I could not agree more with the sentiments underlying this year’s IDB theme. The coronavirus crisis has given us cause – and time – to reflect on our relationship with nature and to learn to appreciate better the role of the environment and the other creatures that share our planet in securing our health, wealth and well-being. As the Executive Secretary of the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds, I fully endorse the need for a global framework to address biodiversity loss and AEWA stands ready to play its part in promoting international cooperation for the benefit of wildlife, and in particular, of course, the aquatic avifauna of the African-Eurasian flyway.