Bonn, 28 May 2015 - Founded by Sir Peter Scott, the son of the Antarctic explorer, Robert Falcon Scott, the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT) is an NGO based at Slimbridge in the United Kingdom and is considered by some to be the birthplace of modern conservation. The WWT provides invaluable support to the implementation of AEWA as well as to the continuous development of conservation and management practices under the Agreement. So many people from WWT regularly contribute on AEWA issues, that no one individual could be singled out – we decided instead to feature them as a group to show just what a fantastic team they are!

Baz Hughes represents WWT on the AEWA Technical Committee, Richard Hearn led on drafting the Long-tailed Duck SSAP, Rebecca Lee led on drafting the AEWA Translocation Guidelines and was involved in the Avian Influenza Task Force; Nigel Jarrett and Geoff Hilton contributed to the Translocation Guidelines and work on Common Cranes; Julia Newth and Eileen Rees work on the Bewick’s Swan; with Anne Harrison, Peter Cranswick works on Red-breasted Geese and is also a member of the Lesser White-fronted Goose Working Group; and Ruth Cromie works on poisoning issues in general and on lead poisoning in particular.

Baz Hughes says “Since December 2008, I have served on the AEWA Technical Committee and have enjoyed every minute of it. My best AEWA memories are undoubtedly the people I’ve worked with over the years. The Secretariat staff are a joy to work with. And really good fun too over a couple of beers!”

As for their favourite AEWA species, the WWT “AEWA Team” couldn’t choose just one – Lesser Flamingo (Rebecca Lee), Whooper Swan (Eileen Rees), Common Scoter (Geoff Hilton), Bewick’s Swan (Julia Newth), Red-breasted Goose (Anne Harrison), Red-throated Diver (Peter Cranswick), Common Crane (Nigel Jarrett), White-headed Duck (Baz Hughes), Long-tailed Duck (Richard Hearn) and Pink-footed Goose (Ruth Cromie)!