes: and enhancing multi-stakeholder participation. In the ensuing discussion, participants discussed the need to understand dolphin habitat and distribution, and to improve status surveys and long-term monitoring. A participant takes notes during the event Participants ask questions during the event R. Suresh Kumar, Wildlife Institute of India, said “It’s essential to connect information on dolphin monitoring through citizen conservation networks.” Participants during the event Contact: R. Suresh Kumar | suresh.wii@gmail.com More Information: www.india.gov.in/website-wildlife-institute-india Our Oceans, Our Sharks FuturePresented by the Government of Samoa and the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) This side event, moderated by Nanette Woonton, SPREP, highlighted the connection of the Pacific people with their oceans, addressed shark conservation efforts in the region, and included a ceremonial signing of the ‘Pacific Islands Year of the Whale Declaration’ by the UK. Juney Ward, SPREP, provided background information about SPREP’s mandate, underscoring the importance of sharks for maintaining healthy and productive marine ecosystems. Warning that 100 million sharks are removed from the oceans every year, mainly for their fins, she highlighted conservation efforts in the Pacific region, including the establishment of shark sanctuaries and urged CMS parties to work collaboratively to provide greater protection to these vulnerable and largely unmanaged species. 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 addressed the importance of sharks for the Samoan people, noting their significance in terms of culture and tradition, as well as their importance for maintaining healthy reefs. Underscoring that an estimated 20 million blue sharks are killed annualy and their fins remain the most heavily traded of all species in the Hong Kong trade, Fernando discussed management gaps, noting that no protection is warranted under CITES and no measures are in place by regional fisheries management organizations (RFMOs) to ensure that blue sharks are harvested sustainably. Discussing conservation measures and accomplishments in Palau, McQuinston Temol, Bureau of Marine Resources, Palau, addressed, inter alia, the Palau National Marine Sanctuary, and the Monitoring, Compliance and Surveillance Plan, noting that the sanctuary: fully protects up to 500,000 square kilometers; includes a domestic fishing zone; ends commercial fishing exports by 2020; and strengthens efforts against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. Michael Donoghue, SPREP, introduced the ‘Pacific Islands Year of the Whale Declaration,’ noting that its key features include the impacts of marine debris, development of action plans and coordination between Pacific Ocean islands. Noting the importance of the moratorium on commercial whaling and the need to work collectively to tackle global threats to cetaceans, Elaine Kendall, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, UK, signed the ‘Pacific Islands Year of the Whale Declaration’. Group photo of participants during the event Juney Ward, SPREP, emphasized that “sharks are not like other fish, they are slow-growing, late to mature and produce few offspring.” McQuinston Temol, Palau, exclaimed, “Long live the oceans and so will we.” Nanette Woonton, SPREP, moderated the event, greeting participants in languages from Pacific Island countries. Maria Satoa, Samoa, and Daniel Fernando, Sri Lanka, presented the proposal to list the blue shark in CMS Appendix II. Michael Donoghue, SPREP, and Elaine Kendall, UK, shake hands following the signing of the ‘Pacific Islands Year of the Whale Declaration’ by the UK. Participants during the event Participants do a traditional South Pacific dance to warm up for the event Contact: Nanette Woonton (Moderator)    | nanettew@sprep.org More Information: www.sprep.org Reconciling Energy Developments with Migratory Species ConservationPresented by BirdLife International and CMS Energy Task Force This event, moderated by Edward Perry, Birdlife International/CMS Energy Task Force, focused on the impacts of energy development on migratory species, particularly birds and bats, and presented case studies and possible solutions. Perry opened the event, highlighting that to mitigate climate change, much of new energy development needs to come from renewable sources, but these can have negative impacts on migratory species, which the CMS Energy Task force aims to reduce by supporting the CMS implementation. Oliver Schall, Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety, Germany, underscored that “we must be successful in fighting climate change for the sake of humans but also other species,” and that proper dialogue is needed between those responsible for nature conservation and energy development to mitigate impacts on biodiversity. Mohammed Shobrak, Saudi Arabian Wildlife Authority, gave an overview of research taking place in Saudi Arabia on the electrocution and collision of birds with power lines. He said they have identified important flyways and bottleneck areas for species such as the common quail and white stork. Erin Baerwald, University