From the Siberian tundra in the arctic circle to the southern tip of the African continent, AEWA spans 119 countries – representing more than half of the world’s countries – and protects over 500 populations of majestic waterbird and seabird species such as the White Stork, the Shoebill, the African Penguin, and the Grey Crowned Crane.

81 countries and the European Union have signed the environmental treaty, which will be holding its triennial decision-making meeting (the 8th Meeting of the Parties – MOP8) in Budapest, Hungary from 26 to 30 September 2022. 

The official slogan of MOP8 – Strengthening Flyway Conservation in a Changing World – captures the need for countries in Africa and Eurasia to come together and use this important meeting to make collective decisions that will ensure stronger implementation and delivery of the Agreement.

The international meeting is being held in the Hungarian capital during particularly challenging times with pressing global issues related to climate change, biodiversity loss, and shifting priorities in particular due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Strengthening flyway conservation can only materialize with sustainable funding, compliance, and increased implementation.

Migratory waterbirds such as pelicans, cranes, storks, ducks and waders face a wide range of threats, including habitat loss and degradation, illegal killing, pollution, climate change, bycatch, collision with powerlines and wind turbines, as well as disease. Actions to address these threats will be the focus of the conference.

AEWA is considered one of the most targeted environmental treaties – focusing on waterbirds and wetlands – and its implementation on the ground directly contributes to achieving broader global decisions such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework.

More information: www.unep-aewa.org/mop8