• Sister Site Learning Exchange Programme: Incheon – Hong Kong

    From January 8 to 11, the East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP) had the privileged opportunity to join a local delegation visiting Hong Kong…


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  • Republic of Korea: Yeongjong Tidal Flat Bird Monitoring Reveals High Conservation Value

    The comprehensive bird monitoring conducted at Yeongjong Tidal Flat in Incheon, Ro Korea, in 2022, led by a team of dedicated citizen scientists and local NGOs (Green Korea Incheon and Waterbird Network Korea) has yielded scientific insights into the ecological significance of this habitat. The survey findings provide substantial evidence supporting the potential listing of Yeongjong Tidal Flat as a World Natural Heritage site proved to be a globally significant habitat for endangered bird species. © Yeongjong Tidal Flat Monitoring Team Over 16 surveys spanning April to November 2022, the team investigated the population dynamics and migratory patterns of seven endangered bird species. The survey locations included Yaedanpo Port, Midan City, Songsan Reservoir, Hongdae Salt Field, and Incheon Bridge. © Yeongjong Tidal Flat Monitoring Team The observations revealed a total count of 14,518 individuals across the seven targeted species. The birds exhibited dynamic site selection, utilizing survey points as strategic feeding and resting sites aligned with tidal patterns. Notably, during high tides, the Songsan Reservoir and dormant Hongdae Salt Field emerged as significant resting sites. © Yeongjong Tidal Flat Monitoring Team Of particular importance is the presence of the Far Eastern Curlew, a migratory bird covering vast distances between Siberia and Southeast Australasia. Yeongjong Tidal Flat was found to host approximately 18% of the estimated global population (35,000 individuals) of this species, according to Wetland International. Far Eastern Curlews (left) and Black-faced Spoonbills (right) © Yeongjong Tidal Flat Monitoring Team Furthermore, Yeongjong Tidal Flat supports approximately 10% of the maximum breeding population of the Black-faced Spoonbill, which over 80% of its global population breeds in Incheon. Eurasian Oystercatcher (left) and its eggs (right) © Yeongjong Tidal Flat Monitoring Team The Eurasian Oystercatchers, predominantly nesting near the First Dredge Dumping Grounds, also exhibited substantial breeding activity, though some nests faced challenges with egg disappearance or damage. The presence of campers utilizing interior spaces of the First Dredge Dumping Grounds during the breeding season poses an additional threat to the successful reproduction of Eurasian Oystercatchers. © Yeongjong Tidal Flat Monitoring Team Situated within the East Asian-Australasian Flyway (EAAF), Yeongjong Tidal Flat serves as a vital resting and feeding ground for internationally protected bird species. Consequently, urgent conservation efforts are necessary to secure its inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage list during the 48th session of the committee in 2026. The designation of Yeongjong Tidal Flat as a protected wetland area and recognition as a World Natural Heritage site would ensure the preservation of its ecological significance. © Yeongjong Tidal Flat Monitoring Team In addition to birds recorded, the team also found the Milky Fiddler Crab at the site which is a Nationally Endangered Species (Category II). Milky Fiddler Crab © Ju Hyeok Lee/EAAFP Secretariat The recent inauguration ceremony for the second batch of the Yeongjong Tidal Flat Bird Monitoring Team signifies ongoing efforts in monitoring avian populations within this unique ecosystem. A conference focused on Yeongjong Tidal Flat conservation, based on the survey results, is planned for the end of the year, facilitating collaboration among stakeholders. © Yeongjong Tidal Flat Monitoring Team The results of the Yeongjong Tidal Flat bird monitoring project provide scientific evidence of its high conservation value. Listing Yeongjong Tidal Flat as a World Natural Heritage site would ensure appropriate protection and conservation measures for the endangered bird species that rely on this habitat. The dedication of the monitoring team, citizen scientists, and stakeholders involved in preserving Yeongjong Tidal Flat will play a pivotal role in securing a sustainable future for this important ecosystem and its avian inhabitants. Read the report (in Korean) here. Article prepared by Yeongjong Tidal Flat Monitoring Team.          