of Regina, Canada, emphasized that wind energy development is vital to the fight against climate change, but it causes over 500,000 annual bat deaths in the US and Canada alone. She noted that research indicates a 90% decline in hoary bat populations within 50 years, which was “very alarming” given these are conservative estimates. Emma Marsden, Asian Development Bank (ADB), gave an overview of the energy situation in Asia, and talked about managing migratory species in ADB renewable energy projects, identifying several challenges at the project identification and environmental assessment stages, and concluded that “we need to communicate with the engineers who build plants about the importance of biodiversity.” Discussions centered around how to best collect data and consider bats properly when carrying out environmental assessments; whether wind turbines attract bats; and most effective ways to enact policy solutions. View of the room during the event Edward Perry, Birdlife International/CMS Energy Task Force, said the goal of the Task Force is simple but ambitious: avoid negative impacts on migratory species from energy developments. Erin Baerwald, University of Regina, Canada, noted many species of bats are already in decline, and wind turbines kill prime breeding-age adults, which further slows the recovery potential of populations. Oliver Schall, Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety, Germany, said that the 2050 energy goals will not be met without wind power, so wind farms that are compatible with environmental and biodiversity requirements are needed. Emma Marsden, ADB, said there is limited awareness by government officials and operators about environmental impacts on biodiversity from renewable energy, which offers an opportunity for ADB and partners to raise awareness. Mohammed Shobrak, Saudi Arabian Wildlife Authority, said red sea coastal areas are important for both humans and migratory species. Contact: Edward Perry (Moderator) | Edward.perry@birdlife.org More Information: www.cms.int/en/taskforce/energy-task-force Around the Venue Around the side events venue Participants between events Delegates wear a virtual reality mask to experience sealife (left) and gorilla trekking (right) International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) Earth Negotiations Bulletin (ENB) team covering side events throughout the week (L-R): Ikuho Miyazawa, Japan, Asterios Tsioumanis, Greece; Teya Penniman, US; Iliana Cardenes, Spain; and Kiara Worth, South Africa

The twelfth meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP12) to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) resumed Wednesday, 25 October 2017. Participants heard a keynote speech from Erik Solheim, UN Environment Executive Director, and reports from UN Environment, the CMS daughter agreements, and the working groups. The Committee of the Whole (CoW) then continued its work, discussing the remaining aquatic and avian species conservation issues, national reports, synergies and partnerships, and the Strategic Plan for Migratory Species 2015-2023 (SPMS). In the afternoon, the CoW resumed. Participants discussed: the Manila Declaration on Sustainable Development and Migratory Species; crosscutting conservation issues, including marine debris, climate change, bycatch, and the conservation implications of animal culture and social complexity; the future shape and strategies of CMS and the CMS Family; and taxonomy. The working groups and the Budget Committee met over the course of the day to continue their work. 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) Erik Solheim, UN Environment Executive Director, delivering a keynote speech L-R: Bert Lenten, CMS Deputy Executive Secretary; Melanie Virtue, CMS Secretariat; Rod Hay, CoW Chair; Erik Solheim, UN Environment Executive Director; and Bradnee Chambers, CMS Executive Secretary L-R: Erik Solheim, UN Environment Executive Director, and Bradnee Chambers, CMS Executive Secretary Elizabeth Mrema, UN Environment Florence Descroix-Comanducci, ACCOBAMS Executive Secretary Jacques Trouvilliez, AEWA Executive Secretary Andreas Streit, EUROBATS Executive Secretary Nana Kofi Adu-Nsiah, Ghana Thea Carroll, South Africa Marcelo Böhlke, Brazil Juan Miguel Cuna, the Philippines Margi Prideaux, Wild Migration Michael Donoghue, Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) Fernando Spina, Scientific Council Chair Colin Galbraith, CMS Scientific Councillor Ines Verleye, Belgium Melanie Virtue, CMS Secretariat Tilman Schneider, CMS Secretariat Working Groups View of the Aquatic Working Group, chaired by Barry Baker, CMS Scientific Councillor View of the Avian Working Group, chaired by Rob Clay, CMS Scientific Councillor CMS COP12 Snapshots COP12 local registration staff pose with Nermalie Lita (center), Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Philippines L-R: Kelly Malsch, UNEP-WCMC, and Sarah Ferriss, International Whaling Commission (IWC) "A Happy Marine Life," an art installation on marine migratory species by Yvette Co and Roel Lazaro Luggage tags depicting Philippine migratory wildlife

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