• World Wetlands Day 2024: Wetlands and Human Wellbeing

    Each year on 2 February, we celebrate World Wetlands Day to mark the adoption of the Ramsar Convention…


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  • World Wetlands Day 2023: It’s Time for Wetlands Restoration

    World Wetlands Day is celebrated every year on 2 February, to commemorate the date of the adoption of the Ramsar Convention…


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  • EAAFP engagement at Ramsar COP14 with the theme “wetlands actions for people and nature”

    Ramsar Convention ©Vivian Fu/EAAFP The 14th meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties of the Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar COP14) was held in Wuhan, China and Geneva, Switzerland between 5th and 13th November, 2022, with a theme “Wetland Action for People and Nature”. The conference welcomed representatives from 146 Contracting Parties and 55 organizations, joining both on-site and online. The 8-day conference concluded with 21 resolutions adopted to strengthen conservation efforts for wetlands with expanded scope and diversity of work, including youth, indigenous people and local communities. The East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP), as one of the Ramsar Regional Initiatives, joined COP14, with many of the EAAFP Partners. For official conference report of COP14, please download it here. Highlights of COP14 outcomes Wuhan Declaration After the Opening Ceremony on 5th November, a High-Level Ministerial Segment was convened on 6th November in Wuhan with 24 ministers and ambassadors shining a spotlight on their achievements and accomplishments to their wetland conservation efforts. At the close of this session the participants adopted the Wuhan Declaration (download here) was adopted which mandates: take appropriate and urgent measures to achieve the goal of halting and reversing the loss of wetlands globally; mobilize more resources to strengthen implementation of the Convention’s Fourth Strategic Plan; support legislation and implementation of wetlands conservation, restoration, management, and wise and sustainable use in harmony with the Convention; and strengthen technical cooperation and knowledge sharing among global wetland conservation practitioners through established Ramsar Regional Initiatives (RRIs), the STRP, the Convention’s communication, education, participation, capacity building and awareness programme (CEPA), and other subsidiary scientific bodies related to multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs). This declaration set the stage for the following days of negotiations as it acknowledged the urgency to halt and reverse wetland loss as one of the greatest mitigators of climate change and the vital role this plays in climate change adaptation, biodiversity protection and sustainable development. Dr. Musonda Mumba, Secretary General of Ramsar Convention on Wetlands giving opening remarks ©Vivian Fu/EAAFP Sarah Fowler, Chief Executive, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust giving remarks on behalf of IOPs ©Vivian Fu/EAAFP Resolutions A total of 24 draft resolutions were considered with 21 resolutions adopted at the end. Key ones included: Resolution on financial and budgetary matters (COP14 Doc.18.1 Rev.1) Review of the fourth Strategic Plan and key elements for the fifth Strategic Plan (COP14 Doc.18.4 Rev.1) Resolution on Ramsar Regional Initiatives – Operational Guidelines (COP14 Doc.18.9 Rev.2) Resolution on the new CEPA approach (COP14 Doc.18.10 Rev.3) Resolution on wetland education in the formal education sector (COP14 Doc.18.13 Rev.1) Resolution on strengthening Ramsar connections through youth (COP14 Doc.18.14 Rev.1) Review of Ramsar Criteria, and delisting Ramsar Sites (COP14 Doc.18.16 Rev.1) Waterbird population estimates to support new and existing Ramsar Site designations (COP14 Doc.18.21 Rev.1) Protection, conservation, restoration, sustainable use and management of wetland ecosystems in addressing climate change (COP14 Doc.18.20 Rev.3) Mr. Dylan Jones, the first Youth Ramsar Representative of the Australian Government presenting the draft resolution on engaging youth ©Vivian Fu/EAAFP Engagement of EAAFP Partners and Secretariat at Ramsar COP14 Many EAAFP Partners are contracting parties or International Organization Partners (IOPs) to the Ramsar Convention, and they were actively engaged in taking roles in different thematic groups, involved in proposing and providing inputs to draft resolutions, organized and participated in over 35 side events, and holding booths (Read more). Prior to COP14, two Pre-COP Orientations were organized to equip delegates, especially youth, smaller CSOs and NGOs and newcomers to Ramsar COP14. One was for Youth and Civil Society (25th October and 1st November) and another one focuses on the Ramsar CEPA programme by Wetland Link International (25th and 26th October) (Read more). Side Events Spotlight Scaling up the East Asian-Australasian