India inks Raptor MoU to save birds of prey

India has signed ‘Raptor MoU’, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on conservation of birds of prey in Africa and Eurasia.
With this India becomes 56th county to sign the Raptor MoU under the Convention on Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS).
The MoU was singed Ambassador of India to the UAE Shri T.P Seetharam the Convention on Migratory Species Office in Abu Dhabi.
Earlier in December 2015, the Union Cabinet in its meeting had approved the proposal of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) to sign ‘Raptor MoU’.
About Raptor MoU

• It is a multilateral agreement under Article IV paragraph 4 of the CMS and is not legally binding on signatory parties. It was CMS in October 2008 and came into effect on November 1, 2008.
• The MoU seeks willingness of the signatory states for working for conservation of the raptor species and their habitats.
• It covers 76 species of birds of prey under its ambit and an action plan has been formulated under it that envisages the conservation action for Raptor species.

Of the total 76 species of birds that fall in Raptor MoU, 46 species occur in India including vultures, falcons, eagles, owls, hawks, kites, harriers, etc.
Benefits to India

• Gain knowledge in effectively managing the habitats of to 76 species of birds under ambit of it.
• It is also in conformity with the provisions of Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 wherein the birds have been accorded protection in India.
• Concert trans-boundary efforts for conservation of migratory birds through interaction with other signatory countries of the MoU with the CMS.

Convention on Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS): It is also known as Bonn Convention under the aegis of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). It aims to conserve migratory species throughout their range. India had become a party to the CMS since 1st November 1983.

Month: Current Affairs - March, 2016