By Abdullahi Lukman
A new initiative to tackle illegal wildlife crime was launched on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with the establishment of the South-West Asia Illegal Taking of Migratory Birds Intergovernmental Task Force (SWAITBT).
The task force is a collaborative effort among 10 range states aimed at combating the illegal and unsustainable capture of migratory birds, a practice that has driven species like the Steppe Eagle, falcons, and Sociable Plovers to the brink of extinction.
The Task Force was created under the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) and brings together Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen, alongside international organizations, NGOs, and enforcement bodies.
The objective is to address the illegal taking of birds and related trafficking activities in the region.
Amy Fraenkel, Executive Secretary of CMS, expressed optimism about the initiative, stating, “This initiative brings governments in the region together to collaborate on a shared conservation goal, which cannot be addressed alone. It offers a realistic chance to shut down trafficking routes and protect iconic species.”
Saudi Arabia is taking the lead in coordinating the Task Force’s efforts. The National Centre for Wildlife (NCW), which is Saudi Arabia’s CMS national focal point, convened the inaugural meeting in Riyadh.
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Dr. Mohammed Qurban, CEO of NCW, emphasized the Kingdom’s commitment to conservation and regional cooperation.
“By supporting this task force, we reaffirm our commitment to safeguarding species that are part of our region’s natural and cultural heritage,” he said.
The SWAITBT has set forth an action-oriented mandate, including reviewing national hunting legislation, implementing a regional action plan against illegal killing, and coordinating enforcement efforts across the region.
The task force is also to promote information sharing and capacity-building among enforcement agencies, customs, and the judiciary to improve bird protection.
The initiative addresses a critical global conservation priority. According to the State of the World’s Migratory Species report, illegal killing and overexploitation are among the greatest threats to migratory species.
BirdLife International reports that over-exploitation affects up to 45% of all bird species worldwide.
The task force is part of a broader effort, coordinating with CMS task forces in the Mediterranean and Asia-Pacific regions that have already achieved notable success in curbing illegal bird capture.
Through the SWAITBT, the participating countries aim to contribute to the achievement of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, focusing on the sustainable use, harvest, and trade of wildlife.