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  • Happy Birthday Black-faced Spoonbill: A Celebration of Conservation with local community

    Group photo of BFS Birthday Party Participants ©️ EAAFP Secretariat The Black-faced Spoonbill Birthday Party held on 20th May at the Black-faced Spoonbill (BFS) Eco Center at Namdong Reservoir, Incheon, Ro Korea, was a vibrant and joyful event that brought together families, artists, musicians, and civil society groups dedicated to protecting this endangered species. This event was hosted by Incheon Metropolitan City and Incheon Metropolitan City Office of Education, and BFS Eco Center, BFS NGO Network. The primary aim of the party was to raise awareness of the community and foster a sense of ownership towards the Black-faced Spoonbill (BFS) population breeding on the reservoir's artificial islands, particularly celebrating the birth of new chicks. Black-faced Spoonbill drawing by children ©️ EAAFP Secretariat The event successfully combined art, music, and interactive activities to promote BFS conservation. Families and children filled the venue, engaging in various BFS-themed booths and workshops. Some young artists created stunning drawings of the Black-faced Spoonbill, while others made BFS prints using paint and wood blocks. Sustainability was at the core of the event, with all materials being recycled or encouraged to be biodegradable. EAAFP Booth at BFS Birthday Party ©️ EAAFP Secretariat EAAFP Secretariat explained how to play Lolo’s Flying Journey game to children ©️ EAAFP Secretariat Children wrote the answer for questions at the BFS checkpoint ©️ EAAFP Secretariat   The East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP) played its part in the celebration by organizing an engaging booth. The main activity was a modified version of the game "Lolo's Flying Journey," where children “experienced” BFS migration route with 5 checkpoints. At each checkpoint, they answered questions about the BFS, including its characteristics, environment, behavior, and the challenges they face. Upon completing the journey, participants received prizes of their choice at the EAAFP booth. The staff at the booth also disseminated brochures, stickers, and posters, offering an educational platform for visitors to learn about the BFS as well as other migratory birds. The BFS flower birthday cake made by children ©️ BFS & Friends Having games at the BFS Birthday Party ©️ BFS & Friends To foster a deeper connection with the species, attendees made flower cakes using clay and fresh flowers as presents for the BFS. They also wore hats featuring tidal flat species, made necklaces and key rings