ⓒ Eugene Cheah
The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) is set to host the 2nd Virtual Meeting of the Asia Pacific Illegal Taking of Migratory Birds Intergovernmental Task Force (ITTEA) and EAAFP Task Force on Illegal Hunting, Taking and Trade of Migratory Birds on 17 September 2025, marking a critical step in regional efforts to protect migratory species across the East Asian-Australasian Flyway.
This meeting, convened ahead of the 12th Meeting of the Partners (MOP12) of the East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP) in Cebu, Philippines, will bring together experts, government representatives, and NGOs to share updates and strategies on combating illegal bird hunting and trade. Key presentations will include insights from Ms. Lisa Paguntalan of the Philippines Biodiversity Conservation Foundation on collaborative conservation efforts, and a regional mistnet review led by Dr. Ding Li Yong (BirdLife International) and Ms. Rongrong Angkaew (King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi).
The meeting will also highlight progress on CMS mandates, including resolutions for consideration at the upcoming CMS COP15 in Brazil, and discuss global wildlife crime trends relevant to the Asia-Pacific region. Participants will engage in open dialogue to share recent work and strengthen coordination across borders.
Meeting details and agenda are available here: https://www.cms.int/en/meeting/2nd-virtual-meeting-ittea-and-eaafp-task-forces-illegal-hunting-taking-and-trade-migratory
CMS: A Pillar of Migratory Species Protection
CMS, a UN treaty under the UNEP framework, plays a vital role in safeguarding migratory species that traverse multiple national boundaries. With 133 member countries, CMS facilitates international cooperation to protect species such as marine turtles, whales, land birds, seabirds, and migratory shorebirds.
In the Asia-Pacific region, CMS has been instrumental in promoting community-led conservation, recognizing the importance of local knowledge and stewardship. Recent reports underscore how community-based wildlife management can enhance biodiversity outcomes while supporting sustainable livelihoods.
As threats like habitat loss, illegal hunting, and climate change intensify, meetings like the upcoming ITTEA-EAAFP session are essential for aligning regional actions with global conservation goals. The CMS continues to be a cornerstone in the fight to ensure migratory species not only survive—but thrive—for generations to come.
