The 4^th Meeting of the Parties to AEWA (September 2008, Madagascar) adopted Resolution 4.9 ‘African Initiative for the Conservation of Migratory Waterbirds and their Habitats in Africa’. This was one of the most innovative outcomes of MOP4 and was welcomed by all stakeholders.

The Secretariat is enthusiastic about implementing this decision. As instructed by the Meeting of the Parties, the Secretariat should mobilise the necessary resources and draft a Plan of Action for the conservation of migratory Waterbirds and their Habitats in Africa, including a proposal for priority areas, to be submitted to MOP5.

By the end of 2008, all Contracting Parties to AEWA received an overview of this project proposal together with a written request from the Secretariat to provide financial support to implement the African Initiative and to consider supporting the recruitment of an African Officer. The task of the latter would be to coordinate the development of the Plan of Action and to provide advisory services to African Range States. If that post were to be filled, a huge step forward would be made in supporting the implementation of the Agreement in Africa.

In addition to addressing the Contracting Parties, the Secretariat also approached UNEP including UNEP/ GEF.

Although many countries have shown interest in the African Initiative, so far, no financial or in-kind support for this has been received. The Secretariat is ready and willing to get this initiative off the ground and would very much appreciate any kind of support towards the implementation of Resolution 4.9 and to the project proposal.