Address by the MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Sihle Zikalala at the opening of the Seventh Session of the Meeting of the Parties to the Agreement on the Conservation of African-eurasian Migratory Waterbirds

We are humbled as the province of Kwazulu-natal to welcome you back to our country for the second time since the first meeting in 1999.

Migratory birds have always been an essential feature in the landscape of human existence. They are an integral part of our heritage, imagination, and future wellbeing.

They constitute an important part of the global biological diversity, which in keeping with our obligations to the Convention on Migratory Species and the Convention on Biological Diversity, should be conserved for the benefit of present and future generations.

The Africa-eurasian Migratory Waterbirds Agreement (AEWA) is an important intergovernmental Agreement.

It brings together countries and the wider international conservation community in an effort to establish coordinated conservation and management of migratory waterbirds and their habitats throughout their entire migratory range spanning across Africa, Europe and parts of Asia.

It is therefore befitting for South Africa to be hosting this important gathering since the country is a vital part of the migratory range of these important bird species.

Migrating birds cross vast borders.

They link countries, ecosystems, and contribute to poverty alleviation and sustainable livelihoods.

They serve as a key contributor to the provision and the sustainability of essential goods and services such as ecotourism.

Migratory species can also act as crucial indicators of global climate change.

They can also reveal unsustainable land use practices such as overgrazing of livestock or overfishing and by-catch in line fishing gear.

Research shows that a decline in the conservation status of migratory species serves as an indicator that specific actions are essential to mitigate the impacts and to improve the management of the ecosystem services upon which humankind depends upon.

Distinguished delegates, it is also well documented that during migration, these birds face a wide range of threats that impact their chances of surviving the journey.

Some of the notable dangers include electrocution due to collisions into high-voltage power lines, and pollution.

Hazards also emanate from destruction of habitats that are critical for breeding, wintering and stopover – mainly through deforestation and change in land use and cover.

We know as well that at their stopover countries and wintering grounds, their eggs and chicks face poaching.

And as more and more countries take up renewable energy, these migratory birds face a new threat of being killed by wind turbines.

Given all these challenges, there is an urgent need for a balanced approach that must ensure that the natural environment is not irreversibly damaged.

Distinguished guests, the theme “Beyond 2020: Shaping flyway conservation for the future”, presents a number of opportunities.

These include a reflection on the good practices and lessons learned throughout the implementation of the AEWA Strategic Plan 2009-2018.

We also have an opportunity to agree on a path for the next decade through the adoption of a new Strategic Plan for 20192027 that incorporates the Aichi Biodiversity Targets.

I’m personally pleased to learn that this is complemented by the existence of the AEWA Plan of Action for Africa serving as the operational guideline for the implementation of the AEWA African Initiative – For Migratory Waterbirds and People.

As a country we remain committed to share our expertise and experience with the rest of the Parties towards the realization of the important objective of ensuring that migratory birds do not disappear from our skies. I thank you!