Farewell to AEWA_ a few words from Bert Lenten who is stepping down as Executive Secretary of AEWA to join the CMS Secretariat

Bonn, in April 2011 - After having worked as Executive Secretary of AEWA for more than 15 years, it is time for me to move on and take up a new challenge. As you might be aware, in addition to my position at the UNEP/AEWA Secretariat, I have held the post of Acting Deputy Executive Secretary of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) since July 2009. The Executive Director of UNEP, Mr. Achim Steiner, recently appointed me the new Deputy Executive Secretary of CMS as of 2 May 2011.

My career with AEWA began on 1 January 1996 when the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature Management and Fisheries of the Netherlands (LNV) appointed me Executive Secretary of the Interim Secretariat of AEWA. Some of you may recall that at the Negotiation Meeting which adopted AEWA in June 1995, the Netherlands offered, among other things, to host and provide an Interim Secretariat for the duration of three years. At that time it was expected that the required ratification by seven countries from Eurasia and seven from Africa would be achieved within three years after the Agreement was opened for signature. However, it took nearly another year before the Agreement finally entered into force on 1 November 1999. On 16 July 2000, the Interim Secretariat was replaced by a permanent one and co-located with the UNEP/CMS Secretariat in Bonn. Both Secretariats are administered by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

Looking back, I feel privileged that the Ministry decided to put me in charge of such a young Agreement, which finally hatched at the Negotiation Meeting in 1995, after years of incubation. My main responsibility has been to take care of this newborn chick and to lead it to the fully fledged Agreement it is today. This has only been possible due to all the support received over the years from Governments, IGOs, NGOs, and experts as well as the private sector. Due to this support we were able to carry out many conservation projects, develop numerous guidelines, Single Species Action Plans, and much, much more. Also, the support of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) through the Wings over Wetlands (WOW) Project has boosted the implementation of the Agreement tremendously over the last few years. Nevertheless, even after all the support received and conservation activities carried out, we are still facing a long-term decline in the case of many waterbird species. Therefore, there is no time for contemplation; on the contrary, it is time to step up our efforts and to make a real change to ensure that future generations will continue to enjoy these beautiful creatures.



As of 2 May 2011, I will step down as Executive Secretary. This I do with mixed feelings. On the one hand, it is great to have the opportunity to take up a new challenge. On the other hand, it is hard to leave behind the very dedicated and professional AEWA team. The successes that have been achieved over the years are due to this excellent team, without which AEWA would not have become what it is today.

Moving on to CMS means that I will continue to work on the conservation of migratory species. In my new capacity I am sure that I will stay in touch with many of you, so it is not a definitive farewell but just a change of hats. I sincerely wish that you will continue to support the implementation of AEWA in the years to come.

Regarding my successor, I can inform you that the recruitment of the new Executive Secretary might take a while. However, an Officer in Charge has been nominated, in consultation with the UNEP Executive Director, to take over the helm of AEWA until the appointment of a new Executive Secretary. I am pleased to announce that Mr. Marco Barbieri, who is currently Agreement Development and Servicing Officer at the CMS Secretariat, will take over the role of Acting Executive Secretary of the AEWA Secretariat as of 2 May 2011.

Finally, I would like to thank all of you for the good cooperation we have had over the years and for the manifold support that you have given to AEWA and to encourage you to continue providing your support to AEWA in future.

Best regards,

Bert Lenten