The Intergovernmental Task Force on Phasing Out the Use of Lead Ammunition and Lead Fishing Weights (Lead Task Force)
The Lead Task Force has been established under CMS Resolution 11.15 (Rev. COP14), entitled “Preventing Poisoning of Migratory Birds”, and related Decisions 14.134 to 14.136 to supports the Parties to the CMS, its related instruments, and other relevant MEAs in meeting their obligations to phase out the use of lead ammunition and lead fishing weights.
The Task Force will consist of designated government representatives from Parties to the Convention, ensuring regional balance. In addition, observers, including MEA secretariats, CMS representatives, academic institutions, NGOs, other stakeholders, and independent experts, will be invited to contribute to the work of the Task Force.
Scope of the Task Force
The goal of the Task Force is to facilitate concerted efforts and actions, as well as knowledge and information sharing to support Parties in the phasing out of lead ammunition and lead fishing weights. It will operate a global level and cover all migratory bird taxa as identified by CMS and its relevant associated instruments.
Among the most important activities of the Task Force will include, but are not limited to:
- Assist and support Parties, in implementing the relevant sections of the Guidelines to Prevent the Risk of Poisoning to Migratory Birds adopted by COP11
- Facilitate understanding and offer technical advice and support to Parties on the Guidelines as they relate to lead poisoning as well as provision of information on other relevant frameworks for action;
- Encourage the dissemination of the Guidelines, and other relevant resources as they relate to lead, widely within relevant networks, as well as to end-users and others;
- Keep the Guidelines, as they relate to lead actively under review in the light of developing research findings and other relevant information;
- Actively seek engagement from and with relevant stakeholders, industries and organizations including companies manufacturing lead as well as non-toxic ammunition or lead fishing weights;
- Stimulate internal and external communication and exchange of information on non-toxic alternatives, experience, best practice and know-how;
- Assist in resource mobilization for priority actions, in collaboration and through the creation of synergies with other initiatives such as the Intergovernmental Task Force on Illegal Killing, Taking and Trade of Migratory Birds in the Mediterranean;
- Strengthen relevant regional and international networks;
- Set and implement priorities for its work set out in these Terms of Reference; and
- Monitor the implementation of the Task Force’s work and its effectiveness and report to future sessions of the COP