from marine trash, and enjoyed taking polaroid pictures with the Black-faced Spoonbill mascot at the photo booth. Additionally, scopes were set up to provide the public with an opportunity to observe the BFS and their new chicks up close. Ms. Ahn Yeounhee, Deputy Chief Executive of EAAFP giving remarks at the closing ceremony of BFS Birthday Party ©️ EAAFP Secretariat As the joyful day came to an end, participants gathered to sing songs about the Black-faced Spoonbill, including a heartfelt rendition of Happy Birthday. The event succeeded not only in celebrating the milestone of another successful year of the BFS breeding at Spoonbill Island, Namdong Reservoir but also in promoting a sense of community ownership and the importance of collective actions to protect this endangered species. Through art, music, and interactive activities, the Black-faced Spoonbill Birthday Party left a lasting impact, inspiring attendees to continue their efforts in conserving this magnificent bird and its habitat as a vital part of Korean natural heritage. (Korean Version) 저어새야 생일 축하해: 지역사회와 함께하는 보전 활동 저어새 생일잔치 단체사진 ©️EAAFP사무국 5월 20일 인천 남동유수지의 저어새 생태학습관에서 열린 저어새 생일잔치는 가족, 예술가, 음악가, 시민사회단체들이 멸종위기종 보호에 헌신한 활기차고 즐거운 행사였다. 이 행사는 인천광역시와 인천광역시교육청, 그리고 저어새 NGO 네트워크인 저어새 생태학습관이 주최했다. 이 행사의 주요 목적은 지역 사회의 저어새 보전에 대한 인식을 높이고 남동유수지의 인공 섬에서 번식하는 저어새 개체에 대한 의식, 특히 새끼 저어새의 탄생을 축하하는 것이었다. ​ 저어새 생일잔치 홍보 포스터 ©️저어새 생태학습관 행사에 참여한 어린이들의 저어새 그림 ©️EAAFP사무국 이 행사는 저어새 보전을 촉진하기 위해 예술, 음악, 그리고 인터랙티브한 활동들을 성공적으로 결합시켰다. 참가 가족들과 어린이들이 다양한 저어새 테마 부스와 워크숍에 참여하며 행사장을 가득 채웠다. 어린이들은 저어새 그림을 그리기도 하고, 페인트와 나무 블록을 사용하여 저어새를 만들기도 하였다. 모든 재료가 재활용되거나 생분해가 가능하는 등 지속 가능성이 핵심이 되는 행사였다. ​ 저어새 생일잔치에 설치된 EAAFP 부스 ©️EAAFP사무국 EAAFP 부스에서 진행한 저어새 롤로의 하늘을 나는 여행 게임에 참여하고 있는 참가자들의 모습 ©️EAAFP사무국 동아시아-대양주 철새이동경로 파트너십(EAAFP)은 참여 부스를 마련하여 인식증진 활동에 박차를 가했다. 주요 활동은 게임 "저어새 롤로의 하늘을 나는 여행"의 수정된 버전으로, 어린이들이 5개 체크포인트의 저어새 이동 경로를 체험했다. 어린이들은 각 체크포인트에서, 저어새의 특징, 환경, 행동, 그리고 저어새가 직면한 위험요소를 포함한 질문에 답했다. 여행을 마친 후, 참가자들은 EAAFP 부스에서 상품을 받았다. EAAFP사무국의 직원들은 브로셔, 스티커, 포스터를 상품과 함께 배포하여 방문객들이 저어새와 다른 철새들에 대해 배울 수 있는 교육 플랫폼을 제공했다. ​ 어린이들이 꽃으로 제작한 저어새 생일 축하 케이크 ©️EAAFP사무국 저어새 관련 게임을 진행하는 모습 ©️저어새와 친구들 참가자들은 진흙과 꽃을 사용하여 저어새 생일을 축하하기 위한 꽃 케이크를 만들었다. 또한 이번 행사에서는 갯벌에 사는 생물종들을 형상화한 모자를 쓰고, 해양 쓰레기로 목걸이와 열쇠 고리를 만들었고, 사진 부스에서 저어새 마스코트와 함께 폴라로이드 사진을 찍는 등 다양한 체험활동이 진행되었다. 그 밖에도 스코프를 설치하여 저어새와 새로 태어난 새끼들을 가까이서 관찰할 수 있는 기회를 제공하였다. ​ 행사 폐회식에서의 안연희 EAAFP 사무국장의 모습 ©️저어새와 친구들 참가자들은 생일 축하 노래를 포함하여 저어새에 대한 노래를 불렀다. 이번 행사는 남동 저수지의 저어새 섬에서 저어새 번식의 성공적인 한 해를 기념하는 것뿐만 아니라, 공동체 의식과 멸종위기종을 보호하기 위한 집단 행동의 중요성을 홍보하는 데 성공했다. 예술, 음악, 그리고 인터랙티브한 활동들을 통해, 저어새 생일잔치는 지속적인 영향을 남겼고, 참가자들이 대한민국 자연 유산의 필수적인 부분으로서 저어새와 서식지를 보전하기 위한 노력을 지속할 수 있는 영감을 주었다.


