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World Migratory Bird Day Event 2018 – Mongolia
Mongolian World Migratory Bird Day 2018 ©Mongolian Ornithological Society Event title:World Migratory Bird Day Event 2018 Organizer:Ministry of Environment and Tourism Mongolian, Mongolian Ornithological Society Sponsor: East – Asian Australasian Flway Partnership (EAAFP) – 2018 WMBD Small Grant ProgrammeClean energy LLC, Administration of the Buuntsagaan-Orog Basin and Mongolica Co.Ltd Participants: 418 people including students from schools/university, teachers or parents, researchers, scientists, birdwatchers, and site managers for flyway site and wetlands Outcome: -Hosting “Migratory Bird Day 2018” art contest between 9 th grades students from 58 th, 71nd (in Ulaanbaatar) and 7th of T. Bor and Dream 6th (in Umnugobi province, Tsogtsetsii soum) schools.-A field trip of participants by Environment Tourism Department in Bayankhongor province, Honkhor Photographic Association, teacher and Eco clubs students in Baatsagaan Soum, Jinst Soum, and Bogd Soum. -Provided latest-updated news and information on migratory birds to the particiants -Education on participants about a comprehensive understanding and training on field trips, using research equipment, reading guide books, visit artwork and photography exhibitions, watch documentaries and visit museums. -One of the most notable accomplishments from the event was seeing parents enjoy a fun-filled weekend with their children while learning about nature conservation. Summary: With slogan,“ Unifying our voices for Birds conservation” this year WMBD was celebrated by Mongolian Ornithological Society and Ministry of Environment and Tourism of Mongolia with financial support from EAAFP, Clean Energy LLC, Administration of the Buuntsagaan-Orog Basin and Mongolica Co.Ltd on 27 April, 08 and 12 May, 2018. The event consist of several contents including bird identification training, birding activities, lectures and art contest. We gave introductory presentations on migratory birds at each school (once for each group at each school, twice total at each school) before announcing the competition criteria. An Art Contest-Migratory birds 2018 (Part-1:Ulaanbaatar), G. Yusun-Erdene, student at 58th school, won first place, 58th school students Ulzii-Uchral, Shine-Od takes second place, 58th school students M. Lkhagva-Erdene takes third place. An Art Contest-Migratory birds 2018 (Part-2: Umnugobi), B. Narangarav, student at 6th school (Dream), won first place, 7th school (T.Bor) students T. Bat-Erdene takes second place, 6th school (Dream) students D. Undarmaa takes third place. The artwork competition among high school students was organized with the collaboration and in accordance with permission granted by the school principal and teachers. The artwork competition instills nature appreciation in children and allows students to got a better understanding of not only birds, but the environment and the living organisms inhabiting and benefitting from the nature. Birdwatching trip was organized to Nogoon Lake in outskirts of Ulaanbaatar and near Lake of Umnugobi, Buuntsagaan lake of Bayankhongor with a group of about more than 410 participants from secondary schools, universities, local NGOs, tour companies and government. Lectures and seminars about migratory birds and their conservation activities were given to the participants in the Freshwater Resources and Nature Conservation Center. After lunch, participants enjoyed exhibition of artworks from the Migratory Birds Art Contest. For more photographs, visit our Flickr album.
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Yeongjong Migratory Birds and Mudflats Event 2018
Participants holding the placard “Our Pride, Yeongjongdo Tidal Flat” ©Jung-bu Ilbo On 2nd June, EAAFP staff members participated in Yeongjong (Incheon) Migratory Birds and Mudflats Event as a sponsor. Starting from 2016, it was held the third time this year and co-organized by Incheon Bridge Co., Ltd, Green Incheon (Local NGO), and ii-rang which is a center for ecological education in Republic of Korea, with the purpose of sharing the ecological importance in Yeongjong Island and Incheon. In the morning, 150 young participants who applied the programme in advance explored mudflats and birdwatching with mudflat guides. Children’s laughter continued whenever they were walking in mudflat and found creatures like macrophthalmus, lugworms in the area. Mudflat guide said, “Guys, look at the Heron over there, they are waiting for us to leave because here are their habitats with plenty of their foods, so please let the creatures back to the mudflat for themselves and birds.” After the field experience in mudflat, they washed their feet and headed to watch the birds with telescope. In the afternoon, the second session began with taking an oath from two Korean kids for conserving the mudflats and protecting nature. Each person from sponsors and organizations co-organized this event delivered a welcoming speech. Mr. Suhong Kim, CEO of Incheon bridge Co., Ltd, said he expected for future generation to find the importance of sustainable development through this event, and to find the importance of Mudflat area as well. Also, Mr. Lew Young, Chief Executive of EAAFP, welcomed children by asking “what did you do(see) in Mudflat today?” firstly. With active answers from passionate kids, he stressed the importance of mudflats as habitat for birds and migratory birds. Lew Young, Chief Executive of EAAFP ©Minshil/EAAFP Children also enjoyed activities by joining OX environmental quizzes and visiting various booths including photography exhibition of mudflat and migratory birds, face-painting, coloring eco-bag, making own badge, and so on. Despite strong sun-shine, there were a lot of people lining up in front of each booth for activities. It was great time for public awareness about how Incheon Mudflat is important and beautiful it is. While there are still many things to do to ensure the future of migratory birds dependant on the Yeongjongdo, today is a great start to inform people to do an action. For more photo, click here
