International Waters learning Exchange & Resource Network

UNEP/CMS Dugong MoU Secretariat

The Memorandum of Understanding on the Conservation and Management of Dugongs and their Habitats throughout their Range (Dugong MOU) aims to promote internationally coordinated actions to ensure the long-term survival of dugongs and their seagrass habitats throughout their extensive range. The MOU entered into effect on 31 October 2007 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The Dugong MOU is administered by a Secretariat based in Abu Dhabi alongside the Raptors MoU Coordinating Unit at the CMS Office - Abu Dhabi. The Dugong MOU Secretariat is funded and hosted by the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi, on behalf of the Government of the United Arab Emirates. Two meetings of the CMS Conference of the Parties called for the development of an appropriate instrument to conserve the dugong under CMS auspices: the initiative was led by the Governments of Australia and Thailand in close coordination with the CMS Secretariat. Two intergovernmental meetings on Dugong Conservation and Management were held in Bangkok, Thailand (August 2005, May 2006) under the auspices of CMS. The Second Meeting (Bangkok, May 2006) strongly endorsed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and associated Conservation and Management Plan (CMP). A third meeting, held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates on 28-31 October 2007, concluded the negotiations and agreed on the final text of the Dugong MOU.