• EAAFP’s Positive Experience at IUCN Leaders Forum 2023

    © Kyle Esperanza Zuleta In a vibrant display of global collaboration, the EAAFP Secretariat was an active participant in the IUCN Leaders Forum 2023 hosted in Geneva, Switzerland on October 13. This Forum, which followed the success of the 2022 edition in Jeju Island, showcased the interconnectedness of climate and nature crises and the potential for transformative change. The EAAFP team, led by Ms. Jennifer George (CE) and Ms. Kyle Esperanza Zuleta (PO), actively engaged in discussions on KMGBF implementation and the importance of measurable targets. Noteworthy discussions focused on the urgency of updating legal frameworks, establishing measurable targets, and embracing transformative changes in consumption patterns and economies. Here, the financing of nature took center stage, underscoring collective efforts to bridge funding gaps in biodiversity initiatives. Speakers emphasized the economic viability of environmental protection, the need to simplify business practices, and the positive impact of inclusive and transparent approaches. © Kyle Esperanza Zuleta Inclusivity emerged as a guiding principle. A significant highlight was the emphasis on the pivotal roles of indigenous peoples, women, and youth in conservation efforts. The Forum championed the idea of compassionate-focused conservation, advocating for leadership roles and collaborative actions among these groups. The recommendations stemming from the Forum also align with EAAFP's commitment to global biodiversity goals. Its call for mindful integration of indigenous peoples and youth reflects a shared vision for inclusive conservation practices. Overall, the encouragement to explore partnerships and stay informed on sustainable financing mechanisms positions EAAFP strategically in the evolving landscape of conservation initiatives. © Kyle Esperanza Zuleta There was also a parallel meeting with the Secretariat of the Convention of Wetlands, which revealed collaborative opportunities, particularly in streamlining FNS and Ramsar site designations. The emphasis on exploring notification systems, securing funding for integration, and collaborating with regional organizations signifies a collective commitment to effective conservation. As the EAAFP looks ahead, the optimism gleaned from these engagements is palpable. The strategic alignment with global biodiversity goals, exploration of partnerships, and staying informed on emerging trends provide a solid foundation for the EAAFP's continued contributions to biodiversity and climate commitments. At the end of the day, the collaborative spirit witnessed at the Forum serves as a catalyst for EAAFP's ongoing efforts, reinforcing the importance of collective action in navigating the complex terrain of global conservation.


    Continue reading
  • IUCN Leaders Forum Jeju 2022 urged for a global transition to a nature-positive economy

    The IUCN Leaders Forum was held on Jeju Island, ROKorea from October 13th to 15th, 2022. The theme for the conference was “Building nature-positive economies and societies.” The event…


    Continue reading
  • Youth Think Tank Competition for EAA Flyway – 2nd Training workshop