Flyway Regional Flyway Initiative (RFI) The Regional Flyway Initiative partnership - BirdLife International, East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP) Secretariat, and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) successfully held a Side Event at the COP on 8th November 2022, to bring countries’ attention to the RFI and its contribution to the sustainable use of wetlands in this important flyway region. Dr. Duong Thanh Director of Viet Nam’s Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Agency and Mr. Anson Tagtag, Ramsar focal point for the Philippines gave presentations on how the RFI could contribute to their national biodiversity agenda and policies and in elevating the lives of communities dependent on wetlands. The Side Event also included statements from Beom-Sik Yoo from the Ramsar Secretariat, Ward Hagemeijer from Wetlands International, and Warren Evans from ADB. ©Vivian Fu/EAAFP Launch of the Indo-Burma Wetland Outlook: Key recommendations for strengthening collaboration through the Indo-Burma Ramsar Regional Initiative The Indo-Burma Ramsar Regional Initiative (IBRRI) was developed jointly by the Ramsar Contracting Parties of Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam, with the support of IUCN Asia. On 9th November, a side event to launch the Indo-Burma Wetland Outlook as part of IBRRI’s Strategic Plan (2019-2024), was held. The session was facilitated by IUCN Asia to generate discussion with invited speakers Mr. Suh Sheung Oh from RRCEA, Dr. Mary Kristerie A. Baleva from ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity, Tomos Avent from Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT), Dr. Ding Li Yong from BirdLife International and Mr. Doug Watkins, CE of EAAFP to share views on Outlook and initiate the development of a plan to implement the recommended actions. ©Vivian Fu/EAAFP Launch of the 2022 IUCN situation analysis on intertidal wetlands in the Yellow Sea (PRC, DPRK and RoK) The Yellow Sea is bordered by the People’s Republic of China (PRC), the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the Republic of Korea (RoK), and represents the largest area of intertidal flats on the planet, and the most important staging area for migratory waterbirds in the East Asian-Australasian Flyway. Considering these changes, IUCN members recommended that the 2012 Situational Analysis be updated in 2022. The side event was held on 7th November, supported by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries of the Republic of Korea and facilitated by IUCN and the EAAFP Secretariat, will provide an opportunity for three Ramsar Contracting Parties, experts and partners from the Yellow Sea region to consider the key results of this updated report and their implications in terms of conservation and management of intertidal wetlands, with a focus on transboundary cooperation. The Future of Wetlands - an Intergenerational Dialogue On 12th November, an intergenerational dialogue hosted by Youth Engaged in Wetlands was held to create an opportunity for youth who are working on wetlands, to interact with experienced wetland professionals. Opening remarks were given by Dr. Musonda Mumba, Secretary General of Ramsar Secretariat, Prof. Lei Guangchun, Chair of the Scientific and Technical Review Panel and Mr. Doug Watkins. After that, the session was followed by an intergenerational dialogue with young professionals and experts from Mangrove Foundation, ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity, IUCN, Youth Engaged in Wetlands, Wetlands International, WWT and World Wetlands Network. ©Vivian Fu/EAAFP Other highlights EAAFP Networking Dinner at Ramsar COP 14 The Ramsar COP14 was an excellent opportunity for the EAAFP and their Partners to meet and engage in dialogue after not being able to conduct meetings in person due to restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. On 6th November 2022, the EAAFP Secretariat took advantage of this occasion to reinforce the connection between Partners by hosting a networking dinner in Geneva. © EAAFP Every morning before the plenary, there were Regional Meetings. On 10th November, 2022, a memorial session was dedicated to late Dr. Lew Young, former Chief Executive of EAAFP and former Senior Regional Advisor for Asia & Oceania for the Ramsar Secretariat. Dr. Musonda Mumba, Secretary General Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, also gave a tribute to Dr. Lew Young.   © Hyeseon Do/EAAFP The EAAFP Secretariat and Partners ran several booths during the Ramsar COP14 to enhance interaction with the delegates. ©EAAFP Young people are key stakeholders in wetland conservation and many of them are taking action. A virtual event “Youthful Wetland Dialogue on Metaverse at Ramsar COP14” was created by WWF-Hong Kong and EAAFP Secretariat for all youth participants to showcase their work, share ideas and interact with each other around the world during Ramsar COP14 held from 5th to 13th November, 2022 (Read more). ©WWF-Hong Kong


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  • Work and achievements of EAAFP Secretariat in collaboration with the Partners in 2022

    1. Development of Flyway Site Network Designation of new Flyway Network Sites, Rongcheng Swan National Nature Reserve and Gochang Getbol In 2022, the EAAFP welcomed two new Flyway Network Sites: Rongcheng Swan National Nature Reserve from the People’s Republic of China (joined on 2nd February 2022 as EAAF 152, Read more) and Gochang Getbol from the Republic of Korea (joined on 28th August, 2022 as EAAF 153, Read more). © Rongcheng Swan National Nature Reserve Gochang Getbol FNS © Gochang City Supporting development of local Flyway Network Sites and Sister Site Programme in 2022 The Secretariat facilitated the development of Flyway Network Site Hwaseong Wetlands in Ro Korea to prepare a management plan and supported surveys for Far Eastern Curlew at the site (Read more). as well as linking important Far Eastern Curlew sites in the Philippines. Our Partner WWT visited in May to provide consultations on conservation management to Hwaseong, Seocheon and Gochang Cities. Regarding Incheon - Hong Kong Sister Site Program, while the national and international Black-faced Spoonbill census continued, an in-person environmental education training workshop was held in August (Read more) and a Black-faced Spoonbill migration teaching pack was revised with support from Partner WWF-Hong Kong (Read more). WWT field visit to Yubudo Flyway Network Site in Seocheon © EAAFP Secretariat Incheon-Hong Kong Environmental education training workshop © EAAFP Secretariat 2. Enhance communication, education, participation and awareness (CEPA) 2022 Year of the Tern The EAAFP Secretariat and the Seabird Working Group initiated the Year of the Terns in 2022, aimed to raise awareness and promote information exchange and collaboration on the over 150 seabird species throughout the EAA Flyway. Throughout the year, we carried out a Photo Contest (Read more), a webinar series in line with World Seabird Day (Read more) and promoted via social media “Terns of the Month” and flyway stories. © EAAFP Secretariat Youth Think Tank Competition for the EAA Flyway A continuing the vision from the 2020 Flyway Youth Forum, the Youth Think Tank Competition for the EAA Flyway was organized to motivate and equip young people in the EAA Flyway keen on contributing to the conservation of migratory waterbirds and their habitats. The competition ran 4 capacity building workshops and funded 5 selected youth projects, and successfully concluded the Competition, engaging over 150 youths and participants throughout the year. © EAAFP Secretariat © EAAFP Secretariat 2022 World Migratory Bird Day and other awareness-raising events and activities Raised awareness for the World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) 2022 theme focusing on “Light pollution” by funding 14 WMBD events (Read more). For the first time, the Secretariat collaborated with CMS, AEWA and EFTA for a joint WMBD webinar series in October (Read more), and coordinated with Seoul Science Museum for WMBD events (Read more). EAAFP Foundation collaborated with Yeonsu Foundation for Arts and Culture (YSFAC) in 2022 "Birds Meet Art" Programme with a series of educational sessions and exhibitions (Read more) and concluded with an international Workshop (Read more). Poster of 2022 WMBD Exhibition for 2022 "Birds Meet Art" Programme © EAAFP Secretariat  3. Enhance flyway research, build knowledge and promote exchange of information Publication of the first Conservation Status Review for East Asian – Australasian Flyway Since 2021, the consultation of the first Conservation Status Review (CSR1) for EAAF was kickstarted. Launched in July, 2022, CSR 1 was produced by Wetlands International in collaboration with The East Asian–Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP) Partners, Working Groups, Task Forces and experts. It is the first time the population distribution ranges of all