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  • The 3rd Incheon-Hong Kong International East Asian-Australasian Black-faced Spoonbill Conservation Cooperation Forum

    11th 13:30 to 13th January 2023 (KST) *Note: The forum will ONLY be open to registered participants As one of the events under the…


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  • Updates of HPAI recorded in East Asian – Australasian Flyway

    Since November 2021, a series of unprecedent outbreaks of HPAI (Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza) occurred in western Eurasia and depleted significant percentages of waterbirds and seabird populations: Barnacle Goose in Scotland, Eurasian Crane in Israel, Dalmatian Pelican in southeastern Balkans and seabirds along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. However, no significant incidents were reported from the East Asian-Australasian Flyway except die-offs of several hundred seabirds, such as Tufted Puffins and Rhinoceros Auklets, recorded around the waters of Kunashir Islands in southern Kuril in August 2022, which no official evidence of an HPAI outbreak was indicated by the time of writing. Yet, outbreaks of HPAI was recorded in cranes and other migratory waterbirds in the EAA Flyway in recent two months. Hooded Cranes in Suncheon Bay © Suncheon City On 1 November 2022, a Hooded Crane was found dead at Izumi, Japan and about one week later it was confirmed to be HPAI positive. Numbers of dead birds escalated since, reaching a daily peak of 74 dead Hooded Cranes collected on 17 November. Dead White-naped Cranes were recorded starting on 14 November. The number of daily totals of dead cranes decreased to less than 15 carcasses found from 8 December. As of 23 December 2022, the total number of carcasses of Hooded Cranes collected at Izumi were at least 1,097 and White-naped Crane at least 47. Three Hooded Crane carcasses testing positive of HPAI were collected from Kyushu: 2 from Isahaya and 1 from Akune (Information from the website of Ministry of the Environment Japan, link). Movements of cranes departing from Izumi, Japan were observed from late November. At the same time, there was a surge in the number of Hooded Cranes wintering at Suncheon, Ro Korea. It was speculated some cranes moved from Izumi to wintering sites in Ro Korea. This was proven by Hooded Cranes tracked by Dr Li Xianda in China (from Izumi, Japan to Chonsu Bay, Ro Korea in late November 2022). However, such movement is not irregular as Dr Li’s tagged Hooded Cranes were also recorded travelling between wintering sites in Japan and Ro Korea in 2020 and 2021 (Per. comm. from Li Xianda to Simba Chan). The number of Hooded Cranes at Suncheon reached a peak of several thousand birds in late November but started to decrease to about 3,500 birds in early December. It is believed cranes moved to Chonsu Bay and Galsa Bay, other wintering sites of Hooded Cranes in Ro Korea. The first dead Hooded Crane was found at Suncheon on 13 November. As of 12 December, 158 dead Hooded Cranes and one dead White-naped Crane were found in Ro Korea. On 20 November one sick Red-crowned Crane was captured in Kushiro, Japan and it was tested HPAI positive one week later. However, this should be seen as an independent case of HPAI from the wintering grounds in western Japan. In response to the HPAI outbreak, the Crane Working Group of the EAAFP held an emergency zoom meeting on 12 December and a proposal for reactions to the HPAI in the EAAF region was submitted to the EAAFP Secretariat. The Crane Working Group also sent warnings to other crane wintering sites. So far no abnormal crane deaths has been reported from China and the wintering sites were advised not to artificially feed cranes to avoid concentrations of cranes and other wintering birds. The Crane Working Group has also contacted crane researchers in Israel on possible links between the present incident and the HPAI outbreak at Hula Valley in December 2021, in which about 8,000 Eurasian