From 15 to 17 September 2026, FACE participated in the joint meeting of AEWA’s International Working Groups for the Black-tailed Godwit and Eurasian Curlew.

The meeting focused on reviewing progress in implementing the International Single Species Action Plans (ISSAPs) for both species and on updating the 2023–2025 implementation plans for the 2026–2028 period. Range States also provided updates on current conservation challenges, priorities and opportunities.

Low breeding productivity remains one of the main challenges facing populations of Black-tailed Godwit and Eurasian Curlew. Across the Range States, predation is consistently identified as a major factor limiting nest success and chick survival.

Together with the continued loss and degradation of breeding habitats, particularly as a result of agricultural intensification, addressing these pressures remains a key conservation priority. The same challenges also affect many other wader species that depend on similar habitats.

European hunters already play an important role in managing predation and supporting the conservation of ground-nesting birds. This contribution should be further strengthened and better integrated with international species conservation plans.

FACE Members and hunters across Europe will continue to support practical conservation measures aimed at addressing predation and improving breeding conditions for ground-nesting birds.