The Intergovernmental Task Force on Illegal Killing, Taking and Trade of Migratory Birds in the Mediterranean (MIKT) is a specialized regional platform operating under the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) and the Bern Convention.

Mission and Strategic Scope

Millions of migratory birds travel across the Mediterranean basin and Egypt twice a year. Unfortunately, illegal killing, taking, and trade pose a critical threat to vulnerable populations of passerines, waterbirds, and raptors. The IKB Taskforce coordinates collaborative, cross-border actions between government ministries, law enforcement authorities, international conservation conventions, scientific institutions, and civil society organizations.

Key Objectives

• Eradication of Illegal Trapping: Disincentivizing and eliminating unlawful netting, limesticks, and acoustic lure devices along coastal stopover sites.
• Legal and Policy Strengthening: Enhancing the implementation of national wildlife protection legislation and penalizing illegal bird trade in local markets.
• Community Engagement and Alternative Livelihoods: Working closely with coastal and desert communities to raise conservation awareness and promote nature-friendly practices.
• Scientific Monitoring and Data Harmonization: Generating standardized flyway data on migration trends, poaching hot-spots, and law enforcement interventions.