The Joint Meeting of the Bern Convention Network of Special Focal Points (SFPs) on Eradication of Illegal Killing, Trapping, and Trade in Wild Birds, and the CMS Intergovernmental Task Force on Illegal Killing, Taking and Trade of Migratory Birds in the Mediterranean (MIKT) took place from 13-15 May 2025 at the UN Campus in Bonn, Germany. The meeting was held in a hybrid format, enabling both in-person and online participation.
The objectives of the meeting were to:
- Review progress and achievements in implementing the Rome Strategic Plan, with updates from MIKT members, Bern Convention SFPs, and observers.
- Be informed of findings from the Scoreboard 2023 exercise, assessing national efforts and progress in combating illegal killing, taking and trade of wild birds (IKB).
- Exchange best practices in enforcement, highlighting successful national efforts in prioritising IKB enforcement.
- Explore technological advancements that aid in IKB monitoring, improve data collection, and support regular surveillance efforts for countries.
- Discuss the process to conduct a mid-term assessment of the Rome Strategic Plan and elaborate the MIKT Workplan (2026-2030).
- Review progress on National Action Plans (NAPs), identify best practices, and define next steps for effective implementation.
- Discuss funding opportunities to support IKB mitigation efforts and enhance regional and international cooperation.
The meeting of the Bern Convention Group of Experts on the Conservation of Wild Birds was then followed on 15-16 May 2025, at the same venue and online.
The objectives of the meeting were to:
- Exchange about the threats of windfarms, solar panels and other renewable energies to wild birds and provide feedback to a draft guidance document on the subject.
- Exchange on the implementation of the Recommendation No. 110 (2004) on minimising adverse effects of above-ground electricity transmission facilities (power lines) on birds, andconsider its possible revision.
- Share about single- and multi-species Action Plans.
- Exchange on the needs for further action and proposals to the Standing Committee to the Bern Convention.
A field trip to Drachenfels near Bonn was organised for the participants of both meetings on 15 May in the afternoon.
Please find the links to the respective webpages of the two meetings:
