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Strengthening Public Awareness: 2023 World Migratory Bird Day Celebrated in Tanguar Haor, Bangladesh
Nature Eye, a renowned conservation organization, successfully organized the World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) 2023 event at Joypur Government Primary High School in Tanguar Haor, Bangladesh. This significant celebration took place on 13th May, 2023, with the support of the East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP). The event aimed to raise awareness about the conservation of migratory birds and their habitats, educate participants about wetland importance, and promote the protection of Tanguar Haor—an EAAFP Flyway Network Site and a Ramsar Site. A total of 377 participants, including school students, teachers, and parents from the local community joined the event. A screening of an enlightening documentary titled "Migratory Birds of Tanguar Haor, Bangladesh", which shed light on the diverse avian species found in the region was shown. The documentary explained the migration patterns and emphasized the importance of Tanguar Haor as a crucial habitat for globally threatened and near-threatened species to the audience. Screening of the documentary "Migratory Birds of Tanguar Haor, Bangladesh" © Nature Eye One of the highlights of the event was the birdwatching activity. Students eagerly participated in observing migratory birds, honing their skills in bird identification. Equipped with binoculars, the participants were captivated by the experience of birdwatching, deepening their appreciation for the avian wonders that grace Tanguar Haor. Birdwatching activity at Tanguar Haor © Nature Eye Another important aspect of the event was a lecture on the significance of water for migratory birds, which was the theme of the 2023 WMBD. Participants learned about the crucial role of water habitats in the life cycles of these birds. Wetlands, rivers, lakes, and other water bodies provide essential resources for feeding, drinking, breeding, and rest during their arduous journeys. However, these habitats face threats from human activities, pollution, and climate change. The participants were made aware of the need to protect these vital ecosystems for the conservation of migratory birds. The alarming decline in migratory bird populations visiting Tanguar Haor was also discussed, attributed to factors such as habitat degradation, human pressure, illegal hunting, and water pollution caused by coal collection. Thousands of boats continuously pollute the water, endangering the foraging and roosting grounds of migratory waterbirds. This revelation emphasized the urgency of striking a balance between conservation and sustainable utilization of wetlands. Students participating in the art competition © Nature Eye Students showing their drawings © Nature Eye The event concluded with the students’ art competition where they drew the migratory birds found in Tanguar Haor. The successful celebration of WMBD 2023 in Tanguar Haor by Nature Eye would leave a lasting impact on the participants. They gained a deeper understanding of the ecological importance of migratory birds and wetlands while becoming advocates. The project was funded through the 2023 EAAFP WMBD Small Grant Fund. View the report, Click here. Article prepared by Nature Eye.
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EAAFP leads happy companionship of humans and nature through the Ulsan Symposium for Migratory Birds
©EAAFP Secretariat On 11th May, the 2023 Ulsan Symposium for Migratory Birds was held to celebrate World Migratory Bird Day at the Ulsan Convention and Exhibition Center (UECO) under the theme of “Migratory birds of Taehwa River and their habitat conservation plan.” The 2023 Ulsan Symposium for Migratory Birds was co-hosted by EAAFP and Ulsan Metropolitan City and sponsored by the four Ulsan companies, Kyungdong City Gas co., Ltd., Korea Petrochemical Ind. Co., LTD., S-Oil Corporation, and Hyundai Motor Company. As part of the Ulsan Corporate Champion Programme, the symposium was achieved through the cooperation for the conservation of migratory birds and their habitats, following the designation of the Ulsan Taehwa River (EAAF150) as an EAAFP Flyway Network Site (FNS) and the signing of an MoU among EAAFP, Ulsan Metropolitan City, and Ulsan corporates in 2021. The symposium consisted of birdwatching and habitat clean-up activities with the four Ulsan Corporate Champions in the morning and a symposium in the afternoon. About 60 employees of Kyungdong City Gas, Korea Petrochemical, S-Oil, and Hyundai Motor Company participated in the EAAFP Ulsan Corporate Champions’ Activity for Conservation of Migratory Birds during the morning of the 11th to observe migratory birds in the Taehwa River and clean up the migratory bird habitats, thereby practicing ESG management. Employees of the four Ulsan corporates toured the Taehwa River area with nature guides to observe migratory birds such as Great Cormorants and Eastern Great Egrets