Black-faced Spoonbill bridging two EAAFP sister sites

On 31st of January, 2020, the Environment  Bureau of the Government of the Incheon Metropolitan City of Republic of Korea and EAAFP Secretariat signed a Memorandum of Understanding to achieve the conservation of Black-faced Spoonbill and migratory waterbirds in Incheon and support the sister site arrangement between Incheon Metropolitan City of the Republic of Korea and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China.

© EAAFP

This MOU is aiming to develop cooperative programmes such as CEPA activities or forum/symposium planned between Incheon Metropolitan City and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, supporting the activities of EAAFP Black-faced Spoonbill Working Group, building an Black-faced Spoonbill Network in the Republic of Korea, and EAAFP Partners’ consultation in terms of establishing an Artificial Wetland and Visitor Centre in Songdo, Incheon. The annual budget for these cooperative programmes will be funded by Incheon Metropolitan City from 2020, apart from the annual hosting voluntary contribution.

The MOU was signed by Mr. Doug Watkins, the Chief Executive of EAAFP Secretariat, and Mr. Baig Hyeon, Director General of the Environment  Bureau of the Government of the Incheon Metropolitan City of the Republic of Korea. Over the discussion, it was agreed that the EAAFP Secretariat will involve in the implementation of the planned programmes as an advisory role for the Artificial Wetland and Songdo visitor centre plan as well as CEPA  activities in Incheon, particularly in Namdong reservoir. On top of that, Mr. Paik added that Incheon Metropolitan City is looking for a way to strengthen the sister sites network along with the coastline countries such as China and DPRK, to conserve Black-faced Spoonbill and other migratory waterbirds.

© EAAFP

With this MOU, the Secretariat and Incheon Metropolitan City look forward to contributing the conservation of Black-faced Spoonbill through Incheon’s vibrant and active role through the EAAFP Sister Site Agreement under the EAAFP Flyway Site Network. After the ceremony, Mr. Doug Watkins also had a bilateral meeting with Mr. Jun-ha Park, the Vice Mayor of Incheon Metropolitan City. During this meeting, the Secretariat has talked about their contribution regarding the conservation of Black-faced Spoonbill and migratory waterbirds in Incheon which is based on their MOU. From this MOU and further activities, it is expected to become a good case of conserving an endangered species with strong support by a local government.

© Incheon Metropolitan City

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