Partnership News
The first Partner of EAAFP from a Business Sector, Rio Tinto:
Partner Certificate of Rio Tinto © EAAFP
Rio Tinto, a leading international mining group, became the 27th Partner of the East Asian – Australasian Flyway Partnership on 17 December 2011. Partners warmly welcomed the new Partner, and Mr Rick Humphries, Principal Advisor of Land Use Stewardship, was appointed as the EAAFP contact point. This is a very meaningful joining as the first Partner of EAAFP in the category ‘International Business Sector’. Rio Tinto is an international mining group and employs almost 80,000 people in more than 40 countries like Australia, North America, South America, Asia, Africa and Europe. In regard to migratory water birds and flyways issues, Rio Tinto has been investing in migratory bird conservation for a number of years. Rio Tinto’s salt production operations in Western Australia comprise three large-scale salt fields that support high numbers of migratory shorebirds. One of operators, Dampier Salt Ltd, has signed a four year research programme with Edith Cowan University in Perth to define the specific relationship between a number of species of migratory birds and our salt production ponds in order to inform management decisions. Rio Tinto is also working with BirdLife International and Wetlands International to identify project investment opportunities in the East Asian – Australasian Flyway, which focus on securing the future of those species present at Rio Tinto’s operations and which migrate along the flyway. It has a number of existing formal partnerships with international environmental orgarnisations, including the IUCN, BirdLife International, and Fauna and Flora International, aimed at assisting Rio Tinto with the design and implementation of our biodiversity strategy. With Rio Tinto's joining to the Partnership, Partners are very much looking forward to collaborating with Rio Tinto to conserve migratory waterbirds and their habitats along the flyway. [09/01/12]
In memory of Mark Barter: dedicated conservationist in the East Asian - Australasian Flyway:
Mark Barter at the Scaly-sided Merganser Workshop in Russia (May 2010) © Chang-yong Choi
A very sad day indeed for many. The EAAF Partnership Secretariat sadly reports the passing of Mark Barter on 21 November 2011. Mark was an outstanding and enthusiastic conservationist who has contributed to migratory waterbird research and conservation in the East Asian - Australasian Flyway. Over the past 3 decades Mark's contribution has been instrumental to:
the development of the Australasian Wader Studies Group and its conservation activities (Chair, 1987-1997). -the development and oversight of the East Asian - Australasian Action Plan (1997-2001) and his role as Chair of the Shorebird Working Group during this time.
conducting a program to train Nature Reserve staffs in bird recognition and survey methods at various wetland sites and, with them, undertake surveys of tidal flats from Fujian in southern China to the border with North Korea.
promoting global recognition of the critical importance of the Yellow Sea for migratory shorebirds in the East Asian - Australasian Flyway.
advancing our understanding of the importance of the Middle and Lower Yangtze wetlands for Anatidae, and establishing a waterbird monitoring program for the Yangtze wetlands in China.
facilitating the development of international collaborative waterbird research programs that linked scientists in Asia, Europe and North America.
All his friends, colleagues, and Secretariat staffs greatly value his contribution as a leader, a scientist and as a trainer and mentor in this region. We will miss you, Mark! [29/11/11]
Ramsar Asia Regional Meeting had discussions in preparation to Ramsar COP11 in 2012:
Representatives of Ramsar Asia Regional Meeting in Indonesia © Yeap Chin Aik
Contracting Parties to Ramsar Convention in Asia and relevant international/domestic NGOs have gathered in Jakarta, Indonesia on 14-18 November 2011. The Ramsar Secretariat reported on the implementation of the Ramsar Convention 2008 – 2011 and outlined the forthcoming issues for the implementation of the Ramsar Convention. The EAAFP Secretariat, represented by Aram Lee, Communications and Information Officer, has delivered a presentation about the Partnership as a regional initiative of the Ramsar Convention, More issues including economic valuation of wetlands, working with local communities, best practices in wetlands tourism, opportunities for regional cooperation were discussed. [29/11/11]
First seabird network site ‘Chilbaldo Islet’ to the Flyway Site Network of the Partnership:
107th Certificate of Flyway Site Network, Chilbaldo Islet, Shinan County, Republic of Korea © 2011 Partnership for EAAF Press image for enlargement.
Certificate ceremony in Shinan County, Republic of Korea © Gi-chang Bing Press image for enlargement.
The Chilbaldo Islet in Republic of Korea was designated in the Flyway Site Network (FSN) as first internationally important seabird habitat on 9 November 2011. The site is a breeding site for seabirds, Swinhoe’s Storm-Petrel (Oceanodroma monorhis), Streaked Shearwater (Calonectris leucomelas) and Ancient Murrelet (Synthliboramphus antiquus), and is also a stopover site for migratory passerines, raptors – 137 bird species were recorded including 4 internationally vulnerable and 17 nationally protected birds. The site meets FSN criteria for seabird species with high numbers of Swinhoe’s Strom-Petrels about 26,000 birds. Internationally Chilbaldo is also included within the boundary of Shinan Dadohae Biosphere Reserve designated by UNESCO after 2009. [17/11/11]
Position open for recruitment; Chief Executive, East Asian – Australasian Flyway Partnership Secretariat:
The East Asian – Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP) is now inviting applications for the position of Chief Executive to lead the Secretariat in Incheon, Republic of Korea (open until 15 November 2011 or until the position is filled). This position is an exciting and challenging opportunity to lead the international Secretariat of the East Asian – Australasian Flyway Partnership, developing a diversity of activities in support of the Partnership. The Chief Executive will be responsible for managing a small multinational team. We are looking for an experienced team leader and manager who can work with a wide range of international stakeholders. Fluency in spoken and written English is essential as English is the language used by the Partnership. The successful applicant will have the experience and confidence needed to work closely with governments, intergovernmental organisations, international NGOs, and the corporate sector. Knowledge of the Asian – Australasian region is highly desirable. Please visit www.eaaflyway.net/vacancies.php for detailed information. [09/11/11]
Global Flyways Workshop in Seosan establishes a “Global Interflyway Network” (GIN):
© 2011 Partnership for EAAF Press image for enlargement.