and did habitat cleaning around the area to create a clean environment for the birds living in the Taehwa River. EAAFP Ulsan Corporate Champions’ Activity for Protecting Migratory Birds ©EAAFP Secretariat Employees of four EAAFP Ulsan Corporate Champions engaged in birdwatching and environmental cleanup activities ©EAAFP Secretariat The Ulsan Symposium for Migratory Birds held in the afternoon was attended by various stakeholders, including the four Ulsan corporates that are actively serving as Species Champions in the EAAFP Corporate Champion Programme, the Ulsan Metropolitan City Special Advisor for Environmental Policy, the EAAFP Secretariat, experts, FNS-listed cities, civic groups, research institutes, and corporates, who gathered to seek ways to conserve migratory birds and their habitats. The keynote presentation was given by Mr. Tim McGrath, the Head of Project Development at WWT (Wildfowl & Wetland Trust). Prof. Jong-nam Lee, Kyungsung University, Dr. Won-ho Lee, Nakdong Estuary Eco-Center of Busan Metropolitan City, and Mr. Seong-jin Kim, Upo Ecological Ibis Division of Changnyeong County Tourism and Environment Department, presented during the first session on “Status of migratory birds and Habitat Management in Taehwa River.” The second session on “Happy Companionship Between Nature and Humans” was delivered by Mr. Myeong-ok Kim, SK Energy CLX External Team Leader, Dr. Donguk Han, Director of Eco Korea PGA Ecology Institute and Adjunct Professor at Catholic University, and Ms. Jisun Lee, EAAFP Foundation Coordinator. Prof. Gea-jae Joo of Pusan National University served as the moderator of the third session which had Q&A and discussion. Before the symposium began, Mr. Soo-sik Lee, the Special Advisor for Environmental Policy of Ulsan Metropolitan City gave a commemorative speech. Mentioning the restoration of the heavily polluted Taehwa River through the cooperation of Ulsan citizens, corporates, and various organizations, he said he hoped this symposium would serve as an opportunity to share experiences and knowledge and find a way for migratory birds and people to coexist more happily. Following this, EAAFP Deputy Ms. Yeounhee Ahn gave a congratulatory speech and thanked Ulsan Metropolitan City for their efforts to conserve migratory birds and their habitats in Ulsan, and the four Ulsan corporates who have been actively serving as Species champions in the Ulsan Corporate Champion Programme. She also emphasized that cooperative activities between Ulsan Metropolitan City and participating Ulsan corporates will become a good role model of corporate partnership for conservation and expand domestically and internationally. Mr. Soo-sik Lee, Special Advisor for Environmental Policy of Ulsan Metropolitan City, delivering a commemorative speech ©EAAFP Secretariat Ms. Yeounhee Ahn, EAAFP Deputy, delivering a congratulatory speech ©EAAFP Secretariat The symposium kicked off with a keynote presentation by Mr. Tim McGrath, the Head of Project Development at WWT. Mr. Tim McGrath emphasized that the climate, nature, and welfare crises facing the world can be addressed with nature-based solutions through the creation of blue infrastructure, i.e., wetlands. He highlighted the various benefits of wetlands, such as carbon storage, welfare improvement, flood reduction, and biodiversity restoration, and said that wetland creation and management are necessary. To achieve this, he said, we need to build the capacity of stakeholders to procure and strengthen the necessary public and private partnerships and collaborations. Mr. Tim McGrath, the Head of Project Development at WWT, delivering a keynote presentation ©EAAFP Secretariat After the keynote presentation by Mr. Tim McGrath, the first session, “Status of migratory birds and Habitat Management in Taehwa River” began. In the first presentation, Prof. Jong-nam Lee of Kyungsung University introduced the status of migratory birds in the Taehwa River and Taehwa River’s role as a habitat and stated that standardization and methodology of surveys should be developed to strengthen the bird survey necessary for the conservation of the Taehwa River. He called for long-term training and support at the municipal level to strengthen and nurture the capacity of citizen monitoring groups. Prof. Jong-nam Lee, Kyungsung University, giving a presentation ©EAAFP Secretariat Dr. Won-ho Lee of Busan Metropolitan City Nakdong Estuary Eco-Center informed the participants of the efforts needed to restore the destroyed ecosystem by introducing the process of transforming the Nakdong River Estuary (EAAF097) from a sewage treatment plant and landfill to migratory bird habitat and its current status. The importance of the active role of local government was emphasized in the ongoing ecosystem conservation and maintenance projects, such as the Little Tern habitat restoration project and the conservation measures for swans. Dr. Won-ho Lee, Busan Metropolitan City Nakdong Estuary Eco-Center, giving a presentation ©EAAFP Secretariat Mr. Seong-jin Kim of Upo