Mai Po Inner Deep Bay in Hong Kong and Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve in Singapore announced Sister Sites

    Photo shows the Mai Po Inner Deep Bay Ramsar Site in Hong Kong (left) and Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve in Singapore (right) In line with World Migratory Bird Day, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) of Hong Kong S.A.R., the National Parks Board of Singapore, the World Wide Fund for Nature Hong Kong and the World Wide Fund for Nature Singapore signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the conservation of migratory waterbirds on 12 May, 2023. This MoU establishes the Sister Sites between the Mai Po Inner Deep Bay Ramsar Site (Flyway Network Site EAAF 003) in Hong Kong S.A.R. and the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve (Flyway Network Site EAAF 073) in Singapore following the Sister Site Programme of East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership. This is the first Sister Site Agreement of EAAFP since the adoption of Guidelines for the EAAFP Sister Site Program during the 11th Meeting of Partners (MOP11). The Sister Site Agreement showcased collaboration among government agencies and NGOs.  Areas of cooperation include mutual assistance in the continuous development and management of the Mai Po Inner Deep Bay Ramsar Site and the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. In addition, the MoU signing parties involved will initiate collaboration in research on migratory shorebirds, exchange of expertise and training on the management of wetland habitats, and promotion of the sites. Dr Leung Siu-fai, Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation said, “Tomorrow is World Migratory Bird Day which aims to raise awareness on the conservation of migratory birds and the wetland habitats they depend on. The conservation of migratory birds especially requires collaboration across the region. The MoU demonstrates that Hong Kong and Singapore are committed to the conservation of wetlands and migratory waterbirds through closer collaboration.” Ms Nicole Wong, CEO of WWF-Hong Kong said, “WWF-Hong Kong has been managing Mai Po Nature Reserve in collaboration with AFCD since 1983. The MoU with Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve lays the foundations for a future partnership that will improve the management of both wetlands, allow for the exchange of expertise and knowledge, and secure an integrated network of wetland ecosystems for migratory shorebirds.” Dr. Leong Chee Chiew, Commissioner of Parks & Recreation and Executive Director, National Parks, Gardens and Nature Reserves of the National Parks Board of Singapore said, “International cooperation is key to supporting migratory shorebirds as they require multiple refuelling stops on their long-distance travels to roost and feed. Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve and Mai Po Inner Deep Bay serve as two important sites along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway. This MoU will strengthen the partnership between the two wetlands, and the National Parks Board will continue building cross-border collaboration on the conservation of wetland sites to protect these shorebirds and their habitats.” "WWF-Singapore recognises the significance of both these wetlands for migratory birds. This transnational collaboration between NParks, AFCD, WWF-Hong Kong and WWF-Singapore will enable more opportunities for protection and conservation work. We also look forward to amplifying the conservation efforts of habitats and species in these wetlands through our upcoming contribution to educational programmes in Singapore," said Mr. R. Raghunathan, CEO of WWF-Singapore. Learn more about: Mai Po Inner Deep Bay Ramsar Site (Flyway Network Site EAAF 003) in Hong Kong S.A.R. (here) Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Singapore (Flyway Network Site EAAF 073) (here) EAAFP Sister Site Program (here) Read the original news release: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202305/12/P2023051200276.htm https://www.wwf.org.hk/en/?25563/Mai-Po-and-Sungei-Buloh-establish-Sister-Wetlands

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