A flying start for the agreement on the conservation of African‐Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA)

In accordance with Article XIV the Agreement on the Conservation of African‐Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) entered into force on November 1, 1999 after the signature and ratification by the requisite fourteen Ranges States, comprising at least seven from Africa and seven from Eurasia. A few days later, the first Meeting of the Parties took place in Cape Town, South Africa. This article will provide a brief historical overview of the development of AEWA. However the main focus will be on what has occurred since November 1999 and what can be anticipated in the near‐term future.