Ecological Ibis Division at the Changnyeong County Tourism and Environment Department shared the restoration project of the Asian Crested Ibis (EN) habitat in Upo Wetland (EAAF096), which is preparing for successful release into the wild after artificial breeding of extinct Asian Crested Ibises in Ro Korea and emphasized that a community-wide effort is needed for a restoration project. In addition, the successful restoration of Asian Crested Ibises raised the need for considering the impact on the lives of the locals and cooperation with the local community. Mr. Seong-jin Kim, Upo Ecological Ibis Division of the Changnyeong County Tourism and Environment Department, giving a presentation ©EAAFP Secretariat The second session, “Happy Companionship Between Nature and Humans,” began with a presentation by Mr. Myeong-ok Kim, SK Energy CLX External Team Leader. Mr. Myeong-ok Kim emphasized that the happiness of the local community should be given priority through the case of SK Innovation's transition from CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) to ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance). He also suggested building a platform to engage all stakeholders to address community issues, emphasizing that the conservation of migratory birds and their habitats is a shared goal for all in the community. Mr. Myeong-ok Kim, SK Energy CLX External Team Leader, giving a presentation ©EAAFP Secretariat In the following presentation by Dr. Donguk Han, Director of Eco Korea PGA Ecology Institute and Adjunct Professor at Catholic University, Dr. Donguk Han cited the Han River Estuary Janghang Wetland (EAAF143), a Ramsar site, as an example of conservation activities involving corporates and civil society and discussed the synergistic effect of trilateral cooperation among non-governmental organizations, corporates, and local governments in the conservation of habitats and biodiversity. Dr. Donguk Han, Director of Eco Korea PGA Ecology Institute, giving a presentation ©EAAFP Secretariat As a final presentation, Ms. Jisun Lee, EAAFP Foundation Coordinator, introduced EAAFP's Corporate Champion Programme, a platform that can internationally certify corporate’s social and environmental contributions, and shared the example of the partnership with the Ulsan Corporate Champions for migratory birds and habitat conservation along with the future plans in the partnership. After the presentation, an appreciation plaque presentation ceremony was held for four Ulsan corporates that contributed to the conservation of migratory waterbirds and their habitats as Species Champions of the EAAFP Corporate Champion Programme. EAAFP Deputy Ms. Yeuon-hee Ahn presented plaques of appreciation to Kyungdong City Gas, Korea Petrochemical, S-Oil, and Hyundai Motor Company, who are actively serving as Species Champions of Black-crowned Night-Heron, Eastern Great Egret, Mandarin Duck, and Long-billed Plover, respectively. Ms. Jisun Lee, EAAFP Foundation Coordinator, giving a presentation ©EAAFP Secretariat Appreciation plaque presentation ceremony for four Ulsan corporates who are serving as Species Champions of the EAAFP Corporate Champion Programme ©EAAFP Secretariat The discussion and Q&A that followed were moderated by Prof. Gea-Jae Joo of Pusan National University. Based on the presentations, the panelists shared their opinions and the discussion proceeded with a Q&A session with the general participants. Prof. Gea-jae opened the discussion by emphasizing that conservation measures and activities of Ulsan Metropolitan City and Ulsan corporates should continue in a virtuous cycle structure through this symposium. In addition, he proposed the creation of a civil society organization specializing in birds in order to build a closer cooperative relationship between Ulsan Metropolitan City and civil society organizations. Ms. Hwa-ja Shin, Natural Environment Team Leader at the Environmental Policy Division of Ulsan Metropolitan City, said that based on the conservation plan discussed at the symposium, Ulsan Metropolitan City would conserve and protect the existing migratory bird habitat together with citizens and corporates. The symposium ended with a closing ceremony and the distribution of Ulsan Corporate Champion Programme goods which were sponsored by the Ulsan Corporate Champions. Panelists participating in the discussion ©EAAFP Secretariat In the 12th, the day after the symposium, Taehwa River birdwatching, Taehwa River National Garden tour, and EAAFP corporate champion S-Oil visit were provided for the symposium participants who wished to attend. The participants were able to reaffirm the history of the Taehwa River and its importance as a habitat in the city that connects migratory birds and Ulsan citizens by visiting the Taehwa River National Garden. Lastly, through a visit to S-Oil Onsan Plant, they were able to take a closer look at the partnership with the local community and ESG management of S-Oil, which is actively serving as the EAAFP Ulsan Corporate Champion. Ulsan Symposium for Migratory Birds participants birdwatching at Taehwa River and touring the Taehwa River National Garden ©EAAFP Secretariat Ulsan Symposium for Migratory Birds participants visiting S-Oil Onsan Plant ©S-Oil Learn more about the EAAFP Corporate Champion Programme Read an article about 2022 EAAFP Ulsan Corporate Champion Programme activity