© 2011 Partnership for EAAF Press image for enlargement.
With the generous support of Seosan City, Republic of Korea, the government of Switzerland and the Secretariat of the East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP), an international workshop to review good practice in international initiatives for the conservation of migratory waterbirds and other migratory bird taxa was convened by the Ramsar Convention Secretariat, the UNEP Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) and the UNEP/AEWA Secretariats, BirdLife International, Wetlands International and the EAAFP Secretariat. The workshop, held from 17-20 October 2011 and attended by 35 representatives and observers from 14 international organisations and seven Korean organisations, was hosted by Seosan City at Hanseo University. The workshop participants were unanimous in their recognition of the value of knowledge and information sharing across flyway initiatives, and agreed to establish an open and inclusive network of flyway-scale initiatives, so as to facilitate future networking, collaboration and information-sharing between initiatives and their personnel, entitled the “Global Interflyway Network” (GIN). A summary report of the workshop’s conclusions and recommendations is being prepared for consideration by CMS Scientific Council in November 2011, and a full workshop report is in preparation for publication as a joint Ramsar /CMS/AEWA Technical Report. [09/11/11]
EAAFP Task Force Meeting; Review of Implementation Strategy Workshop:
© 2011 Partnership for EAAF Press image for enlargement.
© 2011 Partnership for EAAF Press image for enlargement.
The Implementation Strategy of the EAAFP was adapted at the First Meeting of Partners (MoP1) in November 2006 and refers to the period 2007-2011. The Implementation Strategy is the Partnership’s most important guiding document and has influence across all of its activity. A Task Force on the Review of Implementation Strategy was established to undertake review and update of the EAAFP Implementation Strategy. As agreed at the Fifth Meeting of Partners (MoP5), the Secretariat in consultation with the Task Force appointed a consultant, Crawford Prentice from Nature Management Services, to prepare report and facilitate the workshop. Subsequently, the workshop was convened, chaired by Douglas Hykle of CMS, at EAAFP Secretariat on 14-15 October attended by Ramsar, Japan, Australia, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia, Wetlands International, and BirdLife International. On the first day of the workshop, the task force reviewed the key issues identified by the consultant in relation to the 14 outcomes of the current implementation Strategy. The substantive points identified during these discussions will be incorporated into the synthesis section of the consultant’s report in due course, for the consideration of the Partners. On the second day, possible new subject areas, e.g. climate change adaptation and mitigation, the possible inclusion of indicators and a detailed review of the existing outcomes and guidance points, a feedback on CEPA outcomes from the EAAFP CEPA Task Force meeting in September 2011, as well as the structure and content of the current Implementation Strategy were discussed. The final version of the implementation review and a draft of the revised Strategy 2012-2016 should be available for inclusion in the Agenda Documents of MoP6 in March 2012. [09/11/11]
Bangladesh to add five new network sites to the Flyway Site Network:
© 2011 Partnership for EAAF Press image for enlargement.
Five sites in Bangladesh - Nijhum Dweep National Park, Sonadia, Hakaluki Haor, Tanguar Haor and Hail Haor have been added to the Flyway Site Network as internationally important habitats for migratory waterbirds. Nijhum Dweep National Park and Sonadia are important coastal habitats which support diverse range of shorebirds including the critically endangered Spoon-billed Sandpiper (Eurynorhynchus pygmeus). The other two sites, Hail Haor, Hakaluki Haor and Tanguar Haor, are important freshwater habitats mainly for Anatidae species such as Gadwall (Anas strepera), Northern Pintail (Anas acuta), Lesser Whistling Duck (Dendrocygna javanica), and threatened Baer’s Pochard (Aythya baeri). Designation of these fives sites is a significant step forward to recognising the sites of international importance in Bangladesh since that country joined the Partnership in August 2010. The Partnership looks forward to continued participation of Bangladesh in extending the Flyway Site Network. [09/11/11]
EAAFP Task Force Meeting, CEPA Strategy Workshop:
© Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve Press image for enlargement.
© Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve Press image for enlargement.
The EAAFP’s Working Group on CEPA, led by Lew Young, Senior Advisor for Asia-Oceania of Ramsar Convention, convened at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve in Singapore on 19-21 September. Representatives from Singapore and Indonesia Government, Australasian Wader Studies Group, Society for the Conservation of Philippines Wetland, and the Ramsar Secretariat as well as the EAAFP Secretariat participated in the meeting. During the first two days, the existing Communication Strategy 2007-2011 was reviewed and on the last day, the group has identified tasks at the three levels: flyway, national and site, and categorized the actions by tools/linkages/activities in achieving the strategy for 2012-2016. The recommendations from the CEPA WG were delivered to the Implementation strategy review group in order to be harmonized with the new implementation strategy. The new strategy on CEPA will be presented to the next Meeting of Partners, scheduled in March 2012, Indonesia. [09/11/11]
A warm welcome to a new Partner, New Zealand:
© 2011 Partnership for EAAF Press image for enlargement.
