South-West Asia Illegal Taking of Birds Task Force (SWAITBT)

The South-West Asia Illegal Taking of Birds initiative is a critical, multi-national effort aimed at combating the widespread and unsustainable killing of migratory birds in the region. Illegal taking pose a severe threat to numerous bird species, including iconic and endangered ones like the Steppe Eagle and various falcons. The initiative operates under the auspices of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) and is designed to address this challenge through an action plan that runs from 2024 to 2032. Key objectives include enhancing national legislation and enforcement, promoting public education and awareness, and fostering regional cooperation to dismantle trafficking networks and protect key flyways.

To achieve its goals, the South-West Asia Illegal Taking of Birds initiative is spearheaded by an intergovernmental task force, known as the SWAITBT. Launched in Riyadh in May 2025, the task force brings together ten countries who share a common responsibility for the birds that migrate through their territories. The SWAITBT's mandate is to support these countries in implementing the regional action plan, with a focus on improving hunting laws, building the capacity of law enforcement and customs officials, and conducting a coordinated regional analysis of illegal activities. This collaborative task force is a symbol of regional solidarity and is a direct response to the urgent need for a coordinated, science-based approach to protect migratory birds for future generations