    On 28th - 29th May, the Youth Think Tank Competition in the East Asian-Australasian Flyway (EAAF) engaged youth participants with a webinar and in-depth training workshop on Engaging Local Communities in Conservation of Migratory Waterbirds and Wetlands. One in a series of workshops that aims to build capacity for young conservationists on wetland and migratory waterbirds conservation in the flyway across various disciplines, the 2-day virtual workshop was organized by the EAAF Partnership Secretariat with the help of the youth organizing team. More than 100 youth actively participated in the discussions and workshops.   Day 1 The workshop opened on 28th May 2022 with a webinar, “Understanding Nature-based Solutions and Local Community Engagement in Conservation of Migratory Waterbirds and Wetlands.” The 1-hour webinar focused on presentations from speakers, Ms. Kathryn Bimson, Programme Officer for IUCN Regional Asia Office, and Mr. Jiefeng Jin, Conservation Officer for the International Crane Foundation. The first presentation, given by Ms. Kathryn Bimson, was an introductory presentation on Nature-based solutions and was followed by an introductory presentation on Engaging local community in conservation by Mr. Jiefeng Jin. Both presentations helped participants ease their way into the topic and the in-depth training workshop, “Engaging Local Communities in Conservation of Migratory Waterbirds and Wetlands” that came afterwards. [PPT Materials] Introduction to Nature-based Solutions (link) / Introduction to Engaging Local Community in Conservation (link) The in-depth workshop was led by Ms. Mercy Kariuki, Programme Officer (Local Engagement and Empowerment Programme) from BirdLife International and focused on “Engaging Local Communities in Conservation of Migratory Waterbirds and Wetlands”. She emphasized the significance of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) in the process of conservation and how the work is increasingly adopting a human rights-based approach. To delve further into the topic, the presentation was followed by a case study by Mr. George Ndung’u Muigai, Founder of the Cranes Conservation Volunteers, on the conservation of Cranes in Kenya. During his presentation, Mr. Muigai shared on-the-ground experiences engaging with the community and exchanged practical advice with the youth participants. [PPT Materials] Engaging Local Communities in Conservation of Migratory Waterbirds and Wetlands (link) / Conservation of Cranes in Kenya (link) The breakout session, participants discussed the positive and negative relations between conservation and people, so that they could learn to think in different perspectives – from local communities to conservation. The participants shared actual experiences from their respective regions and project implementations.   Day 2 The in-depth workshop continued on 29th May with a short summary presentation from Ms. Mercy Kariuki before delving into a case study from Amy M. Lecciones, Executive Director of the Society for the Conservation of Philippine Wetlands, Inc who tackled Empowering Communities for Managing Agricultural Wetlands. In her presentation, Amy shared the case in Paligui Wetlands (a part of the greater key biodiversity area of Candaba Wetlands) of how local farmers were trained to be local eco-tour guides. Amy enumerated some key activities for community engagement and social challenges with the proposed conservation measures taken in Paligui. (PPT Materials) Following next was a case on Hong Kong Fishpond Conservation Scheme presented by Mr. Johnson Chung of The Hong Kong Bird Watching Society. Mr. Johnson shared how local fishermen helped to enhance the biodiversity of fishponds within the Ramsar Site and being an important player in the conservation project. Johnson shared different ways to motivate the local communities as well as the general public to support the management agreements. The outputs were beyond conserving migratory birds but also benefitted local fishermen while maintaining traditions and cultures in Hong Kong. (PPT Materials) The last case study was presented by Professor Wataru Kitamura of Tokyo City University on the Little Tern project. He shared how the once-disappeared population of Little Tern was brought back to the urban areas in Tokyo Bay area. The project demonstrated the success and need for a strong scientific base, and how it can be developed into a good citizen science programme to engage the locals and general public garner their support. It was also an innovative solution to create habitats for the birds with the use of the rooftops of building in the middle of the city. (PPT Materials) After that, the participants broke out into groups to practice stakeholder analysis of the different case studies that were presented. Youth participants shared their perspectives on identifying stakeholders and ideas on engaging them with participatory conservation objectives.   [Webinar] Understanding Nature-based Solution and Local Community Engagement in Conservation of Migratory Waterbirds and Wetlands [In depth Workshop] Engaging Local Communities in Conservation of Migratory Waterbirds and Wetlands: Session 1 [In depth Workshop] Engaging Local Communities in Conservation of Migratory Waterbirds and Wetlands: Session 2 Evaluation:  All 20 participants had an increase in learning for the topic of nature-based solutions. In the pre-workshop survey, half of the participants responded that they had some familiarity with the topic. In the post-workshop survey, however, 90% responded they were now familiar or ‘ready to go pro’ with nature-based solutions. All participants were satisfied and found what they learned during the workshop useful in their volunteer/work. Participants rated these three components with the highest scores: 1) trainers and speakers of the workshop (4.5/5); 2) case study presentations (4.5/5); 3) contents of the workshop (4.5/5). The most valuable learnings/ takeaways for the participants were: 1) Free, Prior and Informed Consent, 2) Stakeholder mapping and analysis and 3) Nature-based Solutions. Takeaways: Participants wrote that most valuable learnings/ takeaways for the workshop was: 1) Free, Prior and Informed Consent, 2) Stakeholder mapping and analysis and 3) Nature-based Solutions.  In the words of the Flyway youth: “What really stayed in my head and in my notes also is the quote "Recognizing diversity and engaging stakeholders helps in building legitimacy, developing innovative solutions, enhancing transparency, and most importantly, in upholding social equity." “It is evident that we are currently experiencing biodiversity loss. Hence, it is a must to take action. However, there are various factors that we need to consider first. For example, the effects of the conservation programs that we want to implement on the local communities and vice versa. As conservationists, we should understand the social contexts. A way for us to plan everything is to create a stakeholder analysis. It is a process for us to be able to map and identify the target people before the project begins.   Acknowledgment The Youth Think Tank Competition for the EAA Flyway Organizing Team acknowledges the great contribution from the speakers and trainers: Mercy Kariuki, George Ndung’u Muigai, Amy M. Lecciones, Johnson Chung, and Wataru Kitamura, as well the youth organizing team: Frances Alvares, Jord Earving Gadingan, Oscar Yu, Thura Soe Min Htike, Yeonju Park, Yuji Lim and Yoomi Sim. The webinar was moderated by Ms. Yoon Kyung Lee, External Relations Manager of the EAAFP Secretariat. The in-depth workshops were co-moderated by Ms. Yuji Lim, Ms. Yeonju Park, Ms. Yoomi Sim from the EAAFP Secretariat and Mr. Thura Soe Min Htike from Myanmar. Ms. Vivian Fu, Communication Officer of the EAAFP Secretariat led the coordination of the workshop. To learn more about the speakers and trainers click here. For more on the Youth Think Tank Competition click here.


    Continue reading
  • 2021 in Review: Work and achievements of EAAFP Partners and Secretariat

    Development of the Flyway Site Network 1. Welcome Taehwa River in Ro Korea and Sarobetsu Wetland in Japan as New Flyway Network Sites In 2021, two new Flyway Network Sites…


    Continue reading
  • UNFCCC COP26 playback: “Coast to Coast: nature-based solutions for climate, biodiversity and people”

    During UNFCCC COP26, the ‘Coast to Coast: nature-based solutions for climate, biodiversity and people’ was cohosted by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB, Birdlife UK Partner)…


    Continue reading
  • EAAFP and Partners participated in 11th INTECOL, New Zealand

    The 11th International Association of Ecology (INTECOL) International Wetland Conference held from 10-15 October 2021 was hosted in Christchurch, New Zealand. The 11th INTECOL focuses on ‘traditional knowledge…


    Continue reading
  • EAAFP virtual engagement in IUCN World Conservation Congress

    Every four years, IUCN holds the World Conservation Congress…


    Continue reading
  • EAAFP Secretariat and Indo-Burma Ramsar Regional Initiative (IBRRI) signed MoU to strengthen wetland and migratory waterbirds conservation

    The Indo-Burma Ramsar Regional Initiative (IBRRI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with EAAFP Secretariat on 25 September, 2020. The agreement aims to promote collaboration and strengthen conservation and…


    Continue reading