New Zealand is now officially a Partner (the 26th) of the East Asian – Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP) as from 18 September 2011. A letter of endorsement from the Chair, has been sent to the Hon Kate Wilkinson, Minister of Conservation, and Nicola Scott, Senior International Partner Liaison of Department of Conservation, has been appointed as the EAAFP contact point. Many Partners have sent supportive messages. Wetlands International anticipates that it would strengthen what could be achieved from the Partnership by an additional Ramsar Contracting Party joining a Partnership; Ramsar believes that New Zealand will have an important and constructive role in the Partnership over the coming years; and Miranda Naturalists' Trust strongly supports NZ joining the Partnership which would enable them to be even stronger in ensuring the migratory birds keep returning to New Zealand each year. New Zealand Government expressed its willingness to nominate other significant sites for migratory waterbirds in addition to the current two important migratory waterbird sites included in the Flyway Site Network, Farewell Spit and the Firth of Thames.[09/11/11]
First Chief Executive moves on:
The first Chief Executive of EAAFP, Roger Jaensch, finished in that role on 2 September 2011 and together with family members has moved back to his home country, Australia. Roger led the Secretariat from 2009 and oversaw its development to full operational capability including recruitment of staff and implementation of annual work plans set by the Partners. During his time as Chief, two Meetings of Partners (Songdo; Siem Reap) were completed and the number of Partners and breadth of Partnership activities increased. The Partnership wishes Roger the very best for his future and looks forward to successful recruitment of the next Chief Executive. [23/09/11]
New Flyway Network Site: ‘Yubu-do Tidal Flat’ in Seocheon County, Republic of Korea:
© 2011 Partnership for EAAF Press image for enlargement.
Based on the recommendation of the Secretariat and review panel, the ‘Yubu-do Tidal Flat’ in Seocheon County is now designated in the Flyway Site Network (FSN) as an internationally important habitat for migratory waterbirds on the East Asian-Australasia Flyway. Classified as intertidal flat and islands, it is located in the centre of the western coast in Korea, and is an important staging and non-breeding habitat for many migratory waterbirds such as Eurasian Oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus), Grey Plover (Pluvialis squatarola), Lesser Sand Plover (Charadrius mongolus), Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica), Eurasian Curlew (Numenius arquata), Far Eastern Curlew (Numenius madagascariensis) and Dunlin (Calidris alpina). It also regularly supports appreciable numbers of Critically Endangered Spoon-billed Sandpipers (Eurynorhynchus pygmeus). [01/09/11]
Partnership support to training for shorebird research:
Over three weeks in February-March 2011, two personnel of the Thailand Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation received technical training with support from the Flyway Partnership. Sunate Karapan and Thiti Sonsa participated in the North-West Australia Wader and Tern Expedition at Roebuck Bay and Eighty Mile Beach, which are internationally important sites for migratory waterbirds. This annual expedition, typically with international participants, was coordinated by the Australasian Wader Studies Group and trainees experienced cannon-netting, recording of bio-data and fitting of leg flags and geolocators. Sunate and Thiti were reassured about the efficiency and safety of procedures they have been using for similar research in Thailand and also learnt new techniques. The training was made possible by a small grant from EAAFP using a contribution to Partnership activities in 2010 by the Ministry of Environment, Republic of Korea. [29/07/11]
Tentative venue and date of the Sixth Meeting of Partners:
The Secretariat has received a letter from the Government of Indonesia confirming that it will host the Sixth Meeting of Partners of EAAFP. The Partnership is most grateful to Indonesia for its generous offer and looks forward to a successful and productive Meeting. The proposed location is the city of Palembang, South Sumatra. The date proposed by Indonesia, after consultation with the Secretariat and review of MoP5 decisions, is 19-23 March 2012. These details will be confirmed and formally announced by the Partnership Chair in due course. [29/07/11]
New Chair, Vice-Chair and Management Committee for the EAAFP:
The terms of the Republic of Korea as Partnership Chair and Japan as Vice-Chair concluded in June 2011 and these roles have been transferred to Cambodia (new Chair) and China (Vice-Chair) for a period of two years (24 months). H.E Dr. Yin Kim Sean, the Secretary of State of the Ministry of Environment (Vice Minister) of Cambodia will take up the Chair position and Dr. Srey Sunleang, Director of Department of Wetlands and Coastal Zones will be the contact point for communication.
The Membership of the Secretariat’s Management Committee has also changed in June 2011. Following the Terms of Reference for the Secretariat’s Management Committee adopted by Partners at MoP5, the members now are:
-
Cambodia (as Partnership Chair; new member)
-
China (as Vice-Chair; new)
-
Republic of Korea (as Host of Secretariat; ongoing)
-
Convention on Migratory Species (as an Inter-governmental Organization; ongoing)
-
International Crane Foundation (as an NGO Partner; ongoing)
-
BirdLife International (as an NGO Partner; new)
-
Indonesia (as an additional Government Partner; new member).
