25 Years of AEWA – Statement by Simon Mackown, Chair of the AEWA Standing Committee

AEWA is more than the set of rules, commitments and obligations set out in a treaty. It brings together Governments, local communities, conservationists, and hunters from across Africa and Europe; all with a shared interest in flourishing wetland habitats and thriving waterbird populations. The successes of the Agreement are many and are ultimately due to the commitment, expertise and professionalism of all these individuals.  And of course, the Agreement could not continue to achieve as much as it does  without the exemplary work of the AEWA Secretariat, to whom I, on behalf of the Parties to the Agreement, would like to express my appreciation and gratitude. 
 
Now, more than ever, we understand the need for societies to develop sustainably. Indeed, it is essential if we are to tackle the global climate and ecological crises. By sharing best practice and providing a practical framework for action, it is Agreements like AEWA which ultimately deliver on our global commitments to the CBD, UNFCCC and the Sustainable Development Goals.

To ensure the benefits of AEWA are truly realised, it is imperative that we continue to collectively engage in the development of AEWA; not only delivering against our treaty obligations, but also by providing adequate funding to ensure the effective delivery of the secretariat, the Technical Committee and the Plan of Action for Africa. 

Only by working together can we, as Parties to the treaty, secure the long-term conservation of waterbirds along the African-Eurasian flyway. 

Simon Mackown
 

Last updated on 16 June 2020

Type: 
News item
Species group: 
Birds