Cranes died. Advice from Israeli colleagues was to remove crane carcasses especially those in water as quickly as possible and also avoid artificial feeding that would result in concentration of birds. In late November to early December, 34 dead Oriental Storks were found near Tianjin, at the coast of Bohai, China. Poisoning from poachers and HPAI have been ruled out and the cause of death is still under investigation. On 24 November and 12 December, dead Black-faced Spoonbills were found at Mai Po Nature Reserve and Hong Kong Wetland Park in Hong Kong S.A.R. respectively, were confirmed to be HPAI positive. On 9 December another dead Black-faced Spoonbill collected at Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan was also found to be HPAI positive. It is speculated more birds may have died during migration but were not found or reported. At the time when this news release was written, catastrophic HPAI outbreaks are occurring in Latin America, particularly along the coast of Peru where more than 20,000 dead seabirds (majority Peruvian Pelicans) recorded. The massive outbreaks of HPAI that started in western Eurasia in late 2021 are now being recorded in the East Asian Australasian Flyway. The Crane Working Group contacted other species working groups and task forces and almost all agreed on actions that should be taken as soon as possible. While we proposed strategies to be discussed at meetings in 2023, we also urge managers and local stakeholders at important waterbird/seabird sites to take precautions as suggested below, and countries along the flyway should keep in close communication on new cases of outbreaks. Recommendation to important waterbird/seabird sites: Have at least one staff member in charge of biosecurity. Have a contingency plan following the guidance of national authorities in case of outbreak of avian influenza and other avian diseases. Ideally the plan will be rehearsed every year before migratory seasons so staff and volunteers of the site understand all procedures and their roles in case of emergency. Have a contact list of agencies and institutions that can provide support during an outbreak. Have regular monitoring and surveillance on wild birds, particularly when outbreaks are reported along the flyway. In case sick and/or dead birds are found, try to collect them without causing disturbance to other birds. Although the risk of HPAI transmitting to human is low, personal protective equipment has to be used when handling sick or dead birds and the methods of collection and handling should follow national guidelines. Photographing the dead bird for records and to identify the species and gender. Useful references: 2007. Wild Birds and Avian Influenza: an introduction to applied field research and disease sampling techniques. Edited by D. Whitworth, S.H. Newman, T. Mundkur and P. Harris. FAO Animal Production and Health Manual, No. 5. Rome. (download from here) CMS Scientific Task Force on Avian Influenza and Wild Birds Issues Recommendations (2022) (visit the webpage here). Hacen Mohamed El-Hacen. 2022. Workshop report: Development and consequences of the recent bird flu outbreak among Sandwich terns in the Wadden Sea and adjacent areas (download from here) Scientific Task Force on Avian Influenza and Wild Birds statement on: H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in poultry and wild birds: Winter of 2021/2022 with focus on mass mortality of wild birds in UK and Israel (2022) (download from here) Wildlife Health Australia (2021) The sixth issue Wild Bird News June 2021 - National Avian Influenza Wild Bird Surveillance Newsletter (download from here) More references and useful links are available on webpage of Avian Influenza Working Group (link), News links:  Ministry of the Environment, Japan: 高病原性鳥インフルエンザに関する情報 | 自然環境・生物多様性 | 環境省 (env.go.jp) News about dead seabirds washed to Kunashir Islands in southern Kuril (available on 12 August, 2022, visit the webpage here) Article prepared by Crane Working Group.