[29/07/11]
Update on development of the Flyway Site Network:
Over recent months, nominations for new Flyway Network Sites have been received from Bangladesh (5 sites) and Republic of Korea (1 site); the outcomes will be announced shortly. Meanwhile, the Chief Executive met with US Fish and Wildlife Service officers and scientists and developed a strategy for possible Network Site nominations in Alaska. He also met with the Australian Government and encouraged the States to put forward further nominations. The Communication and Information Officer and Publications Officer visited Thailand to support possible new site nominations at Kohk Kham and Bang pu. In Korea, Secretariat staff visited Seomando, a candidate Network site used by breeding Swinhoe’s Egret and Black-faced Spoonbill, and met local officials and discussed about nomination of the site. [29/07/11]
Secretariat contact with Partners in 2011:
In the first half of 2011, the Secretariat staff met face-to-face with many Partners to discuss potential Network site nominations and other EAAFP business. Discussion with potential Partners has also been undertaken. [29/07/11]
Krabi Estuary and Bay of the EAA Flyway Site Network in Thailand:
Krabi Estuary and Bay in Thailand © Donnapat Tamornsuwan
Krabi Estuary and Bay, located in Muang District, Krabi province on the southern part of Thailand, joined the EAA Flyway Site Network as a shorebird site on 9 November 2005. The site meets Network criteria for Lesser Sandplover (Charadrius mongolus), Nordmann’s Greenshank (Tringa guttifer), Greater Sandplover (Charadrius leschenaultii), Kentish Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus). It is one of important non-breeding sites and 25 species of shorebird have been recorded from this site. The site is covered with mangrove forest, mud flat, seagrass bed and villages. The intertidal mudflats extend up to two km offshore at low tide. A substantial amount of fresh water enters the system as run-off via the major rivers, especially during the wet season. The site has tourism and educational values. Since the area is near to the town, it is a suitable bird-watching site for student and interested people. This site has been managed by Krabi Provincial Administrative Organisation. EAAFP staff attended meetings and field trips to discuss potential Network sites with Thailand Government Partner and relevant organisations including Bird Conservation Society of Thailand and WWF-Thailand. Visiting Krabi site by the Secretariat staff encouraged Krabi site managers to develop public awareness activities regarding conservation of migratory waterbirds and their habitats in Krabi. It also provided the local staff a chance to make contact with the EAAFP focal point in the Thailand Government. The Secretariat and Thailand Government Partner is spurring to add new Flyway Network sites in Thailand. [29/07/11]
Transfer of two Mongolian sites to the Flyway Site Network confirmed:
On 10 June 2011 the Ministry of Nature, Environment and Tourism of Mongolia confirmed the transfer of two Mongolian sites to the Flyway Site Network: Ogii Nuur and Khurkh-Khuiten Valley. [29/07/11]
Partner contribution from Republic of Korea, 2011:
In addition to ongoing Secretariat hosting and operating costs (5 years) provided by Incheon City Government under the hosting MoU, the Ministry of Environment of Korea has recently contributed KRW 50 million (USD 47,000) to the Partnership for calendar year 2011. The Secretariat and Partnership are very grateful for this generous assistance.
All Partners are encouraged to contribute to the costs of operating the Partnership including the Secretariat. Also, Partners are reminded that support can be given to EAAFP in various ways, e.g. hosting of meetings and covering the costs of delegates to attend Partnership events. [20/07/11]
National mechanism for communication among Network sites launched in China:
Representatives with the Certificates at China Forum for Nature © Simba Chan
On 22-23 May 2011, a special China Forum for Nature was conducted at Beijing Forestry University in connection with World Biodiversity Day. The Forum was co-organised by the University, the China Wildlife Conservation Association and Future Generations China and was hosted by the University’s School of Nature Conservation. Speeches were made by Ms Yin Hong, bureau chief of the State Forestry Administration (SFA) which is the EAAFP focal point for China, and invited guests including the Chief Executive of the EAAFP Secretariat. Certificates of Participation were presented to representatives of China’s 19 Flyway Network sites. The occasion marked the launch of an arrangement whereby the School of Nature Conservation, under Professor Lei Guangchun, will support communication among China’s widespread Network sites and provide technical advice to SFA and the sites on waterbird conservation issues generally. With national partnerships or similar domestic-level networks for communication now developing in Japan, South Korea and China, the Partnership is making steady progress in North-east Asia on this important desired outcome of EAAFP. [27/05/11]
World Wetland Day 2011 event held at Woonkok Wetland, South Korea:
Woonkok Wetland in Gochang © Gochang County Office
EAAFP display site at World Wetland Day 2011 © 2011 Partnership for EAAF
To celebrate the new Ramsar site, Woonkok Wetland in Gochang County, South Korea, a World Wetland Day event was held at the Dolmen Museum in Gochang on 11 May 2011. The event was co-organised by the Ministry of Environment Korea (MoE) and Ministry of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs (MLTMA), and was hosted by Gochang County. Welcoming speeches were given by the Minister of Environment, Vice-Minister of MLTMA and the Mayor of Gochang County and a Ramsar Site Certificate was presented to a representative of Woonkok Wetland. The 200 participants included the Chief Executive and staff of the EAAFP Secretariat, government officials and local residents. In addtion, there was an EAAFP display to raise public awareness on conservation of migratory waterbirds and their habitats and a CEPA Workshop was conducted with support from MoE. As participants were mainly government officials, many of whom are associated with existing and potential Flyway Network sites in South Korea, it was great chance to create better understanding of the Network in South Korea. [27/05/11]
World Migratory Bird Day 2011, in Incheon, South Korea:
A child watching the Black-faced Spoonbill (Platalea minor) at Namdong Reservior, its breeding area © 2011 Partnership for EAAF
