BirdLife Works with Governments

T Salathe/BirdLife BirdLife provides vital data to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) on birds threatened by international trade. Zoom In

BirdLife is committed to working with international environmental agreements to ensure maximum effect on the ground. By linking expertise from local through to global levels, BirdLife Partners have, for example, contributed to many countries' National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans under the Convention on Biological Diversity.

Similar work is underway with the Ramsar Convention, the Convention to Combat Desertification, and the Climate Change Convention. BirdLife provides vital data to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) on birds threatened by international trade. In each case, BirdLife Partners and convention specialists work together to support effective implementation of the conventions' objectives.

Save the Albatross Campaign

BirdLife International's Seabird Programme, co-ordinated from South Africa, is working to conserve the world's albatrosses. Seventeen of the world's 21 species are threatened with global extinction because they are accidentally caught and drowned in large numbers by 'long-line' fishing vessels. By taking simple measures, such as setting lines at night and using bird scaring streamers, fisherman can increase the success of their fishing activities and avoid killing these birds. BirdLife is advocating investment in these simple improvements in fishing methods.

Tony Palliser/BirdLife International The majestic Wandering Albatross is threatened by longline fishing in the Southern Ocean. Zoom In | Hi-Res

"There is no doubt that the remaining species of albatross can be saved... The only question is whether or not we have the will to take the necessary decisions, nationally and internationally, before it is too late." —HRH The Prince of Wales

We have facilitated the adoption of an International Plan of Action on Seabirds by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, and the development of an International Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP) under the Bonn Convention on Migratory Species (CMS). With these measures in place, BirdLife Partners are working closely with their governments to ensure mitigation measures are adopted on long-lining boats to reduce the unnecessary seabird by-catch.

This project is supported by British Birdwatching Fair.