Germany, as the depositary of the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) and host to its Secretariat, has a special connection to this convention. AEWA is one of the important Agreements under CMS to conserve migratory waterbirds and their habitats.

As we mark the 30th anniversary of AEWA, we are reminded of the crucial role that strong multilateral institutions play in combating the crisis of biodiversity loss. It is of the utmost importance to Germany that we continue to work together to work multilaterally through agreements such as AEWA in order to further advance global species protection.

Overexploitation has emerged as the greatest threat for many migratory species, surpassing habitat loss and fragmentation. This includes the taking of species from the wild, which can have devastating consequences for migratory birds. Since these species do not recognize political borders, and often pass through countries that have not yet joined AEWA, protecting them is a particularly challenging task.

Many of the species affected by this crisis suffer particularly from hunting or from the decline of wetland habitats during migration. These habitats are essential for the survival of these species as summer and winter habitats, but also as stepping stone habitats during migration. All species protected by AEWA cross national borders during their migrations, and require adequate breeding sites and a network of suitable resting places along their annual migration routes.

Within the European Union, the EU Birds Directive of 1979 provides an important basis for protecting the habitats of these species and for regulating the hunting of these species. However, many of these species spend a large part of the year outside the EU, making it essential to guarantee suitable habitat and protection from excessive hunting in all the countries they visit during the year. This was a key motivation for concluding the AEWA agreement, and remains a top priority for Germany as we continue to work towards the long-term survival of migratory species.

It is clear that migratory birds can only be protected and conserved for the long term if all countries work together. AEWA takes on this important task.

Back to the AEWA 30th anniversary website