Online via MS Teams | 28 February 2023

The CMS Secretariat organized the Second Flyways Working Group Meeting in February 2023 to strengthen collaboration and advance the group’s work.

Meeting objectives

1. Present the updated membership of the Flyways Working Group.
2. Discuss opportunities linked to the CMS Conference of the Parties held in October 2023.
3. Share preliminary results of the Flyways Strategic Review conducted by the CMS Secretariat.
4. Outline upcoming opportunities and the FWG’s next steps towards COP14.

Key meeting outcomes

1. New Chair Appointment: Dr. Rob Clay was confirmed as the new Chair of the Flyways Working Group, succeeding Dr. Taej Mundkur, who was thanked for his long-term leadership.
2. Membership Updates: The FWG membership was updated, consisting of 33 members.
3. Purpose and Strategic Focus: The meeting facilitated discussions on strategic matters related to the Flyways mandates and Programme of Work (POW) in preparation for CMS COP14 in October 2023.
4. Strategic Review Presentation: CMS Secretariat presented a strategic review focusing on CMS Flyways mandates, highlighting challenges in implementation and assessing the effectiveness of existing instruments.
5. Challenges in POW Implementation: The FWG discussed challenges in implementing the existing global Programme of Work (POW), including the need for clearer task prioritization and stronger connections with national reporting.
6. Preparations for COP14: CMS Secretariat outlined preparatory steps for COP14, including upcoming Flyways-related meetings and drafting priorities for the Flyways mandate.
7. Next Steps for the FWG: Members agreed to provide feedback on the strategic review by 31 March 2023, and to discuss whether additional online meetings should be held prior to COP14.

For detailed information about the meeting please refer to the Meeting Documents section below.