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Updates of Worldwide Avian Influenza Situation by FAO/EMPRES-AH (Dec 2022 – June 2023)
FAO/EMPRES-AH is constantly monitoring the avian influenza situation worldwide and compiles information from multiple national and international sources as well as peer-reviewed scientific articles. In close collaboration with country and regional offices, the implementation of avian influenza field surveillance projects, and networks of expertise like WOAH/FAO’s OFFLU (www.offlu.org) provide access to timely information on outbreaks, surveillance findings, and genetic similarities of circulating viruses or their virological features. This information is stored in the EMPRES Global Animal Disease Information System (EMPRES-i), a database that can be accessed online at https://empres-i.apps.fao.org/. Avian Influenza in East and Southeast Asia from December 2022 to June 2023 ©EMPRES-I During the period of 3 December to 2 June 2023, six highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus subtypes (H5, H5N1, H5N2, H5N5, H5N6, and H5N8) and five low pathogenic avian influenzas (LPAI) virus subtypes (H3N8, H5N2, H7N7, H7N3, and H9N2) have been reported detected in Eastern and South-eastern Asia. H5Nx HPAI viruses continue to circulate in Eastern and South-eastern Asia and reported detections increased since the last report. Within the reporting period, HPAI outbreaks occurred in Cambodia which reported an H5N1 detection in an unspecified wild bird in Prey Veng province caused by the clade 2.3.2.1c. Japan reported HPAI H5, H5N1, and H5N8 affecting numerous species of captive and wild birds including Crane, Crow, Swan, Goshawk, Mallard, Flacon, Eagle, Heron, Buzzard, Owl, Spoonbill, Scaup, Goose, Duck, and Jay as well as outbreaks in poultry caused by H5N1 and H5N2 subtypes leading to the culling of over 14 million birds in 32 provinces. In the Republic of Korea, there were reports of 70 H5N1 outbreaks of clade 2.3.4.4b which affected nearly 4 million domestic poultry in the regions of Chollanam-do, Chungcheongnam-do, Chungchongbuk-do, Gangwon-do, Gyeonggi-do, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Jeollabuk-do, Jeollanam-do, Kyongsangnam-do, Kyonggi-do and Kyongsangbuk-do. Indonesia reported one poultry outbreak caused by the H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b in Kalimantan Selatan affecting 4430 ducks. Clade 2.3.2.1e viruses have been detected in West Java, Central Java, and Lampung Riau provinces. Viet Nam officially reported nine poultry outbreaks in Cao Bang, Dong Nam, Nghe An, Ninh Binh Quand Ngai, and Quang Ninh provinces affecting 4192 out of 4200 ducks and unspecified birds In China, Taiwan Province reported 66 poultry outbreaks caused by H5Nx, H5N1, H5N2, and H5N5 subtypes that lead to the destruction of over 1 million domestic poultry. Wild birds were affected by the H5, H5N1 subtypes affecting Eurasian teal, Black-faced spoonbill, Gull-billed tern, and Whiskered terns. One H5N1 HPAI detection was reported in Hong Kong SAR, China in Black-faced spoonbill. Outbreaks in poultry caused by low pathogenic subtypes included H9N2 reported in Taiwan, the Province of China, and the H7N7 and H7N3 low pathogenic subtypes were detected in environmental samples. In addition to outbreaks in avian species: A(H5N1) was reported in a fox in Japan in April 2023. In the last update, Viet Nam reported one influenza A(H5) human infection in a 5-year-old female who had exposure to backyard poultry and ducks; the subtype has now been confirmed as A(H5N1). Since the last update A(H3N8) has been reported in Guangdong Provence in China in a 56-year-old female and A(H5N6) in a 49-year-old male. Two clades 2.3.2.1c A(H5N1) cases were reported in Cambodia in an 11-year-old girl (fatal) and her father (mild illness). In Anhui province, one clade 2.3.4.4b A(H5N1) human infection was reported in a 53-year-old female. 5 human cases of A(H9N2) were reported in children in the Hunan (3), Jiangxi (1) and Sichuan (1) provinces. Most of these cases reported exposure to backyard poultry and any human-to-human transmission has been ruled out. Since 2014 (as of 3 June 2023), there have been 83 human cases of influenza A(H5N6) have been reported, 82 occurring in China and one in Lao People's Democratic Republic with the most recent case reported on 2 February 2023 with an onset of disease on 17 December 2022 in China. Both the clade 2.3.2.1c and the clade 2.3.4.4b A(H5N1) have caused disease in humans since 2020. The most recent reports of each had an onset of 23 February 2023 and 31 January 2023 respectively. To date 116 influenza A(H9N2) human cases have been reported worldwide with at least 96 cases