AEWA stands for the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds. It is an international treaty that aims to coordinate efforts to conserve migratory waterbird species in Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East region. AEWA was adopted in 1995 under the framework of the United Nations' Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), and it entered into force in 1999.
The objective of AEWA is to ensure the sustainability of migratory waterbirds and their habitats, as well as the safeguarding of their flyways, which are the routes these birds take during their migration. The agreement recognizes the ecological importance of wetlands and other habitats utilized by waterbirds, and aims to mitigate various threats that could affect their populations.
The AEWA's approach is based on the principles of international cooperation, environmentally sound practices, conservation of wetlands and their critical habitats, management of waterbird populations, monitoring and research, education and public awareness, and cooperation with other relevant international treaties and agreements.
The agreement's geographic scope covers the entire African-Eurasian region, encompassing 119 range states. It encourages countries to adopt conservation measures and promote international cooperation to protect and enhance the habitats of migratory waterbirds.
AEWA aims to promote sustainable use and responsible hunting practices, amongst other methods, to ensure the survival and maintenance of waterbird populations and their habitats. It provides a platform for countries to work together towards the common goal of conserving these magnificent species and their ecosystems for future generations.