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Farewell to Programme Assistant Danhak
WMBD Seminar preparation with previous interns Written by Danhak Gu What I learned during my internship at the EAAFP is that communication is important. Through working with people with different backgrounds I was able to learn how to communicate better with one another. For example, when one unexpected task was given to me, I spoke to Tomoko and talked about my thoughts and difficulties. The reason I could do so was that she was a great listener, encouraging and was showing respect to all staff members. I was given a very good advice, was able to become more positive and even got my work reallocated. It made me realize that showing respect and care is very important communication skill, and I was encouraged to be an encouraging person to our staff members and future interns. Second of all, I was surprised to see the level of efforts that the EAAFP has made towards the conservation of Flyway sites in DPR Korea. During my internship period, the DPR Korea became the 36th Member to the Partnership. Followingly the office closely worked with other international and national organizations for cooperation. While supporting the office in organizing associated events such as a DPRK briefing session, I was really able to see the big picture of the EAAFP’s overall mission and realized that this can greatly contribute not only to conservation of migratory waterbirds and habitats, but also to promoting peace and even to unification of the two Koreas. Last but not the least, I am very grateful and happy about the fact that I learned about our winged friends and their habitats. In addition to the daily office work, I had several chances to join birdwatching activities and conservation campaigns held in Incheon and Cheolwon[EAAFP027]. It allowed me to understand over watching many of migratory waterbirds such as Black-faced Spoonbill, and Cranes. I visited National Institute of Ecology in Seocheon, learning about our beautiful mother nature; and participate in conservation workshops, seeing great cooperation from all over the world. Overall, I really learned and realized a lot during my 6-month internship. I do believe this opportunity of working as an intern of the EAAFP Secretariat was a great stepping stone as both personal development-wise and knowledge-wise. Photo Credit to Eugene Cheah / EAAFP
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International Workshop and Training on the Conservation of the Intertidal Wetlands of Yellow/West Sea
The Venue of the Yellow/West Sea Working Group's 2nd Workshop The Yellow/West Sea Working Group successfully held its 2nd workshop on 9 July in Shanghai (China), with representatives from the governments of China, DPR Korea and RO Korea, as well as supporters such as international organizations, NGOs and other experts, to discuss future cooperation for the conservation of the Yellow/West Sea coastal wetlands and tidal flats. The workshop began with validating the Terms of Reference of the Working Group and identifying the members from each country. This was followed by a presentation on the conservation of the tidal flats of the Waddensea between the Netherlands, Germany and Denmark, as a case study of tri-lateral cooperation for the conservation and sustainable use of coastal wetlands for the benefit of local people and the environment. Ms. PANG Un-Gyong (Ministry of Land and Environmental Protection, DPR Korea) delivering a presentation The workshop also heard updates from representatives of the three Yellow/West Sea countries about the status of their coastal wetlands and steps being taken to conserve and restore them. These were also updates on progress with the designation of World Heritage Sites along the coastal wetlands of China and the RO Korea, and the work of the UNDP-GEF Yellow Sea Large Marine Ecosystem projects in conserving the Yellow Sea ecosystem. There were positive discussions during and along the sidelines of the workshop about possible areas of future cooperation, such as on the sharing of good practices for policy, site management and education and public awareness. We now look forward to the next meeting in early 2019. Photo Credit to Lew Young / EAAFP Secretariat
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R.O. Korea to Restore 3㎢ of Tidal Flats from 2019-2023 at an annual cost of KRW 19.5 billion