reported in China since December 2015. The most recent case was reported on 9 March 2023 with an onset date of 5 February 2023 in China. Highly pathogenic Goose/Guangdong lineage clade 2.3.4.4b H5Nx viruses have demonstrated the ability to spread long distances via migratory water birds. These viruses are continuing to infect an increasing range of wild bird species. This has led to an increase in infections reported in mammalian species which often display neurological symptoms. Globally the impacts on ecologically important birds, such as seabirds have been increasingly noted and are implicated in spread. Asia has experienced repeated incursions of the virus from multiple directions as well as circulation. We expect avian influenza activity to maintain in Asia. Reports of outbreaks in poultry, detections in wild birds and occasional detections in mammalian species are expected to continue in the region over the coming months. Please click [here] to view a larger version of the table above
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Report on meeting of the Range States of the Central Asian Flyway
Dr. Taej Mundkur introducing EAAFP at the meeting © Hanns Seidel Foundation, Korea Between 2nd and 4th May, 2023, a Central Asian Flyway (CAF) Range States meeting was organised by the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) Secretariat and hosted by the Government of India with support of the Wildlife Institute of India, in New Delhi, India. The meeting was attended by 75 representatives of government and relevant organizations, aiming to discuss an institutional framework for the conservation of migratory birds and their habitats in the CAF. Dr. Taej Mundkur, attended on behalf of BirdLife International to present the CAF Situation Analysis report on migratory birds and their habitats. He also on behalf of the East Asian – Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP), as Vice Chair of the Technical Sub-Committee, gave a presentation to share the case in EAAFP, of which BirdLife International and the CMS Secretariat are partners. The CAF covers 30 countries, including the breeding grounds of many birds in central and eastern Russia, Central Asia, west, central and northern China, and Mongolia. The CAF lies between the East Asian – Australasian Flyway and African Eurasian flyways. It overlaps with both, particularly in the northern and central latitudes where many of the birds breed and stage during migration. This meeting built on the history of previous meetings of the CAF range states (in Uzbekistan, 2001, India 2005, United Arab Emirates 2012, and India 2019) and follows on the decisions of the 13th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP13) to CMS, held in Gandhinagar, India, in 2020, to establish an institutional framework to support the implementation of conservation action for migratory birds and their habitats in the region, by CMS COP14 due in October 2023. The three-day meeting was attended by 75 representatives of governments from the following 12 countries: Armenia, Bangladesh, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and India together with representatives of the Secretariats of CMS, the Memorandum of Understanding on the Conservation of Migratory Birds of Prey in Africa and Eurasia (Raptors MOU), the African-Eurasian Migratory Landbirds Action Plan (AEMLAP) and the East Asian – Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP) and of international organisations including BirdLife International, Hanns Seidel Foundation, IUCN, WWF – India and Wetlands International - South Asia, national NGOs including Bombay Natural History Society, senior representatives of the forest department of different states of India, national organisations and others. The meeting discussed ways to promote international cooperation between range states to conserve and reverse the decline of nearly 600 species of migratory birds of over 80 families, including waterbirds (e.g. cranes, ducks, geese swans, pelican, shorebirds, gulls, terns), birds of prey (e.g. eagles, vultures, falcons), bustards and other land birds and seabirds that migrate and depend on a variety of habitats within the CAF. There was broad recognition of work in these countries on a number of species and habitats including research, monitoring, conservation, and restoration, capacity building, and awareness-raising, involving citizen science, researchers, conservationists, NGOs, local grass-roots organisations, and the corporate sector, in addition to by national and local government agencies and inter-government frameworks. Dr. Taej Mundkur presenting about the EAAFP at the meeting ©Mohamed Shobrak The main outcomes of the meeting were to: Discuss and agree on an institutional framework for the CAF for all migratory birds through the establishment of a CAF Initiative, under the umbrella of the CMS and with the support of the Government of India, that will include governments, MEAs, international organisations, international NGOs and other stakeholders. Consider