Update on AEWA International Species Working Groups and on New International Single Species Action Plans in the Making

Bonn, 12 September 2013 - International Single Species Action and Management Plans are one of the main tools under AEWA to implement coordinated conservation or management activities for migratory waterbird species and populations covered by the Agreement.

The 20 International Single Species Action and Management Plans adopted under AEWA to date are in various stages of implementation. Intergovernmental AEWA International Working Groups have been convened to coordinate the implementation of nine plans, including the International Single Species Action Plans for the Sociable Lapwing (Vanellus gregarius) and the Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa) as well as the International Single Species Management Plan for the Pink-footed Goose (Anser brachyrhynchus). Species Expert Groups following Terms of Reference adopted by the AEWA Technical Committee will be assigned to coordinate the implementation of plans – such as the Bewicks’ Swan (Cygnus columbianus bewickii) and Greenland White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons flavirostris) SSAPs - for which no intergovernmental groups will be convened at this stage.

New International Single Species Action Plans are currently underway for the Shoebill (Balaeniceps rex), the Grey Crowned Crane (Balearica regulorum), the Eurasian Curlew (Numenius arquata), the Taiga Bean Goose (Anser f. fabalis) and the Long-tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis). In addition, the UNEP/AEWA Secretariat is working together with the BirdLife International Global Seabird Programme on putting together the first Multispecies Action Plan under AEWA for nine species/populations of Southern African seabirds. All plans mentioned above are in different stages of development and - funding permitting - the Secretariat expects most of them to be ready for adoption at the 6th Session of the Meeting of the Parties to AEWA (MOP6) in June 2015.

This inter-sessional period also sees the revision of two previously-adopted International Single Species Action Plans: the Lesser White-fronted Goose (Anser erythropus) and the Northern Bald Ibis (Geronticus eremita). Both revised plans are also expected to be adopted by the AEWA Parties at MOP6.

For a more comprehensive summary, please see the overview document provided by the Secretariat for the upcoming 9th Meeting of the AEWA Standing Committee taking place on the 18-19 September 2013 in Trondheim, Norway.

For more information, please contact Associate Programme Officer, Ms Nina Mikander at the UNEP/AEWA Secretariat.