India Signs Dugong MoU

Bonn, 28 May 2008 - Ms Meena Gupta, Secretary of the Ministry of Environment & Forests signed the Memorandum of Understanding on the Conservation and Management of Dugongs and their Habitats throughout their Range on behalf of India. CMS Executive Secretary Robert Hepworth, Deputy Executive Secretary Lahcen El Kabiri and CMS Senior Advisor Douglas Hykle attended the signing ceremony at the CMS display at the Plaza of Diversity during the CBD COP.

 

Robert Hepworth explained the procedure for listing proposals for the CMS Appendices and the resultant additional advantage in terms of conservation. CMS suggested a more influential role for India in the Convention and close cooperation on flagship species such as the whale shark and marine turtles. As far as the Central Asian Flyway is concerned, it would be good if India could take a step forward. The Executive Secretary stressed that listing proposals submitted by India could be a signal to other states in South East Asia, thus enhancing the implementation of the Convention in the region.