The data and information gathered in the National Reports, when objective and comprehensive, are of great value for many processes and user groups. For this reason it is important that the data be as complete and accurate as possible.
National Reports functions as a “one-stop-shop” for a country’s official information on migratory species and the measures undertaken to conserve them. Through this, the Government fulfills its obligations under CMS and its instruments.

National Reporting under CMS and its instruments, if carried out properly, has numerous benefits for the reporting countries:
• The National Reporting process can serve as an incentive for the systematic collection of data and information related to migratory species. It also provides for the regular updating of this data and information and for some countries can provide a unique framework for collating and archiving data and information.

All CMS Family instruments include provisions for the preparation and submission of National Reports
prior to meetings of their decision-making body. However, obligations differ depending on the legal status
of the CMS instrument. For CMS and its Agreements - which are legally binding - reporting is an obligation
for each Party. However, there is no mandatory reporting requirement under the MOUs, which are legally
non-binding in nature. Nonetheless, Signatories to these MOUs are requested to make periodic reports

National Reporting is an integral part of the overall implementation process of the CMS Family instruments. This process usually occurs at the end of the intersessional period before the meetings of the decision-making bodies. However, it should also be seen as a continuous underlying process influencing the planning of activities, their implementation and the assessment of progress made under CMS and each of its instruments.

National Reports are the official documents by which countries report to the decision-making bodies of the CMS Family and/or its instruments on the measures they have undertaken to implement the priorities of the instruments. National Reports provide an official record of national implementation of each instrument over time and collectively they draw the picture of the overall implementation of the instrument.

“During the Meetings of the CMS Family I experience the inspiring power of transboundary co-operation. I want to bring that feeling to my colleagues back home.”

Nancy Cespedes as Head of delegation at CMS meetings

The role of NFPs with regards to resource mobilization is twofold:

Communication is a key element of any NFP’s responsibilities. NFPs are the main points of contact on matters:

• within the Member State (at the government level and beyond)
• between the Secretariat/Coordinating Unit and the Member State, and
• between Member States.

It is therefore crucial to establish a regular flow of information and communication. “Staying up-to-date” regarding developments under CMS and its instruments is the starting point.
It is recommended that the NFPs regularly communicate: At the national level, with: