1. EU Raptor Conservation Strategy Memorandum of Understanding on the Conservation of Migratory Birds of Prey in Africa and Eurasia

2. Objective
EU is Signatory to the MoU on Conservation of Migratory Birds of Prey in Africa and Eurasia (Raptors MoU) since 21 November 2011.
This draft Strategy responds to Art. 12 Raptor MoU, i.e. signatories to prepare and submit where appropriate a national or regional Strategy.
Agreement between COM and MSs to take a joint action and present EU Raptor Conservation Strategy.
Deadline – two years after the MoU becomes effective.
First Meeting of the Signatories to the CMS Raptor MoU, 9-11 December 2012, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Deadline for submission is extended with 18 months, i.e. June 2014.

3. Draft Proposal
The Draft Strategy is based on the "Guidelines for Preparing National or Regional Raptor Conservation and Management Strategies", Raptors MoU ICU 2012.
EU Birds Directive is the backbone of EU birds protection and conservation.
The EU Raptor Conservation Strategy should present the respective implementation measures undertaken by the EU and its MSs.
The EU Raptor Conservation Strategy can facilitate and strengthen implementation, and have a synergetic value.

4. General information - outline
Executive summary
Introduction and General Information
SWOT analysis
Regional overview
EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2020, Birds and Habitats Directives, Natura 2000, Species Actions Plans;
Monitoring, Inventory of Species and Sites.
Threat assessment and stakeholder analysis.

5. Conservation approach – outline (1)
Guided by the Action Plan to the Raptors MoU.
Information about the activities listed in Annex 3, Table 2, Raptors MoU.
Site designation, management, and conservation;
Habitat loss and restoration;
Integration, monitoring, electrocution and collision of overhead power lines, and wind turbines. Other threats' description and assessment.
Action plans, and scientific research.

6. Conservation approach – outline (2)
Raising public awareness and education
Multilateral Environmental Agreements
Sources of funding
Conclusions
References
Annex
INPUT

7. Follow-up and timeframes
14 November 2013 – written comments and feedback by Member States
December 2013 – February consultation and drafting exercise coordinated by the COM.
Spring 2014 – final draft endorsed by MS and COM.
June 2014 – submission to the Interim Coordination Unit of the Raptors MoU.