Sharks MOS4 - 4th Meeting of the Signatories to the Memorandum of Understanding on the Conservation of Migratory Sharks

********Covid-19: On the UN Campus, there are currently no restrictions in place related to Covid-19*******

Updated Meeting Schedule  

The 4th Meeting of Signatories (MOS4) to the Memorandum of Understanding on the Conservation of Migratory Sharks (Sharks MOU) will take place from 28 February to 2 March 2023 in Bonn. The meeting will be hosted by the CMS Secretariat, United Nations Campus, Platz der Vereinten Nationen 1, 53113 Bonn, Germany.

Participation:  The meeting will be open for Signatories. As per the Rules of Procedure, non-Signatory Range States, Cooperating Partners, the United Nations, its Specialized Agencies, non-Signatory States, or any relevant scientific, environmental, cultural, fisheries, or technical body, including governmental or non-governmental organizations, concerned with the conservation and management of sharks may participate as observers.

Logistical and other limitations may require that no more than two representatives of any observer be present at the meeting. The Secretariat will notify observers of such limitations 60 days before the meeting.

• Online Registration 

Credentials: To be eligible to take an active part in the meeting, representatives of Signatories must provide credentials signed by either the Head of State, Head of Government, Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister or Deputy of the focal Ministry/Authority for the MOU or their designee, or the competent authority of any regional economic integration organization (REIO). These credentials should enable them to fully participate and represent their governments, including adopting amendments to the MOU and its Appendices.

• Signatories may wish to use this sample letter of credentials as a model.

Funded delegates: Signatories seeking funding for their representatives are requested to upload their credentials documentation in advance through the online registration system. Alternatively, Signatories may send their credentials to the CMS Secretariat's email address [email protected]. All Signatories are encouraged to submit copies of their credentials to the Secretariat before the meeting to allow efficient processing by the Secretariat. Originals must be brought to the meeting.

The Secretariat aims to support the maximum participation of Signatories to the Meeting. According to applicable UN rules, resources are available to support the participation of one official representative of each eligible country. Requests for assistance should be indicated on the pre-registration form. As funds are limited, Signatories are urged to consider attending the meeting at their own cost, even if it is eligible to receive financial support. Travel support for eligible countries will be subject to timely registration and submission of valid credentials.

Side Events:

Side events will be held during lunch breaks and in the evenings after closure of afternoon plenary sessions. Please refer to the side event calendar for further details. 

National Reporting: Signatories are kindly requested to submit their National Reports on implementation of the Sharks MOU by 29 January 2023 to the CMS Secretariat's email address [email protected]. 

• To access the online version of the national reporting format, please choose the following link: Online Reporting
• Offline templates are available here: NRF Templates

Please see the Factsheet for more information on travel, accommodation, and the venue.

Please note, there are no covid restrictions in place, either entering Germany, or in the meeting venue.

Meeting Photos