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BirdLife International Commits to support the New Regional South-West Asia Illegal Taking of Birds Task Force

BirdLife International is proud to stand with partners across South-West Asia in launching a new South-West Asia Illegal Taking of Migratory Birds Intergovernmental Task Force— a critical step toward protecting some of the most iconic, vulnerable, and endangered migratory bird species.

Launched during a high-level meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (20–21 May 2025), the South-West Asia Illegal Taking of Birds Task Force (SWAITBT) was established under the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS). The National Center for Wildlife (NCW), as the CMS national focal point in Saudi Arabia, is leading coordination efforts on behalf of the Kingdom and continues to engage with regional and international partners to advance the Task Force’s goals. This new alliance brings together ten countries from across the region—Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen—united by a shared responsibility to safeguard migratory birds.

The establishment of the Task Force at COP14 was preceded by several preparatory meetings supported by BirdLife Middle East and will continue to support the TF work to engage with international conservation organizations, and enforcement agencies as an observer, offering technical expertise, advocacy, and a deep commitment to ensuring this initiative delivers meaningful change on the ground.

This new Task Force is more than just a policy platform, it’s a symbol of regional solidarity and shared responsibility. One of the most important decisions made during the meeting was to initiate a coordinated regional analysis of illegal Hunting, Taking and Trade the first of its scale in South-West Asia. This effort will provide a clearer, science-based understanding of the issue and help shape smarter, more effective responses.

The primary objective of the Task Force, in line with the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), is to eradicate Illegal Hunting, Taking and Trade (ITB) of migratory birds in South-West Asia. It supports countries in improving and harmonizing their hunting legislations and promotes the effective national implementation of the South-West Asia Action Plan. Covering all migratory bird species regularly found in the region, the Task Force also facilitates cross-border cooperation among enforcement agencies, provides training and resources for frontline wildlife protection personnel, and monitors progress through a shared regional scoreboard—ensuring accountability, transparency, and coordinated regional action.

BirdLife International’s State of the World’s Birds (2022) report shows that nearly half of all bird species are affected by over-exploitation, with illegal killing playing a major role. The new Task Force is a direct response to this crisis, complementing findings from the State of the World’s Migratory Species report launched earlier this year, which identified overexploitation as one of the biggest threats to migratory animals.

BirdLife International Middle East’s Regional Director, Ibrahim Al-Khader, emphasized the importance of collaboration, “By working together, countries in this region can become a powerful force for protecting the migratory birds that fly across our skies, and the natural heritage they represent. BirdLife International is committed to follow up on (ITB) cases by collaborating closely with national partners, local communities, and enforcement agencies. Through ongoing monitoring using digital platforms and field networks, we actively track incidents related to online wildlife trade and enforcement. We also share knowledge and build capacity through initiatives like our awareness webinars and Wildlife Crime Newsletter. We’re proud to support this effort and believe that together, we can make a real difference.”

The Task Force will work in coordination with other CMS initiatives such as the Raptors MOU, the African-Eurasian Migratory Landbirds Action Plan (AEMLAP), and the Central Asian Flyway Initiative (CAF). It also contributes to global goals under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework especially Target 5, which calls for sustainable practices around the use and trade of wild species.