To mark World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD), the EAAFP Secretariat invited Incheon city officials with their children, totaling 80 people, to a Waterbird Watching & Education Program. The program was held on 5 May 2011 coinciding with a national holiday in Korea – Children’s Day. A half day program was designed to promote awareness of tidal flats in the region as an important habitat for migratory waterbirds and to stimulate public efforts to conserve them for the future. Incheon City includes significant areas important for migratory waterbirds such as Songdo, South part of Yeongjong Island, and South part of Ganghwa Island. After a welcoming speech by the Chief Executive, the Science Officer explained about waterbirds and threats along their journey, highlighting the theme “Land use changes from a bird’s-eye view”. After the lecture, the Science Officer and three invited bird guides from a University Bird Watching Club led the excursion. Participants visited Namdong Reservoir to observe nesting Black-faced Spoonbills and Yeongjong Island to observe shorebirds roosting during stopover (2-3 weeks) before their continued northward migration. The Science Officer showed a dead godwit that apparently had struck overhead electricity wires next to a roost – a sobering reminder of the many hazards to successful migration. The Partnership tries to encourage national and local governments to promote WMBD activities to raise public awareness of the importance of migratory waterbirds and protecting their habitats for future generations. [27/05/11]
Korean Network Site Managers’ Workshop, in Gunsan, South Korea:
Participants at the Korean Network Site Managers' workshop, April 2011 © 2011 Partnership for EAAF Press image for enlargement.
On 7-8 April 2011, the Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Korea hosted the second Korean Network Site Managers’ Workshop, in Gunsan City, to further develop a National Partnership to conserve migratory waterbirds and their habitats. The first Korean Network Site Managers’ Workshop was held in September 2010 and participants recommended to hold the workshop once or twice each year. At Gunsan, managers from ten existing Network Sites in South Korea and also from potential Network sites were invited. The Deputy Director and Science Officer gave presentations on East Asian – Australasian Flyway Partnership activities at the international level and emphasized the importance of work by site managers to conserve the sites at the local level. Presentations were delivered by participants on current and potential Network sites and their activities and on Avian Influenza. At the beginning of the workshop, a Certificate of Participation was presented to the Gunsan City Mayor by the Chief Executive of the EAAFP Secretariat for designation of Geum River Estuary as the 100th Flyway Network Site. Geum River Estuary is jointly managed by Gunsan City and Seocheon County. Please see the article below regarding the 100th Flyway Network Site for details. [27/05/11]
The 100th EAAF Network Site designated in Republic of Korea:
Geum River Estuary, located on the western coast of the Republic of Korea, was designated as the 100th Flyway Network Site on 1 December 2010. The site meets Network criteria for Anas platyrhynchos (Mallard), Anas formosa (Baikal Teal), Anser albifrons (Greater White-fronted Goose) and Anser fabalis serrirostris (Tundra Bean Goose). In winter it regularly accommodates more than 200,000 Baikal Teal which constitutes above 40% of the whole population and so it is one of the species’ most important non-breeding sites. It is jointly managed by Gunsan City and Seocheon County. A Certificate of Participation was presented to Seocheon County in December 2010 and a presentation to Gunsan City will be made in the near future. A Google Earth link to the site is accessible on the Partnership website at this link. [09/03/11]
Mongolia becomes the 25th Partner:
Mongolia is officially a Partner (the 25th) of the East Asian – Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP) as from 17 January 2011. Mongolia’s extensive territory includes many wetlands (lakes, floodplain wetlands, marshes) that are important for migration and/or breeding by waterbirds including cranes, Anatidae and shorebirds. Several have been assigned a special status and Mongolia has begun considering which of its wetlands should be designated to the Flyway Site Network. Mongolia joining the Partnership will help to conserve important areas for migratory waterbirds at the international level as well as at the national level. The Partnership encourages all government officials, researchers, national and international NGOs and intergovernmental organizations working to promote conservation of migratory waterbirds and their habitats in Mongolia. [19/01/11]
Volunteers from universities in Incheon will translate E-Newsletter of the EAAF Partnership into Korean:
A Korean version of the EAAFP E-newsletter will be translated by volunteers who are Korean undergraduate students in Incheon. Free of cost, these volunteers are willing to assist dissemination of the Partnership news in Korea using their translation skills. This contribution is greatly appreciated by the Partnership. The first Korean version of the EAAFP E-newsletter will be circulated in January 2011 to relevant domestic organizations and individuals that have been in contact with the Secretariat. It is hoped that local people may become more aware of migratory waterbirds and their habitats in Korea through distribution of the Korean version of the E-Newsletter of the EAAFP. Other Partner countries could make similar arrangements for translation of the e-newsletter into their national language. [05/01/11]
Transfer of Russian and DPRK sites to the Flyway Site Network now confirmed:
During the Fifth Meeting of Partners (MoP5) of the Flyway Partnership, the formal transfer of ten Russian network sites to the present Flyway Site Network from the old (Crane, Anatidae) networks was advised in a letter from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. In July 2010, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) advised in a letter from the Ministry of Land and Environment Protection, that it agreed to transfer its two existing network sites to the EAAFP Flyway Site Network. [22/12/10]
Fifth Meeting of Partners (MoP5) of the Flyway Partnership held in Siem Reap Province in Cambodia:
