On 30 September 2003 France deposited its instruments of ratification of the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA). France will become as of 1 of December 2003 the 43rd Contracting Party to the Agreement.

France covers 551,600 km2. France is particularly important to congregatory Waterbirds. So are the coastal wetlands of particular importance for Waders migrating to and from breeding and wintering grounds. This country is also of importance to wintering Waterbirds e.g. Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus ruber (40 % of the total European population), Dark-bellied Brent Goose Branta bernicla, Gadwall Anas strepera and Pied Avoset Recurvirostra avosetta.

Over the last few months several countries of the EU joined. The last four EU countries are finalizing the internal process to join the Agreement in due course. The Secretariat hopes that this might be a clear signal of the importance of AEWA regarding conservation of migratory Waterbirds to Ranges States in other regions and that this will lead to more accessions in the nearby future. Finally on behalf of the Contracting Parties the UNEP/ AEWA Secretariat welcomes France to the 'AEWA family'.