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  • “Black-faced Spoonbills Connecting Children to the Future of Wetlands Project” by Team SPOON

    Team SPOON, a youth group to protect the Endangered Black-faced Spoonbill and create a peaceful society by…


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  • 2022 Black-faced Spoonbill Birthday Party in Namdong Reservoir, Ro Korea

    ©EAAFP Secretariat In recent years, Black-faced Spoonbill (BFS) have come back to breed on the small artificial islets in Namdong Reservoir, Incheon, Ro Korea, thus becoming a flagship species for Incheon. To raise awareness to the general public about migratory waterbirds, especially the key species Black-faced Spoonbill, on 21st May 2022, the Incheon Black-faced Spoonbill Network hosted the 2022 Black-faced Spoonbill Birthday Party at the BFS Ecological Center, and over 250 people attended. The BFS birthday party is an annual event hosted by the Incheon BFS Network which commemorates the arrival and breeding of Black-faced Spoonbill in Namdong Reservoir, Incheon. Due to the lifted social distancing regulations, the BFS Birthday Party attracted around 250 children and parents interested in nature and the conservation of the Black-faced Spoonbill. The event organizers also took actions for “Practical volition for the Earth” and minimized the use of disposable goods. Various activities including the BFS art contest, birdwatching, writing postcards to politicians and the government, building birthday cakes from natural objects, and a birthday party for BFS were provided to eager young participants. The EAAFP Secretariat also participated in the event as an associated organization and ran a booth – led by Ms. Jisun Lee, the Foundation coordinator of the EAAFP secretariat, and two volunteers. The booth, which provided a modified version – akin to a treasure hunt – of the BFS Lolo’s Flying Journey game and distributed flyers about EAAFP and waterbirds that migrate via EAAF, was very popular among the participants. In the modified Lolo migration game, children had to spot 5 locations hidden around the event venue and answer questions about BFS at each point. The original game, titled “Lolo’s Flying Journey,” was developed by WWF Hong Kong and recently modified in collaboration with the EAAFP Secretariat under the Incheon-Hong Kong Sister Site Arrangement signed in 2019. Both children and parents listened attentively to the explanation by the staff and gained a better understanding of East Asian-Australasian Flyway and environmental conservation. Entries for the BFS Art Contest / ©EAAFP Secretariat EAAFP Booth / ©EAAFP Secretariat Mr. Doug Watkins, Chief Executive of EAAFP, gave congratulatory remarks at the BFS Birthday Party, and highlighted the importance of BFS, BFS’s adaption to the newly constructed artificial habitat, and EAAFP’s work in the conservation of the endangered species. He shared his hope to work together with the local communities for the better management of the BFS habitats before the closing of the event. The event ended with an exuberant sing-along of a song dedicated to BFS nesting in Namdong reservoir. Congratulatory remarks from EAAFP Chief Executive Mr. Doug Watkins/ ©EAAFP Secretariat This is also the first time EAAFP Secretariat recruited local volunteers for conservation activities. The volunteers commented that “the ardent reactions from the children made me believe that we still have high hopes for the future, and volunteering for EAAFP was simply marvelous." To learn more about Black-faced Spoonbills, click here. For more on the EAAFP Volunteer Programme, click here.   지난 5월 21일, 인천 저어새네트워크 사무국은 저어새 생태학습관에서 ‘2022 저어새 생일잔치’를 개최해 250여명이 참석했다고 밝혔다. 2022 저어새 생일잔치 참가자 단체사진 / ©EAAFP 사무국 저어새 생일잔치는 인천 남동 유수지에서 저어새의 도래와 번식을 기념해 인천 저어새네트워크 사무국이 매년 주최하는 행사다. 이번 행사의 경우 사회적 거리두기 규제가 풀리면서 환경에 관심이 많은 어린이와 학부모 250여명이 몰릴 만큼 큰 인기를 끌었다. 행사 주최 측은 행사를 진행하는 동안 일회용품 사용을 최소화하는 등 “지구를 위한 실천적 의지”를 실행하기 위해 노력하였다. 본 행사는 특히 연령이 낮은 참가자들이 즐길 수 있는 저어새 그림 그리기 대회, 탐조, 정치인과 정부에 보내는 엽서 쓰기, 자연 속 재료로 생일 케이크 만들기, 저어새 생일잔치 등 다양한 활동으로 구성되었다. 또, 본 행사의 관련 단체로서 EAAFP 사무국의 이지선 재단 코디네이터와 자원봉사자 2명이 홍보 및 이벤트 부스를 운영하였다. 참가자들은 보물찾기와 비슷한 방식인 ‘저어새 롤로의 하늘을 날으는 여행 게임’과 동아시아-대양주 이동경로를 통해 이동하는 물새에 대한 교육자료에 큰 흥미를 보였다. 저어새 롤로의 비행 여정 게임을 풀기 위해서는 행사장 주변에 숨겨진 다섯 곳을 찾아내어 저어새에 관한 질문에 답해야 했다. 이 게임은 본래 ‘저어새 롤로의 하늘을 날으는 여행’이라는 이름의 WWF 홍콩이 개발한 게임이며, 2019년 체결된 인천-홍콩 자매 협약에 따라 EAFP 사무국과 함께 수정되었다. 어린이와 학부모 모두 부스 운영진의 설명을 경청하며 동아시아-대양주의 이동경로와 환경보전에 대한 이해를 높이는 시간을 가졌다. 저어새 그림 그리기 대회 / ©EAAFP 사무국 EAAFP 사무국 부스 게임 참여 모습 / ©EAAFP 사무국 EAAFP의 더그 왓킨스 대표는 저어새 생일잔치에서 축사를 하면서 저어새와 인천 남동 유수지 내 인공 서식지에 적응하는 것의 중요성, 그리고 멸종 위기에 처한 종 보호에 대한 EAAFP의 노력을 강조하였다. 또한 보다 체계적인 서식지 관리를 위해 지역 사회의 관심과 동참을 희망하였다. 마지막으로 남동 유수지를 방문하는 저어새를 위한 노래를 따라 부르며 행사를 마무리하였다. EAAFP 더그 왓킨스 대표의 축사 / ©EAAFP 사무국 EAAFP 사무국이 철새 보존 활동을 위해 지역 자원봉사자들을 모집한 것은 이번이 처음이며, 자원봉사자들은 “아이들의 열렬한 반응은 미래 세대의 환경 보전에 대한 높은 기대와 희망을 가질 수 있도록 해주었으며, EAAFP와 함께한 자원봉사도 매우 인상깊었다”고 평했다. 저어새 및 주요 철새 종 더 알아보기 EAAFP 자원봉사 프로그램 더 알아보기 (국문 / 영문)


