11 December 2012: Signatories at the First Meeting of Signatories (MoS1) to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) Memorandum of Understanding concerning the Conservation of Migratory Birds of Prey in Africa and Eurasia (Raptors MoU) agreed on: a process for future work and national reporting; the creation of the Raptors MoU Coordination Unit and the Technical and Advisory Group; identification of priority areas to address the threats facing birds of prey; and endorsement of CMS CoP 10 Resolution 10.11 on power lines and migratory birds. More.

Photo: The CMS Secretariat.

8 December 2012: The UN Climate Change Conference in Doha, Qatar, focused on ensuring the implementation of agreements reached at previous conferences. Following two weeks of negotiations, delegates adopted the package of “Doha Climate Gateway” decisions on the evening of Saturday, 8 December. The outcome includes amendments to the Kyoto Protocol to establish its second commitment period. More.

Photo: COP President consults with delegates from the Russian Federation, Ukraine and Belarus before the closing plenary.

30 November 2012: Parties to the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes (the Water Convention) concluded their sixth Meeting of Parties (MOP6) with the adoption of decisions on various issues, including a 2013-15 work programme. More.