Proactive Cetacean Conservation in the Midst of 'Data Deficiency': Progress of the Convention on Migratory Species Cetacean Agreement in the Pacific Islands Region

摘要

PICT governments have shown strong leadership and foresight to establish a globally recognized and comprehensive management framework for cetacean conservation despite there being a limited amount of scientific information available. This framework makes use of the expertise and experience of CMS to address not only tasks related to species, habitats, and threats, yet also recognizing the critical need for international cooperation, identification of additional obstacles to migration, and integration of cultural and traditional values of the Pacific Islands Region. The CMS Pacific Cetaceans MoU has been born of a collaborative process between governments within the region, as well as both regional and international intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations. PICT signatories have demonstrated a willingness to draw in resources and expertise from civil society to assist the implementation of the Agreement. Support delivered by the TAG at CMS CoP10 and the outline of work proposed by the CMS ScC Aquatic Mammals Working Group (detailed above) demonstrate the direct benefit that this approach has already generated.