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  • World Migratory Bird Day: WWF collaborates with EAAPF to Launch an Updated Education Pack “Lolo Flying Journey” about Black-faced Spoonbill

    In line with the celebration of  “World Migratory Bird Day” on 14 May to raise awareness on protecting migratory birds and their habitats, WWF Hong Kong collaborates with the East Asian – Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP), with the generous support from Incheon Metropolitan City of the Republic of Korea and Hanns Seidel Foundation, launches the updated Education Pack “Lolo Flying Journey” about Black-faced Spoonbill today. The updates of the education pack was brought forward under the Incheon-Hong Kong Sister Site Arrangement signed in 2019. “Lolo Flying Journey” is an Education Pack featuring Black-faced Spoonbill to educate knowledge about migratory birds and wetland conservation. Through a fun and interactive game, participants would play the role as a Black-faced Spoonbill and experience their thrilling and exciting migration journey. The Black-faced Spoonbill is classified as an ‘Endangered' species on The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. There are only a little over 6,000 individuals in the world and the bird is inherently vulnerable to extinction. They, together with millions of other migratory birds, migrate along the East Asian – Australasian Flyway (EAAF) twice every year and would encounter different situations which affect their survival. The game also conveys the importance of conserving different wetlands,  between  Mai Po Nature Reserve and Inner Deep Bay (EAAFP FNS 003) in Hong Kong, the wintering ground, and Songdo Tidal Flat (EAAFP FNS 145)  in Incheon, Ro Korea, the breeding ground, for the protection of Black-faced Spoonbill and other migratory waterbirds. The Education Pack is targeting 6 to 15 year-olds, to enhance their understanding of human-nature environment, promote their interest and concern for Nature (particularly about migratory birds and wetlands), widen their horizon on global issues, and help them to develop positive value towards conservation of natural environment and wildlife by adopting a sustainable lifestyle. It includes an interpretation note and a manual for teachers and educators, English, Chinese and Korean versions are available. The original version of “Lolo Flying Journey” was in use for over 10 years in Hong Kong for environmental education. The new version provides more updated information, while WWF and EAAFP are also expecting to bring the pack to wider users in other places. Training and learning activities for teachers and students would be held soon. Digital version of updated “Lolo Flying Journey” can be downloaded from the following sources: (English version) https://www.wwf.org.hk/en/reslib/education/wetlands/ (Traditional Chinese version) https://www.wwf.org.hk/reslib/education/wetlands/ (Korean version) Link   About WWF-Hong Kong WWF is a leading global conservation organization, with a network active in more than 100 countries. WWF’s mission is to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature. WWF-Hong Kong has been working since 1981 to deliver solutions for a living planet through conservation, footprint and education programmes, with the aim of transforming Hong Kong into Asia’s most sustainable city. For more information, please visit: wwf.org.hk (Chinese version)   響應「世界候鳥日」 WWF聯同EAAFP推出更新版教材套「Lolo飛行手記」 推廣遷徙水鳥和濕地保育 為響應5月14日的「世界候鳥日」,喚起全球關注保護候鳥及其生境,世界自然基金會香港分會(WWF)與東亞—澳大利西亞遷飛區伙伴關係協定(East Asian – Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP)) 合作,並承蒙韓國仁川市政府和漢斯·賽德爾基金會(Hanns Seidel Foundation)的支持,推出更新版遊戲教材套「Lolo飛行手記」。 