The year 2016 which is now coming to an end has focused on implementing the resolutions adopted at the 6^th Meeting of the Parties to AEWA which took place in November 2015.  The 6^th report on the state of conservation of migratory waterbirds has shown us that concerted actions at the flyway level could make all the difference and underpinned the actions taken nationally to deal with the global threats weighing on the future of far too many species.  Thinking globally and acting locally is not just a slogan, it is also an effective way of proceeding.

In 2016 several species have benefitted from the tender care of experts, scientists and government representatives: the White-headed Duck, the Velvet Scoter, the Black-tailed Godwit, the Lesser White-fronted Goose and the Dalmatian Pelican to name just a few.  At a workshop in Dakar we also contributed to enhancing capacity for waterbird counting, while we also defined our priority objectives for the Adriatic flyway during a regional workshop in Croatia.

On each occasion the desire to work together inspired the meetings and workshops, and the diversity of the ideas and approaches have brought real added value to the advantage of conservation.

An inter-governmental meeting held in Paris in May established the AEWA European Goose Management Platform as requested by the 6th Meeting of the Parties. The first meeting of the International Working Group convened to assure implementation of the Platform was held some days ago in Sweden. We are looking forward to ensuring the conservation and sustainable use of AEWA goose populations under this process.

Finally, we also initiated consultations to shape and agree on our next Strategic Plan for the period 2019-2027 so that working together, we can respond to the challenges for conservation and sustainable development - biodiversity being an integral part of the solution to build a better and healthier world.  The conservation of ecosystems is not a luxury but an absolute necessity, if we want to maintain our ability to adapt in an evolving world which is under the effects of climate change.

On behalf of the UNEP/AEWA Secretariat, I wish you and your nearest and dearest, a wonderful 2017 and have no doubt that together we will be able to contribute to the conservation of waterbirds, ecosystems and biodiversity in general.

Jacques Trouvilliez, Executive Secretary UNEP/AEWA Secretariat

Bonn in December 2016