An AEWA Training of Trainers (ToT) workshop on the flyway approach to the conservation and wise use of waterbirds and wetlands took place from 6 to 10 May in Benin. The workshop was jointly organized by the UNEP/AEWA Secretariat and the Directorate General of Water, Forests and Hunting (DGEFC) of Benin, in cooperation with the Ramsar Secretariat and the Wadden Sea Flyway Initiative (WSFI). It was made possible thanks to generous financial and in-kind support from the Government of Benin and the European Commission’s Global Public Goods and Challenges (GPGC) Thematic Programme Strategic Cooperation Agreement (SCA) with UN Environment and the WSFI.

Every year, World Migratory Bird Day presents an annual theme aiming to raise awareness of issues affecting migratory birds and to inspire people and organizations around the world to take measures for their conservation. This year’s theme − “Protect Birds: Be the Solution to Plastic Pollution!” − will put the spotlight on the negative impact of plastic pollution on migratory birds and their habitats.

The 15th Meeting of the AEWA Technical Committee took place from 9 to 11 April at the UN Premises in Bonn, Germany. This was the first meeting of the AEWA Technical Committee since the 7th Session of the Meeting of the Parties to AEWA, which was held in Durban, South Africa in December 2018 as well as the first meeting in the implementation period of the Strategic Plan 2019-2027. The Technical Committee provides the scientific advice and expertise which is essential for the implementation of the Agreement.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the EU Birds Directive (Council Directive 79/409/EEC of 2 April 1979 on the conservation of wild birds), which has been a crucial cornerstone for the protection of birds within Europe and has acted as the basis for much of the environmental policy developed within the EU. Adopted on 2 April 1979 (and amended in 2009) it is – in fact, one of the oldest pieces of EU legislation on the environment.