Bahrain announced as member of CMS Permanent Committee
Manama, Feb. 18 (BNA): His Highness Shaikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa, His Majesty the King’s Personal Representative and Chairman of the Supreme Council for the Environment (SCE), announced that Bahrain has obtained membership in the Permanent Committee of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS).
Bahrain has been selected to represent Asian countries in the Permanent Committee of the Convention for the term 2024-2026.
HH Shaikh Abdullah bin Hamad congratulated His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, on the international recognition.
He said that the directives of HM the King and the support and follow up of HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, have enabled the kingdom to obtain the membership of the Permanent Committee of the CMS, which is a boost to its international presence.
HH Shaikh Abdullah bin Hamad affirmed Bahrain’s keenness to contribute to the preservation of migratory wildlife species through the exchange of information and expertise in this field.
Bahrain's membership announcement came following the agreement of Asian countries to nominate it at the 14th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS COP14) held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, under the slogan "Nature knows no borders."
The nomination of Bahrain came in recognition of its efforts to protect migrant species, its high level engagement in CMS COP meetings and its contribution to programmes and initiatives in the Asia region.
The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals is concerned with the conservation of migratory species, their habitats and migration routes. CMS complements and co-operates with a number of other international organisations, NGOs and partners in the media as well as in the corporate sector.
Bahrain is considered home to a large number of migratory species, including the largest aggregation of dugongs in the world, and the largest colonies of Socotra cormorant. Hawar Island is also considered one of the most important breeding areas for sooty falcons and ospreys, which are considered endangered species. In addition, the territorial waters are among the most important migration routes for sea turtles, sharks, and dolphins.