Translated by EAAFP Secretariat Original article: 5년간 갯벌 3㎢ 복원, 연간 195억 원 갯벌가치 되살린다 - The Ministry of Ocean and Fisheries established ‘Mid and Long-Term Ocean Restoration Plan (2019-2023)' - On 9th July, the Minister of the Ministry of Ocean and Fisheries (Mr. Young-Choon Kim) announced the ‘Mid and Long-Term Ocean Restoration Plan for 2019 - 2023’ that will expand the target area for tidal flat restoration projects, the reinforcement of project management system and enlarge the incentive in restored area to revive the value of tidal flats. The project will focus on the restoration of abandoned tidal flats, such as salt pan or fish farms, and will also recover the old and severed mudflat channels which, for example, have been cut off by bridges. The project will also prepare and distribute technical guidelines for standardized restoration projects to drastically reduce trial and errors that may occur in future projects. In 2010, the restoration project for tidal flat ecosystem was initiated but without a mid or long-term plan. As a result, the project ended with only nine sites being restored over a nine year period, covering 1.08㎢ of tidal flat and 3.4㎞ of tidal flat waterway. As a result, it was hard to feel the effects of the restoration project. Also, the project’s characteristics combined with various elements such as marine ecology, marine resources and civil engineering techniques made it difficult to design projects, execute construction projects, and secure budgets. In addition, some local governments were reluctant to carry out the project due to insufficient incentives for the area concerned. Under the new Plan, the Ministry included the mid-term plan for the new tidal flats restoration project to improve the proposed defects in the previous project and to vitalize the project more. According to the project plan, the Ministry will restore 23 tidal flats from 2019 to 2023 at an annual cost of (19.5 billion Won). Among them, 14 restoration projects will be completed by 2023, covering 3 square kilometers of tidal flats and 3 kilometers of tidal flat waterways. Restoration work on another nine sites will be completed by 2024-2025. The project will also promote sustainable tidal flat fishery and boost local customized ecotourism through branding the restored tidal flats that will benefit the local residents. Mr. Myoung, Ro-hyun (Director, Marine Ecology Division) said that, “By implementing the mid and long-term plan without any disruptions, we will revive the tidal flats by providing an average of 19.5 billion Won per year. It will be of help for the local economy as the enhancement of tidal flats, the fishery and ecotourism are expected by returning restored tidal flats to local people.” Meanwhile, the Ministry is in the process of legislating ‘Act on Sustainable Management and Restoration of Tidal Flats’ to maintain, restore, and use tidal flats with diverse functions and values, including the promotion of public awareness on tidal flats, designation of clean (uncontaminated) tidal flats, pollution purification, and restoration. Target Area List for Restoration Plan [Type of restoration] Mudflat restoration: restoration of mudflats left as abandoned salt pans or aquaculture farms by breaking dykes Seawater circulation (A): restoration of mudflats isolated by roads or bridges Seawater circulation (B): restoration of mudflats which have low rate of seawater circulation by structures such abolished seawall
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China-ASEAN Wildlife Conservation Training Workshop
Dr. Lew Young, the Chief Executive of the…
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NEW:KIT’s endangered bird species T-shirts / Eco-bags
A Korean design brand NEW:KIT launched a summer 18’ collection inspired by 5 endangered bird species in the East Asian – Australasian Flyway; Red-crowned Crane, Black-faced Spoonbill, Saunders’s Gull, Spoon-billed Sandpiper, Bar-Tailed Godwit. T-Shirts, eco-bags and bracelets inspired by the listed bird species are available in the NEW:KIT’s online store. EAAFP provided consultation to the company on the information of the listed bird species. More collaboration between EAAFP and NEW:KIT is expected to come. T-Shirts Eco-bags & Pouch bags RED LIST PROJECT by NEW:KIT The RED LIST PROJECT by NEW:KIT aims to deliver the alarming message of endangered animal species by designing and selling clothing, bags and fashion accessories with witty graphics which come familiar to our daily life. http://new-kit.com
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EAAFP Strategic Planning Workshop for 2019 – 2028
On 11 – 13 June 2018, under the coordination of EAAFP Strategic Plan Task Force (Martin Spray – Chair, Alison Russell French – Vice Chair, Doug Watkins – Coordinator), around 20 representatives from national governments, international non-governmental partners and the EAAFP Secretariat gathered in the Copthorne King's Hotel, Singapore to develop the EAAFP Strategic Plan for 2019 - 2028. Special appreciation goes to the National Parks Board, Singapore Government for kindly hosting this important workshop. The workshop was intended for EAAFP Partners to engage and develop the new framework and goals for the coming next 10 years. Figure 1 Group Photo ©Hyeseon Do/EAAFP On the first day of the workshop, Mr. Martin Spray kicked off with an introductory presentation of the workshop and the draft Strategic Planning document which was circulated to the workshop participants for discussion. Afterwards, Mr. Doug Watkins presented the synthesis of the feedback from the survey conducted by the participants before the workshop. The survey provided a quick analysis of the EAAFP in terms of key strengths and weaknesses for improvement. Following the overview session, for next two days, the participants were divided into three groups to discuss the draft Strategic Plan Overview, review