AGREEMENTS, CONVENTIONS, TREATIES & PROGRAMMES |
BONN CONVENTION (CMS)
Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals
AGREEMENT on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels |
DESCRIPTION & FOCUS AREA |
The Convention was a response to the need for nations to co-operate in the conservation of animals that migrate across their borders. These include terrestrial mammals, reptiles, marine species and birds. Special attention is paid to endangered species. South Africa is a major partner in this Convention as it is the terminus for many of the migratory species, both the Palaearctic (birds) and the Antarctic species (whales and birds) |
STATUS |
Acceded: December 1991
Seventh meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP &) was held in Bonn, Germany in September 2002
Second meeting of the Parties to the Agreement (MOP 2) was held in Bonn, Germany in September 2002. |
FOCAL POINT AT MCM AND FOREIGN COUNTRY |
Dr Rob Crawford
(27 21) 402 3140
Conservation Management: Ms L. Sello
(27 12) 310 3851 |
IMPLICATIONS & BENEFITS FOR SOUTH AFRICA |
A trilateral Agreement is currently being negotiated between Namibia, Botswana and South Africa for the conservation of sand grouse. This Agreement will ensure the survival of the species and enhance co-operative regional conservation efforts.
South Africa has set in motion the procedures for ratification of the African-Eurasian Migratory Water bird Agreement (AEWA). As a very important range state of migratory waterbirds, including seabirds, we can make a significant contribution to the global conservation efforts of these birds and their habitats (wetlands, islands, marine environment).
Proposals for the inclusion of 11 migratory seabird species in the appendices of the AEWA have been submitted to the secretariat for discussion at the forthcoming meeting of the Parties.
Parliament has approved South African signature of Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP) . South Africa acceded to ACAP in April 2003 and is expected to ratify the agreement soon.
The South African High Commissioner in Canberra signed the Agreement on behalf of the South African Government. The Agreement was tabled in Parliament for Ratification in June 2002. |
