| NR | CONVENTION/AGREEMENT | DESCRIPTION | PRESENT STATUS | ROLE OF PROVINCES | BENEFIT FOR SOUTH AFRICA |
| 1. |
Convention on the Conservation of
Migratory Species of Wild Animals (Bonn
Convention)
(Responsible departmental Telephone: (012) 310-3701) |
The convention was a response to the need for nations to cooperate 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 to the Palaeoarctic (birds) and the Antarctic species (whales and birds). | South Africa acceded to the convention in December 1991. COP5, which was held from 10 to 16 April 1997 in Geneva, Switzerland, elected South Africa the alternate member of the Standing Committee for the Africa region. COP6 will take place in South Africa in November 1999. | DEA&T coordinates implementation. Provincial governments are responsible for active in situ protection of the relevant species. | A trilateral agreement is currently being negotiated between Namibia, Botswana and South Africa for the conservation of sandgrouse. This agreement will ensure the survival of the species and enhance cooperative regional conservation efforts. South Africa has set in motion the procedures for ratification of the African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbird Agreement. As a very important range state of migratory waterbird, we can make a significant contribution in the global conservation efforts of these birds and their habitats (wetlands). We are in the process of developing a national policy for the conservation of Migratory Animals. Following Cabinet's approval and securing sufficient funding South Africa will host the Sixth Conference of the Parties to the Bonn Convention as well as the First Meeting of the parties to the African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbird Agreement. This will take place during October 1999. |