The African Raptor DataBank (ARDB) is an ambitious non-profit, citizen science project. It aims to inspire birdwatchers and other observers to submit information that will reveal the conservation status of raptors and their habitats throughout Africa. It will also help develop the local expertise needed to monitor these indicator species in the future and to implement sound strategies to safeguard them.

International experts have taken a major step towards developing a comprehensive plan for the recovery of the endangered Saker Falcon. Over 70 representatives from different governments, nature conservation authorities and NGOs throughout the range of the species participated at the Saker Falcon Task Force - Stakeholders’ Action Planning Meeting held 9 - 11 September in Abu Dhabi. They elaborated the Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug) Global Action Plan which covers the conservation threats, challenges they face and the roles and responsibilities for the next steps.

Tunisia today signed the Memorandum of Understanding on the Conservation of Migratory Birds of Prey in Africa and Eurasia (Raptors MOU) under the auspices of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS).

For the first time, 100 representatives from almost 50 countries came together to discuss urgent actions to step up international conservation efforts for threatened raptor species. Niger and Somalia both signed the Memorandum of Understanding on the Conservation of Migratory Birds of Prey in Africa and Eurasia (Raptors MoU), established under the auspices of the UNEP Convention on Migratory Species. This brings the total number of Signatories to 42.

For the first time, 100 representatives from more than 40 countries will come together to discuss urgent actions to step up protection for threatened species of migratory birds of prey.

The Interim Coordinating Unit (ICU) of the Raptors MoU opens a call for applications for Signatories, Range States, partner organizations and stakeholders of the Raptors MoU to run a side-event, exhibition stand or poster presentation on a topic relevant to migratory birds of prey conservation and management. Application forms are available here (side event - exhibition/poster). Please return the completed application form(s) to Dragana Stojkovic at the ICU (dstojkovic[at]cms.int) by Wednesday 31 October 2012. The ICU will review the received applications and contact selected participants in due course.

Around the world, countries from Canada to Germany and India are holding activities to contribute to International Vulture Awareness Day (IVAD) which takes place on 1 September 2012.

The UNEP/CMS Office - Abu Dhabi is holding the inaugural meeting of the Saker Falcon Task Force in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), today, 29 March 2012. It is expected to welcome almost 30 participants from 18 different countries, including Government officials and representatives from international and non-Governmental organizations.

Programme Officer, Nick P. Williams, reports back on his first 100 days in office.