Since 2021, the Swiss Ornithological Institute has been coordinating the AEMLAP – African-Eurasian Migratory Landbirds Action Plan. This action plan is an instrument of the UN Convention on Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS). The overarching goal is to develop a strategic framework for the protection of endangered short- and long-distance migratory species. This can only be achieved through international coordination along the flyways and concrete national implementation projects.
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© Jeremy Gremion
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Mathias Schäf
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Alain Jacot
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Daniel Ottmann
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Marcel Burkhardt
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Alain Jacot
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Alain Jacot
Subalpine Warbler, unidentified
African Pitta
Red-backed Shrike
Common Whitethroat
Ortolan Bunting
Barn Swallow
Conservation of our migratory birds
African-Eurasian Migratory Landbirds Action Plan (AEMLAP)
Domain
Conservation
Unit
International Bird Conservation
Topics
Species Recovery, Habitat Promotion, Birds and Human Beings, Migratory Birds
Habitat
farmland, rocky terrain, wetlands, rivers & streams, semi-open farmland, alpine habitats, wasteland, settlements, forest, meadows and pastures
Project start
2021
Project status
ongoing
Project management
Reto Spaar
Project region
Switzerland, Africa, Asia, Europe
Details
Project objectives
The number of migratory and terrestrial birds, especially insectivorous species that breed in Europe and winter in sub-Saharan Africa, is declining at an alarming rate. The conservation of migratory species is complex, as they depend on suitable breeding areas, high-quality stop-over habitats along their migration routes and optimal wintering grounds. To conserve African-Eurasian migratory birds in the long term, coordinated approaches are needed along the migratory routes that cover the entire life-cycle of birds.
Methodology
International coordination is important for the successful implementation of measures at national level. The AEML Working Group is promoting the implementation of the AEMLAP and forms the centrepiece of a strong network of stakeholders. It facilitates agreements on national and international implementation through the adoption of a programme of work and supports the establishment of regional groups to support priorities.
Significance
International bird conservation needs a strong lobby and co-operation between policy makers, international and national NGOs, conservation and research institutions and regional stakeholders. The AEMLAP complements the work of other CMS instruments, such as the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA), the Memorandum of Understanding on the Conservation of Migratory Birds of Prey in Africa and Eurasia (MoU Raptors) or the Action Plan for the Conservation of Migratory Waterbirds and their Habitats in Central Asia (CAF Action Plan).
Results
The work programme 2026-2032 was revised and adopted as part of AEMLAP coordination (www.cms.int).
Further information
To promote capacity building and exchange between stakeholders, Elizabeth Yohannes and Prof Hilaire Yaokokoré-Béibro (Ivory Coast) launched the “Fridays For Birds” webinar series (www.fridays4birds.com) in 2022, which is aimed at a diverse group of participants and speakers from all over the world. You are welcome to participate!
Project partner(s)
Financial support
Employees
Coordinator of the regional office northeastern Switzerland
Stefan Werner
+41 52 503 07 10
stefan.werner@vogelwarte.ch