On 6-8 December 2010, the Fifth Meeting of Partners (MoP5) of the East Asian - Australasian Flyway Partnership was held in Siem Reap, Cambodia, with 60 international and 20 domestic participants. Senior Minister and Minister for Environment of Cambodia, H.E. Dr. Mok Mareth, welcomed the participants to the meeting. Meetings of existing Working Groups including Anatidae, Crane, Seabird, Shorebird occurred and a new Working Group on Communication, Education, Participation and Public Awareness was established. Task Forces on two focal regions – the Yellow Sea and the Amur-Heilong Basin – were established for further collaborative actions under the Partnership. Also, a Task Force to review the 2007-11 Implementation Strategy and draft a new version for the next term began its work. During the side event sessions, further discussions of the Spoon-billed Sandpiper, Scaly-sided Merganser and Colour Marking Task Forces took place. In adopting a proposal from the Monitoring Task Force, the Partners agreed to conduct a baseline assessment of the status of all Flyway Network Sites in 2011, using the BirdLife monitoring framework. Decisions made throughout the meeting gave direction to the Partnership, especially the Secretariat’s work plan, for 2011 and have given added momentum to the Partnership’s efforts on conserving migratory waterbirds and their habitats in the Flyway. Cambodia generously hosted two memorable field trips after MoP5: to the Prek Toal waterbird breeding colonies on lake Tonle Sap and to Angkor Wat. The Partnership is very grateful to Cambodia for its superb hosting of MoP5 and associated events. [22/12/10]
EAAFP Side Event at CBD meeting in Nagoya, Japan:
On 21 October 2010, during the 10th Conference of Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity, a side event “Responding to the biodiversity challenge of the East Asian - Australasian Flyway (EAAF)” was hosted by the Ministry of the Environment Japan and attended by more than 100 participants. To promote greater understanding of the EAAF Partnership, presentations were delivered on global and regional flyways, waterbird migration, the history and activities of the Partnership and Flyway Site Network activities in Japan. The significant challenges faced in conserving migratory waterbirds and their habitats in this flyway were strikingly illustrated by a set of six banner-posters featuring threatened waterbird species and actions underway to secure their populations. Wetlands International’s new publication, ‘State of the World’s Waterbirds 2010’ was officially launched. [03/11/10]
A new site for the EAA Flyway Site Network: ‘Furen-ko and Shunkuni-tai’, in Japan:
Furen-ko and Shunkuni-tai site in Japan joined the EAA Flyway Site Network as its 99th site on 4 October 2010. The site is located in the eastern part of Hokkaido, Japan near Nemuro City, and the total area of the site is 6,139 ha. Furen-ko is a brackish lake flowing into Nemuro Bay, and tidal flats, salt marshes and Zostera seagrass beds have developed in the lake while Shunkuni-tai is a sandbar formed between Furen-ko and Nemuro Bay. The site meets Network criteria for eight Anatidae species and three shorebird species and supports a non-migratory population (some breeding) of the globally threatened Red-crowned Crane Grus japonensis. Spoon-billed sandpiper Eurynorhynchus pygmeus, classed as Critically Endangered (CR) in the IUCN Red List, occasionally inhabits this site. The site is an important staging area in spring and autumn for many migratory waterbirds including shorebirds, ducks, swans and geese. This site is also a Ramsar site (no. 1542, 2005). A Google Earth link to the site is accessible on the Partnership website at here. [27/10/10]
Partners welcome Thailand aboard the Partnership
Thailand became a Partner (24th) of the East Asian – Australasian Flyway Partnership as from 14 October 2010. The Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning has been designated as Thailand’s focal point for the Partnership. Thailand has many important coastal wetlands used by migratory waterbirds and is active in conservation initiatives. Thailand has been active in the formation meetings for the Flyway Partnership and in each of the Meetings of Partners. Partners are very much looking forward to collaborating with Thailand to conserve migratory waterbirds and their habitats along the flyway.[27/10/10]
EAAFP Side Event at CBD meeting in Nagoya, Japan:
The tenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties (CoP10) of Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) will be held in Nagoya, Japan, from 18 to 29 October 2010. Hosted by the Ministry of the Environment Japan, an EAAFP Side Event will be held on 21 October at 13:15 - 14:45. It is to promote better understanding of the East Asian – Australasian Flyway Partnership and demonstrate the significant challenges faced in conserving migratory waterbirds and their habitats in the region. Also, the new publication "State of the World's Waterbirds" will be launched by Wetlands International. You can check from the CBD COP10 Side Event Page. Partners are encouraged to promote conserving migratory waterbirds and their habitats during the meeting. [15/10/10]
The People’s Republic of Bangladesh becomes the 23rd Partner
The People’s Republic of Bangladesh is officially a Partner (the 23rd) of the East Asian – Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP) as from 6 August 2010. It is very significant that the People’s Republic of Bangladesh has joined the Partnership because the country includes many important wetlands for waterbirds of the East Asian – Australasian Flyway and supports populations of threatened species endemic to the Flyway. Bangladesh is especially important as non-breeding habitat for some of our Flyway's threatened shorebirds, notably Spoon-billed Sandpiper and Nordmann's Greenshank, and supports large numbers of Lesser Sand Plover. Bangladesh has extensive inland, freshwater habitats for waterbirds as well as intertidal habitats such as around the Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta. [18/08/10]
Welcoming a new Partner, Miranda Naturalists' Trust
Miranda Naturalists' Trust (MNT) became the 22nd Partner of the East Asian - Australasian Flyway (EAAF) Partnership as from 27 June 2010. MNT has been established since 1975 and in that time has worked with migratory shorebirds, particularly on the adjacent Ramsar site in the Firth of Thames in the North Island of New Zealand. The Firth of Thames is also included in the EAAF Flyway Site Network. The Trust is active in promoting education and public awareness regarding shorebird migration and conservation. MNT has also been actively involved in international collaboration especially undertaking shorebird counts and training of reserve staff at the Yalu Jiang National Nature Reserve in China each year since 2004 and MNT and the Dangdong Environment Protection Agency have signed a sister site agreement. Furthermore, MNT undertook the first shorebird survey in the Mundok Wetland Reserve in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea in 2009. [14/07/10]
