On behalf of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, I would like to extend heartfelt congratulations to AEWA on the occasion of its 30th Anniversary. This important milestone is a testament to the strength of international cooperation in the conservation of migratory waterbirds and their habitats across the African-Eurasian Flyway.

Since Georgia became a Party to AEWA in 2001, the Agreement has played a pivotal role in shaping national conservation priorities, strengthening legislative frameworks, and promoting transboundary dialogue. AEWA has provided not only a unifying platform but also practical guidance to assist in the effective management and protection of critical wetland sites across our country.

Over the years, we have made substantial progress in improving the monitoring of waterbird populations, developing targeted conservation measures, and advancing our national policies in alignment with AEWA’s Action Plan. Initiatives aimed at enhancing the protection and management of important wetland and migratory bird sites, along with research into key threats such as illegal hunting and habitat degradation, reflect our growing capacity and shared responsibility to conserve migratory waterbirds.

AEWA has also helped foster invaluable partnerships—both regionally and internationally. Collaborative work with organizations such as BirdLife International, Wetlands International, and the AEWA Secretariat has reinforced Georgia’s ability to meet its obligations under the Agreement and to contribute meaningfully to flyway-scale conservation efforts.

Looking ahead, we remain committed to further strengthening the implementation of AEWA in Georgia. A key priority is the development of a national biodiversity monitoring platform that will support systematic data collection and reporting on waterbird populations and their habitats. We also aim to engage local communities in wetland stewardship and ensure that AEWA principles are effectively integrated into broader environmental and land-use planning processes.

We thank AEWA for three decades of inspiring work and look forward to continuing our joint efforts to safeguard migratory waterbirds for generations to come. 

Back to the AEWA 30th anniversary website