「LoLo飛行手記」是一套以候鳥遷徙和濕地保育為主題的教材套,透過生動有趣的遊戲,讓參加者化身成黑臉琵鷺,體驗刺激又驚險的遷徙旅程。黑臉琵鷺被《世界自然保護聯盟紅色名錄》列為「瀕危」物種,全球數目只剩6千多隻,面臨絕種威脅。牠們每年兩次和成千上萬其他品種的候鳥沿著東亞—澳大利西亞遷飛區遷徙,有機會遇上各種各樣的狀況,影響牠們的生存。遊戲帶出保育各地的濕地對遷徙候鳥的重要性,包括黑臉琵鷺的渡冬地—香港的米埔自然保護區和內后海灣 (EAAFP FNS 003),以及其繁殖地—韓國仁川的松島潮灘(EAAFP FNS 145) 。 本教材套旨在讓6至15歲的學童認識人類與大自然的關係、提升他們對大自然的興趣及關注 (尤其有關候鳥和濕地)、擴闊國際視野,最終幫助他們建立對保護自然環境和野生生物的正確價值觀,並實踐符合可持續原則的生活習慣。教材套包括使用手冊、遊戲冊和講解重點,供老師和教育工作者參考。現時設有英文、繁體中文和韓文的版本。 香港政府和韓國仁川市政府於2019年簽訂諒解備忘錄,令香港米埔內后海灣和韓國仁川松島潮灘成為東亞─澳大利西亞遷飛區鳥區網絡下的「姊妹鳥區」,並促成是次推出更新版教材套。第一代的「LoLo飛行手記」已推出超過十年,主要對象為香港本地群體。更新版為參加者提供更合時宜的資訊,WWF和EAAFP更期望將教材套推廣至全球其他地方使用—第一站將會為南韓的教師和學童舉辦教材套培訓和學習活動。 電子版的「LoLo飛行手記」教材套可於以下網址下載: (英文版)https://www.wwf.org.hk/en/reslib/education/wetlands/ (中文版)https://www.wwf.org.hk/reslib/education/wetlands/ (韓文版) (link)   關於世界自然基金會 世界自然基金會是全球性環保組織,分會及辦事處遍佈全球逾 100 個國家。世界自然基金會的使命是建立人類與大自然和諧共存的未來。世界自然基金會香港分會自 1981 年成立,透過保育及教育項目提出解決方法,推動香港成為亞洲最可持續發展的城市。查詢更詳細資料:wwf.org.hk  WWF와 EAAFP, 세계 철새의 날 기념 “저어새 롤로의 하늘을 나는 여행" 개정판을 출시하다 EAAFP(동아시아-대양주 철새이동경로 파트너십)와 세계자연보호기금(WWF) 홍콩지부는 인천광역시와 한스 자이델 재단의 아낌없는 지원을 받아 5월 14일 "세계 철새의 날"을 기념하여 제작된 교육자료 "저어새 롤로의 하늘을 나는 여행" 개정판을 출시한다 밝혔다. 교육자료 제작은 2019년에 체결된 인천-홍콩 자매서식지 협정에 따라 추진되었다. "저어새 롤로의 하늘을 나는 여행"은 철새와 습지 보호에 대한 교육자료로 저어새 ‘롤로’가 주인공으로 등장한다. 게임을 통해 참가자들은 저어새 롤로가 되어 긴장감 있고 흥미진진한 여정을 경험하게 된다. 저어새는 세계자연보전연맹(IUCN)의 멸종위기종 적색 리스트(Red List of Threatened Species)에 '멸종위기종'으로 지정되어 있다. 전 세계적으로 약 6,000마리의 개체가 남아있고 멸종위기에 처해있다. 저어새는 수백만 마리의 다른 철새와 함께 동아시아-대양주 철새이동경로 (EAAF)를 따라 매년 2회 이동하며 생존에 영향을 미치는 다양한 상황에 직면하는 것으로 알려져 있다. 이 게임은 저어새뿐만 아니라 다른 이동성 물새를 보호하기 위해 월동지인 홍콩의 마이포 습지 자연보호구역(EAAFP FNS 003)과 번식지인 대한민국 인천의 송도갯벌(EAAFP FNS 145) 사이의 다양한 습지 보전의 중요성을 전달한다. “저어새 롤로의 하늘을 나는 여행”은 6세에서 15세 사이의 어린이를 대상으로 하며, 인간-자연 환경에 대한 이해도와 자연(특히 철새와 습지)에 대한 관심을 높이고, 문제에 대한 시야를 넓히고, 지속 가능한 생활 방식을 취하여 자연환경과 야생 동물의 보전에 대한 긍정적인 가치 인식을 높일 것으로 기대된다. 해설지와 교사 및 교육자를 위한 설명서가 포함되어 있으며 영어, 중국어, 한국어 버전이 제공된다. "저어새 롤로의 하늘을 나는 여행"의 원본 버전은 환경 교육을 위해 홍콩에서 10년 넘게 사용된 것으로, 올해 출시된 개정판은 전세계적으로 사용될 것으로 기대된다. "저어새 롤로의 하늘을 나는 여행"의 디지털 버전은 아래 링크에서 다운로드할 수 있습니다. (영어 버전) https://www.wwf.org.hk/en/reslib/education/wetlands/ (중국어 번체 버전) https://www.wwf.org.hk/reslib/education/wetlands/ (한국어판) Link EAAFP(동아시아-대양주 철새이동경로 파트너십) 소개 EAAFP (동아시아-대양주 철새이동경로 파트너십)은 2002년 지속가능발전 세계정상회의 (WSSD) 발의안 목록에 채택된 자발적이고 비형식적인 국제기구로 동아시아-대양주 철새이동경로 전반의 이동성 물새와 그 서식지를 보전하기 위해 2006년 11월 설립되었습니다. 현재 EAAFP에는 18개의 정부 파트너, 6개의 정부간 국제기구 파트너, 13개의 국제 NGO 파트너와 1개의 국제기구 파트너, 1개의 다국적 기업부문 파트너로 총 39개의 파트너들로 구성되어 있습니다. EAAFP는 인류와 생물다양성을 이롭게 하기 위하여 동아시아-대양주 철새이동경로 내의 이동성 물새들과 그 서식지가 잘 알려지고 보전되도록 노력하며, 다음과 같은 목적을 지향합니다. WWF(세계자연보호기금) - 홍콩지부 소개 WWF는 100개 이상의 국가에서 활동 중인 네트워크를 가진 세계 최대 국제 자연 보호 단체입니다. WWF의 사명은 인간이 자연과 조화롭게 사는 미래를 만드는 것입니다. WWF-홍콩지부는 1981년부터 홍콩을 아시아에서 가장 지속 가능한 도시로 변화시키는 것을 목표로 보전, 생태계 발자국 및 교육 프로그램을 통해 살아있는 지구를 위한 솔루션을 제공하기 위해 노력해 왔습니다. 자세한 정보는 www.wwf.org.hk를 참조하십시오.


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  • Endangered Black-faced Spoonbill breaking the record of over 6000

    EAAFP Black-faced Spoonbill Working Group reported another record high of 6,162 for the global population of…


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  • The story of ‘messenger’ A49, connecting Incheon and Hong Kong

    Migratory waterbirds flying between breeding and non-breeding…


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