proposed Targets/Indicators under each Objective of the Plan. Figure 2 Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve ©Hyeseon Do/EAAFP Day 3 started with a field trip to the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve [EAAF073] while the Task Force was pulling together the outcomes of the workshop in the hotel. In the plenary session, the participants made a final check of the draft and agreed on each objective, targets and indicators to make sure it captured the key information made during the workshop. Shortly after, Dr. Lew Young, Chief Executive of the EAAFP Secretariat, made a presentation to canvass view on a reporting template for MoP10 which will reflect on the new targets/indicators of the Strategic Plan. The spirit of the workshop for three days was remarkably positive, and the attendance reflected a good mix of government and non-government partners. The detailed schedule of the next steps and the workshop report will be shared by the Task Force shortly with Partners. Photo: https://www.flickr.com/photos/eaafp/sets/72157696414263401
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Briefing on the Conservation of Migratory Waterbirds and Wetland in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
Figure 1 Group photo © Mijin Park/EAAFP On 11 June 2018, the “Briefing on the Conservation of Migratory Waterbirds and Wetlands in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea” was held from 10:00h – 12:30h at Board Room, 8 Floor, G – Tower, Songdo, Incheon. The event was co-organized by the East Asian – Australasian Flyway Partnership Secretariat (EAAFP) and the Hanns Seidel Foundation - Korea (HSF), one of EAAFP Partner, which have interacted with DPRK by organizing events and supporting DPRK for raising public awareness on conservation activities for many years. The purpose of the Briefing was to understand the current circumstance in DPRK and discuss how we can cooperate and support them to conserve migratory waterbirds and wetlands in the future. Around 80 participants attended the Briefing including representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Ocean and Fisheries, Ministry of Unification, UNESCAP-Sub Regional Office, Yellow Sea Large Marine Ecosystem (YSLME), Ramsar Regional Center – East Asia, NGOs, Research Institutes and other interested experts. The Briefing began with an opening from Ms. Hyeseon Do (EAAFP Programme Officer) and this was followed by four 25-minute presentations from four speakers respectively with simultaneous interpretation and Q&A session in the end. Figure 2 Dr.Lew Young © Mijin Park/EAAFP Mr. Felix Glenk (Project Manager of DPRK, HSF Korea), started the Briefing with capacity building project in DPRK by HSF around Rason Migratory Bird Reserve. He detailed ongoing projects about reforestation and wetland conservation since 2015. He stressed on the importance of joint conservation works with various international organizations with the DPRK. Dr. Lew Young, (Chief Executive, EAAFP), presented the overview of the conservation of migratory waterbirds and wetlands in the DPRK with a focus of Mundok Migratory Bird Reserve [EAAF045]. He also noted that the DPRK has gradually acknowledged the importance wetlands and the need for their sustainable management since proceeding with various cooperative project from 2015. Figure 3 Dr. David Melville © Mijin Park/EAAFP The other speakers also assessed the DPRK is now putting more effort on conserving and ensuring the wise use of nature. Specifically, Dr. Nial Moores (Director, Birds Korea), who has a 30-year experience in the conservation of birds and wetlands in East Asia, pointed out their lack of their capacity even though DPRK has a lot of interest in conserving nature. He emphasized the need for cooperation among Northeast Asia countries to conserve the environment and make a sustainable management platform. Dr. David Melville, an ornithologist from Pukorokoro Miranda Naturalists Trust (New Zealand), also made the point of the value of the remaining tidal flats in DPRK not only for migratory shorebirds but also for people while explaining the shorebird surveys along the West Coast of the DPRK that a New Zealand team has been conducting since 2014. In the discussions between the participants and speakers, the tidal-flat habitats around the Yellow/West Sea which is bordered by the ROK, DPRK and PR China, were acknowledged as being critically important as a resting and feeding site for millions of waterbirds during their annual migration each year. NGOs and relevant Ministries in the Yellow Sea countries were encouraged to continue, and even increase their efforts in supporting cooperation with the DPRK. DPRK become the 36th Partner of the EAAFP in April 2018. For more pictures: Click on Flickr Press Release in English: Click the attachment For more articles about the event: http://www.yonhapnews.co.kr/bulletin/2018/06/11/0200000000AKR20180611095200065.HTML?input=1195m http://www.segye.com/newsView/20180611007181 http://www.kyeongin.com/main/view.php?key=20180611010003799 http://www.kyeongin.com/main/view.php?key=20180611010003850 http://www.breaknews.com/sub_read.html?uid=582852§ion=sc2 http://www.incheonilbo.com/?mod=news&act=articleView&idxno=814406#08hF http://www.ytn.co.kr/_ln/0103_201806111613135310 http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/news/2018/06/11/0200000000AEN20180611009900315.html?did=2106m (For English)
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