Bonn, 27 January 2020 - The successful implementation of AEWA relies on the cooperation and engagement of multiple stakeholders – first and foremost the Contracting Parties to the Agreement. Currently, the AEWA family unites a total of 80 Parties, 42 of them from Eurasia and 38 from Africa.

Here is an example – in pictures - of what AEWA implementation looks like in Côte d’Ivoire, highlighting three of the AEWA-related activities carried out by the national AEWA implementing agency, the Department of Wildlife and Hunting (DFRC) of the Ministry of Water and Forestry (MINEF) in Côte d’Ivoire:

Reforestation (activity 1):  On 9 June 2019, waterbird habitats in Adiaké in southeastern Côte d’Ivoire were reforested with mangroves, in the framework of an activity entitled “Environment and local development”. The activity also included an awareness-raising component.

Wetland data collection by drone (activity 2): From 25 to 29 June 2019, the Fresco Ramsar site in southern Côte d’Ivoire was monitored with the help of a drone. The aim of this activity was to collect information on the state of the wetland as a prime habitat for waterbirds.

Awareness-raising on waterbirds and their habitats (activity 3): From 22 to 26 July 2019, an awareness-raising activity was carried out for the inhabitants of eight villages bordering waterbird sites in Côte d’Ivoire. The villagers received information on the importance of protecting waterbirds and wetlands as key habitats for waterbirds. Leaflets and posters helped to illustrate conservation actions and good practices and some practical exercises were also carried out.