migratory waterbird populations were mapped in the EAAF (Read more). © EAAFP Secretariat 4. Develop flyway-wide approaches to enhance the conservation As a Ramsar Regional Initiative, the EAAFP and many of its Partners attended and actively engaged in the Ramsar Convention COP14 held in China's Wuhan and Switzerland's Genevan, from 5th to 13th, to negotiate and promote conservation agenda and celebrate achievements. There were over 35 Side events organized or participated by EAAFP Partners and the EAAFP Secretariat (Read more), and many bilateral meetings with Partners and collaborators were held. The COP concluded with 21 resolutions (Read more). EAAFP Partners at Ramsar COP14 © EAAFP Secretariat Youth Dialougue at Ramsar COP14 © EAAFP Secretariat  5. Resource Mobilization Activities of the Regional Flyway Initiative (RFI) The Regional Flyway Initiative partnership - BirdLife International, East Asian Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP) Secretariat, and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) - held a Side Event at the Ramsar COP14 held in Geneva, Switzerland on 8th November 2022. The RFI partners with government representatives from Viet Nam and the Philippines gave presentations on how the RFI could contribute to the national biodiversity agenda and in elevating the local communities’ livelihoods. The Side Event included statements from Beom-Sik Yoo from the Ramsar Secretariat, Ward Hagemeijer from Wetlands International, and Warren Evans from ADB. Corporate Champion Programme - Ulsan Corporate Champion Certificate Ceremony Following the MOU signing with the EAAFP Secretariat in May 2021, Ulsan Metropolitan City and the four Ulsan corporates—Hyundai Motor Company, S-OIL Corporation, Korea Petrochemical Ind. Co., LTD., and Kyungdong City Gas co., Ltd. attended the Ulsan Corporate Champion Certificate Ceremony in Incheon, Ro Korea on 25th November, 2022 (Read more) for their contribution to the conservation of migratory waterbirds and habitats. Ulsan Corporate Champion Certificate Ceremony © EAAFP Secretariat 2021–2022 EAAFP Foundation’s Small Grants Programme The 2021–2022 EAAFP Foundation’s Small Grants Programme supports local projects from 8 civil society organizations in Ro Korea to conserve migratory waterbirds and their habitats, with sponsorship by Korea South-East Power Co., Ltd. Yeongheung Division (KOEN) and Hanns Seidel Foundation (HSF) and supported by Incheon Metropolitan City. An achievement-sharing workshop was held o 26th May, 2022 (Read more). EAAFP Foundation Small Grants Programme Workshop © EAAFP Secretariat


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  • Ramsar COP14: Pre-COP Orientations

    As Ramsar COP14 is 2 weeks away, to equip delegates, especially youth, smaller CSOs and NGOs and newcomers to Ramsar COP14, two Pre-COP Orientations were set this week. One…


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  • UNFCCC COP26 playback: Side event “Financing wetlands conservation and restoration for climate benefits”

    On 4th November, a side event “Financing wetlands conservation and restoration for climate benefits: Challenges and opportunities” was organized at the United Nations…


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  • World Migratory Bird Day 2021 May Event– Ibaraki Academy

    ©️Ibaraki Academy Event Title : GenSan World Migratory Bird Day  Organizer: The Ibaraki Academy together with Kidlikasan and Yabong Philippines Date: 8th October…


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  • The Philippines filed “National Wetlands Conservation Act’ on 2021 World Wetlands Day

    As a Contracting Party of the Ramsar Convention, the Philippines has…


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  • 2021 World Wetlands Day: Restore our wetlands in the East Asian-Australasian Flyway

    World Wetlands Day, celebrated every year on 2 February, to raise global awareness of the importance of…


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