Secretariat Activity of World Migratory Bird Day, 7 May 2010
To mark the World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD), the EAAFP Secretariat invited eighty students and their parents from Haesong Elementary School in Songdo on 7 May 2010 to the Waterbird Watching & Education Program. Lectures were given by Deputy Director and Science Officer to explain about waterbirds and their flyways as well as the Partnership to kick off the program. After the lectures, we went out to Yongjong Island and Namdong Reservoir and observed the migratory waterbirds. Children and parents were very fascinated by watching waterbirds and their habitats with telescopes and expressed their willingness to participate in these kinds of activities learning with the nature. The EAAFP Secretariat aimed to promote national and local governments to promote these kinds of activities to raise public awareness regarding the importance of the waterbirds and their habitats for WMBD. [19/05/10]
Boosted up for Yellow Sea Ecoregion collaboration
Participants at the Yellow Sea Ecoregion collaboration workshop, April 2010. © 2010 Partnership for EAAF. Press image for enlargement.
On 27-28 April 2010, over fifty National Nature Reserve (NNR) managers and administrators from China’s central and local governments convened at Yalu Jiang NNR in Donggang, Dandong. Ten people from overseas (Wetlands International, Miranda Naturalists’ Trust, EAAF Partnership and Republic of Korea’s Local Government officials) also attended the meeting. The workshop was organized by Wetlands International – China and Oceania, with funding from the Australian Government, to increase communication within the network of key sites around the Yellow Sea. The EAAF Partnership was represented by the Communication & Information Officer. On the first day of the workshop participants reaffirmed the importance of each site for migratory waterbirds and sought further mechanisms and activities to strengthen the conservation of migratory waterbirds and their habitats. On the second day, workshop attendees participated in the Yalu Jiang Bird Fair. After the meeting, delegates from Miranda Naturalists’ Trust visited the EAAFP Secretariat and experienced watching migratory waterbirds in Incheon, South Korea and anticipated to join the Partnership in the near future. After the meeting, delegates from Miranda Naturalists’ Trust (MNT) visited the EAAFP Secretariat and experienced watching migratory waterbirds in Incheon, Republic of Korea. [12/05/10] See the full story from Doug
Improved conservation prospects for Scaly-sided Merganser
On 28-30 April 2010, over 20 researchers and administrators met in Vladivostok, in the Russian Far East, to develop an action plan for the Scaly-sided Merganser Mergus squamatus – a globally threatened diving duck. The workshop was coordinated by the Russian hosts and involved participants from the species’ main range states (Russian Federation, People’s Republic of China, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, and Republic of Korea) and other experts and supporters. The EAAF Partnership was represented by the Chief Executive and the Science Officer. Analysis of threats revealed encouraging prospects for addressing major threats (hunting, drowning in nets) on the breeding grounds; threats on the main wintering grounds (pollution, dams) are, however, operating at landscape scales and may be more challenging to reduce. Following compilation and a review process, the draft action plan will be presented by the project leader (Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, on behalf of the planning team) to the Fifth Meeting of EAAFP Partners, for formal endorsement. [04/05/10]
Fifth Meeting of Partners (MOP5) of the East Asian - Australasian Flyway Partnership at Siem Reap Province in Cambodia
The Chair of the EAAF Partnership has officially accepted the offer from Cambodia to host the 5th Meeting of Partners in the week of 6-10 December 2010 at Siem Reap Province in Cambodia. While the details of arrangements are yet to be negotiated between Cambodia and the EAAFP Secretariat, it is likely that these dates will include the main meeting (2 days, possibly 7-8 December, to be confirmed), a field trip, and side events before and/or after the main meeting (possibly including meetings of the Management Committee, Working Groups and special task forces.) [14/04/10]
Fourth Meeting of Partners (MOP4) of the East Asian - Australasian Flyway Partnership in Songdo
The Fourth Meeting of Partners (MOP4) of the East Asian - Australasian Flyway Partnership was held in Songdo, Republic of Korea, 23-24 February 2010. Seventy-four delegates including Partners and Potential Partners from eleven governments, two intergovernmental organizations, six international NGOs and several Korean provincial governments and NGOs participated in the meeting. A full Report (Minutes) of the Meeting including discussions, actions and other decisions agreed by the Partners will be circulated to all Partners and MoP4 participants as soon as possible. [02/03/10]
Welcoming a new Partner, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT)
Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT) became the 21st Partner of the East Asian - Australasian Flyway Partnership on 23 Feb 2010 which coincided with the opening day of the 4th Meeting of Partners. Partners warmly welcomed Dr. Baz Hughes who represented WWT at MOP4. [02/03/10]
New Flyway Network Site in Japan
The latest addition to the network of important sites for migratory waterbirds (the Flyway Site Network), Kejo-numa in Japan, was celebrated at a ceremony in Osaki City, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan on 14 February 2010. Kejo-numa is Japan’s 28th Network site and comprises a system of water storage wetland and rice paddy fields. It meets Network criteria for five Anatidae species, with high numbers of wintering White-fronted Goose and Thick-billed Bean Goose and it supports threatened waterbird species. Local community groups are actively involved in the conservation and management of Kejo-numa and nearby important sites. [18/02/10]
Fourth Meeting of Partners
The Fourth Meeting of Partners of the East Asian – Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP) is scheduled for Tuesday 23 February and Wednesday 24 February 2010. The meeting will be held in Songdo, Incheon City, Republic of Korea and arrangements will be handled by the EAAFP Secretariat team. [14/01/10]
The new Chairman of the East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership has now been appointed.
