Explanatory Memorandum to COM(2014)267 - EU position with regard to proposals for amendment of the Appendices of the Convention on the conservation of migratory species of wild animals - Main contents
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This page contains a limited version of this dossier in the EU Monitor.
| dossier | COM(2014)267 - EU position with regard to proposals for amendment of the Appendices of the Convention on the conservation of migratory ... |
|---|---|
| source | COM(2014)267  |
| date | 08-05-2014 |
2. The migratory species to be conserved are listed in Appendices I (endangered species) and II (species to be the subjects of agreements) to the Convention.
3. The Conference of the Parties is the decision-making body of the Convention with powers to assess the conservation status of migratory species and, subsequently, to amend Appendices I and II to the Convention.
4. In accordance with Article XI of the Convention, proposals for amendment may be made by any Party. An amendment to the Appendices enters into force for all Parties ninety days after the meeting of the Conference of the Parties at which it is adopted, except for those Parties which make a reservation.
5. The eleventh meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention will take place in Quito (Ecuador) from 4 to 9 November 2014. For this meeting, it is proposed that the Union makes a proposal to amend Appendix I to the Convention to increase the protection of a species of whales, namely the Mediterranean subpopulation of Ziphius cavirostris, and the bird species Coracias garrulus, throughout their distribution range, including outside the Union, on the basis of the following considerations: (1) the inclusion of such species is scientifically sound; (2) such an inclusion is consistent with the EU legislation; and (3) the Union is committed to international cooperation for the protection of biodiversity. This proposal would not require any change in Union law, as it concerns a species which already benefits from appropriate protection under Union law, notably the Birds[2] and Habitats Directives. [3]
6. For this meeting, it is furthermore proposed that the Union makes a proposal to amend Appendix II to the Convention to increase the protection of three species of thresher sharks, namely Alopias superciliosus, Alopias vulpinus and Alopias pelagicus, throughout their distribution range, including outside the Union, on the basis of the following considerations: (1) the inclusion of such species is scientifically sound; (2) such an inclusion is consistent with the EU legislation and (3) the Union is committed to international cooperation for the protection of biodiversity. Without requiring any change in Union law, the proposal would provide additional support for introducing collaborative management of these species through the CMS itself and through possible inclusion of the species in the CMS global Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the conservation of migratory sharks, to which the Union is a Party. It would also complement and encourage improved fisheries management efforts within the Regional Fisheries Management Organisations.
7. It is therefore necessary for the Council to take a decision for the purpose of establishing the position to be adopted on behalf of the Union with a view to the eleventh meeting of the Conference of the Parties with regard to proposals for amendment.
8. The deadline for submitting proposals for amendment has been fixed by the Secretariat of the Convention, in line with Article XI (3), to be 6 June 2014.
9. Before the eleventh meeting of the Conference of the Parties, the Secretariat of the Convention may communicate proposals made by other Parties to amend Appendices I and II to the Convention, which may also require a decision establishing the position to be adopted on behalf of the Union with regard to those proposals.