The
Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) and Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD) committed themselves
to advancing their cooperation to conserve migratory species of wild animals,
by the UAE’s recent accession to CMS as its 123rd member state,
and the extension of the long-standing financial and in-kind support of CMS
Office - Abu Dhabi by EAD on behalf of the Government of the UAE.
The
accession of UAE to CMS reinforces the already strong links between the country
and the CMS family. The UAE has been a key partner in developing and supporting CMS agreements on migratory birds of prey in Africa and
Eurasia (Raptors MOU) and dugongs (Dugong MOU). The country is also a
signatory of specialized CMS agreements on migratory sharks and marine turtles.
All four instruments have action plans that catalyze national-level
conservation activities with the aim of coordinating these across the species’
migratory paths through international cooperation. The UAE has long recognized
the importance of international cooperation to conserve migratory species.
Welcoming
UAE to the Convention, Dr. Bradnee Chambers, Executive Secretary of CMS, said:
“The accession of UAE to CMS builds on the leadership it has already been
demonstrating regionally with respect to migratory species conservation. We
look forward to UAE continuing to project its leadership at a global level.”
“The
UAE has a rich diversity of marine and avian fauna. The country’s long
coastline boasts an abundance of marine wildlife such dugongs, whales,
dolphins, marine turtles and sharks, and provides resting and foraging grounds
for migratory birds on the Eurasian and Central Asian flyways, with migratory
falcons playing an integral part of our national cultural heritage.”
The
UAE being a contracting party to Ramsar, CITES and the Convention on
Biological Diversity (CBD) recognizes the importance of
developing synergies in its implementation of CMS and other treaties through
the UAE National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2014-2020).
“We,
and our future generations, are defined by the environments in which we live.
The conservation of our environment at a time of growth and global climate
change is the bedrock of a strong and prosperous economy and society while also
providing an important link to our UAE heritage. That is why we see it as one
of the highest priorities on our government’s agenda and we will continue to
play a key part within the international efforts on issues relating to
biodiversity and wildlife. Today’s important announcement is an important step
in this work", said H.E. Dr. Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of
Climate Change and Environment.
Since
2009 significant financial and in-kind contributions from EAD, on behalf of the
Government of the UAE, have supported the operation of CMS Office - Abu Dhabi which
provides secretariats coordinating the Raptors and Dugong MOUs. Extending the
arrangement by which the office was established in Abu Dhabi, H.E. Razan
Khalifa Al Mubarak, Secretary General of EAD and Dr. Bradnee Chambers signed an
agreement in Abu Dhabi and Bonn, respectively.
“The
Gulf hosts the world’s second largest dugong population, with the greatest
numbers found in the waters off the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The UAE lies along
the migratory pathway for 42of the 93 species of African-Eurasian migratory
birds of prey under the Raptors MOU, including the threatened Sooty Falcon, and
the endangered Saker Falcon and the Egyptian Vulture as well”, Dr. Chambers
said.
H.E.
Al Mubarak added, “For many years we have been amassing technical expertise and
data on the status of migratory and resident species populations in the UAE and
using this information to develop appropriate protection and management
strategies. Given the migratory nature of so many species it is only fitting
that we support other nations in the development of their conservation
plans. By working together in a cohesive manner, we multiply our chances
of success”.
“The
Raptors and Dugong MOUs support the conservation actions of Abu Dhabi and the
entire UAE. They provide a platform for the nation to co-operate regionally
with other countries that share these migratory animals as they pass through
our country at different times of the year. Migratory species play an important
role in the UAE’s culture and heritage and are critical elements in maintaining
environmental health and quality of life, while also contributing significantly
to economic sectors such as fisheries and tourism.”
EAD’s
support has enabled CMS Office - Abu Dhabi to undertake a wide range of
carefully targeted activities. Major intergovernmental initiatives have
included developing partnerships, holding meetings of MOU Signatories, hosting
expert group meetings, developing single and multi-species action plans, and
leveraging multilateral finance for conservation projects in developing
countries.
Mr.
Lyle Glowka, Head of CMS Office - Abu Dhabi, noted that the Office represents a
unique collaboration between CMS and EAD to conserve migratory species for the
benefit of present and future generations: “EAD and CMS share the same values.
This combined with EAD’s significant investment, support and technical
expertise has been critical to our mission of promoting international
cooperation across the vast range of the migratory animals we work on, and is
one of the many ways the UAE has demonstrated its leadership on migratory
species conservation.”
Image by: http://www.uaeinteract.com/