Congratulations to Dr JEONG Yeon-Man, Director-General, Nature Conservation Bureau, Ministry of Environment, Republic of Korea on his appointment as Chairman of the East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership. [October 2009]
One of the first roles of the EAAF Partnership Chairman has been the appointment of the Chief Executive of the Secretariat.
The position of Chief Executive of the EAAF Partnership Secretariat was appointed on 19 October 2009 by the EAAF Partnership Chairman, Dr Jeong.
Mr Roger Jaensch, formerly with Wetlands International – Oceania, will formally take office on 1 November 2009, at the Partnership Secretariat office in Incheon, Republic of Korea. [19/10/09]
MoP4
The Chairman of the EAAF Partnership has suggested that the next MoP (scheduled for late November or early December) should be held in the new year to allow for the newly appointed office bearers to settle in their new roles and prepare for the next MoP. [19/10/09]
New Secretariat arrangements and call for Chair nominations
The Chairman of the East Asian-Australasian Partnership, on behalf of the Partners, accepted a generous offer by the Republic of Korea to take over the hosting of the Partnership Secretariat from the interim Secretariat in Australia.
In order to effect a smooth transition of the Secretariat from Australia to the Republic of Korea a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is to be developed by the Partnership Management Committee and endorsed by all Partners by about mid March 2009. This is to enable the Republic of Korea sufficient time to appoint an Executive Secretary and other necessary staff prior to 1 July 2009, the proposed date at which the new Secretariat will be fully effective.
The current Chairman has called nominations for a new Chair and Vice Chair of the Partnership in line with an agreement at the third Meeting of Partners in November 2008. Nominations should be sent to Vicki Cronan - vicki.cronan@environment.gov.au - by 13 February, so that the new Chairs can be preferably appointed by the time the Secretariat MOU is agreed.
Documents from Third Meeting of Partners released
Two English language documents developed at the recent Third Meeting of Partners in the Republic of South Korea.
New EAAF Partnership Secretariat
In early May the Partnership Chair (Australian Government) accepted the offer by Wetlands International - Oceania to host the Secretariat for the Flyway Partnership until the 3rd meeting of Partners. Wetlands International - Oceania has contracted Ms Maki Koyama to be the Secretariat working under the guidance of the Partnership Chair.
Ms Koyama has been involved in a number of activities relevant to the position. She was involved in organizing a meeting to develop the EAAF Partnership in 2004 at Seosan, Korea. She has also been involved in various CITES meetings in the 1990s either as a staff member of the CITES Secretariat or part of the delegation of the Japanese Government.
In the lead up to the next Meeting of Partners Ms Koyama will be in communication with Partners and assist in facilitating the work of people involved in this Flyway Partnership leading up to the next MoP.
Seabird Working Group Chairman retires
The USA representative to the EAAF Partnership, Dr Kent Wohl has retired from US Fish & Wildlife Service. A replacement representative to the partnership has yet to be appointed.
In retiring as a participant in the EAAF Partnership a replacement for the Chairmanship of the Seabird Working Group will also need to be appointed.
Lew Young to take up Ramsar appointment
Dr Lew Young is the newly appointed Senior Advisor for Asia-Oceania at the Ramsar Convention Secretariat. Many people will know Dr Young from his work at the WWF Sir Peter Scott Education Centre at Mai Po and from his many years of chairing the Shorebird Working Group. He will continue working closely with us but from different perspective.
Although he is likely to be very busy travelling we hope he will still have time to enjoy life in Switzerland and local delicacies, such as fondue and fillets de perch!
Development project concept materials
The Australian Government called for proposals to develop project concept materials for the Flyway Partnership. Wetlands International - China Office was appointed to coordinate. Peter Novak from WI-China is contacting interested Parties to assist with ideas. Please support Peter in this new and exciting venture!
Partnership Website
Avifauna Research & Services in Australia (ARS) were awarded the contract to design and establish a website for the EAAF Partnership. ARS will also maintain the website in association with the Secretariat until the end of 2008.
Part of the website is a news page 'What's new' interesting news associated with the Partnership activities are welcome. Please send stories or reports to