Budapest, March 2025 – The International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation (CIC) took part in the recent AEWA Technical Committee meeting, held in Mikulov, Czech Republic, as part of its formal role as a permanent observer organisation and technical advisor under the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA).
Representing the CIC’s Applied Science Division was Matt Ellis, UK CIC member and Deputy Director of Conservation at the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC). A trained scientist with a PhD in pheasant immunology, Matt played an active role in discussions that focused on shaping AEWA’s Strategic Plan beyond 2025.
Key topics included the development of species-specific action plans for seabirds, revisions to Table 1 of the AEWA Action Plan—including the introduction of a proposed new “depleted” category for declining species such as mallard, pochard, and goldeneye—and the improvement of harvest data indicators. These changes aim to strengthen science-policy links and improve implementation capacity across Contracting Parties.
The CIC, as one of the few organisations with permanent status on the AEWA Technical Committee, continues to contribute scientific expertise and on-the-ground conservation experience to ensure that sustainable use remains part of effective waterbird conservation strategies.
For more information about the CIC’s role in multilateral environmental agreements, visit: www.cic-wildlife.org
Media Contact:
Tristan Breijer MBA FRGS FRSA MCIJ
Director of Communications and Public Affairs
CIC – International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation
Email: [email protected]
Mobile: +44 781 408 7423
Website: www.cic-wildlife.org