options for a CMS CAF coordination unit to be hosted by India in coordination with the CMS Secretariat. Draw conclusions from a draft comprehensive CAF Situation Analysis report presented by BirdLife International and discuss priority areas for implementation. The report highlights the degradation and loss of all habitats and direct threats to birds including increasing collision and electrocution from power lines and other energy and linear infrastructure, and illegal killing, and poisoning across the flyway. The meeting agreed to contribute to the finalization of the report by providing feedback by the end of May to meet the aim of making the final report available at the CMS COP14 in Uzbekistan in October 2023. Develop and agree on a draft roadmap for updating the CMS CAF Programme of Work and Action Plan. Develop and agree on a draft CMS Resolution text, and the Terms of Reference for the new Initiative, as well as CMS Decisions outlining the next steps in the development of the initiative. These documents would be proposed for consideration and adoption to the CMS COP14 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan (Oct 2023). The new CAF Initiative will recognize, support, and strengthen regional and national implementation of existing international frameworks (incl. AEWA, Raptors MOU, AEMLAP, CAF Waterbird Action Plan, and EAAFP ) in the CAF region. The initiative will also undertake a range of actions, funding permitted, as per a Programme of Work and Action Plan to be developed in the future to conserve migratory birds and their habitats. The meeting called for the first meeting of the CAF initiative to be organised in 2024 to progress the establishment of the coordination mechanism and confirm modalities for operations of the initiative and priority collaborative actions. Outcome documents of the meeting and all presentations are now available at the CAF Meeting website: https://www.cms.int/en/meeting/meeting-range-states-central-asian-flyway Prepared by Taej Mundkur, Good Earth Environmental
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EAAFP engagement at the ADB 56th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors
Panel Discussion at the side event “The Steps for Making the Regional Flyway Initiative a Reality” ⓒ EAAFP Secretariat The 56th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of Asian Development Bank (ADB), hosted by the Ministry of Economy and Finance of the Republic of Korea, was held in Songdo, Incheon, Republic of Korea, from 2nd to 5th May 2023. The theme of the 56th ADB Annual Meeting is “Rebounding Asia: Recover, Reconnect, and Reform”. About 5,000 people, including finance ministers and central bank governors from ADB members, and representatives from the government and private sectors, local and international organizations, and the press participated in meetings, seminars, and side events to discuss various topics regarding development in Asia. A side event on the Regional Flyway Initiative, co-organized by ADB, BirdLife International and EAAFP was held on 2nd May. Regional Flyway Initiative Side event During the side event entitled “The Steps for Making the Regional Flyway Initiative a Reality” (link) held on 2nd May, panelists discussed the ongoing process since the launch of the RFI and to underline actions needed to facilitate its progress from the development phase into the implementation phase. ⓒ Asian Development Bank The event was moderated by Ms. Patricia Zurita, Chief Executive Officer of BirdLife International. Ambassador Chantale Yok-Min Wong, (United States Ambassador toADB) gave an opening remark emphasizing the need for the long-term commitment and cooperation between ADB and the US. Following was the panel discussion. Our Senior Programme Officer, Ms. Hyeseon Do, participated as a panelist, together with Mr. Weihua Liu (People’s Republic of China Executive Director, ADB), Ahmed Saeed (Vice-President for East Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific, ADB) Ms. Elisea G. Gozun (Chair of Compliance Review Panel, ADB) to discuss how to make the RFI feasible. They all highlighted that the national/international cooperation among people including ADB Board members and organizations, as well as wetlands conservation, is crucial to successfully implement the RFI. After the discussion, Mr. Jae Young Shin, Director of the Maritime Policy Office, Maritime Ecology Division of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, Republic of Korea, gave a message of future support by highlighting future conservation cooperation between the ADB and Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and Ms. Dawn Bennet, Ambassador to Republic of Korea, New Zealand Government, delivered a closing remarks to encourage transboundary conservation efforts. Engaging at ADB 56th Annual Meeting events The EAAFP staff participated in several side events and seminars, such as a program called “Civic Engagement and Multi-Stakeholder Partnership for SDGs in Asia”, a side event called “Digital, Climate, and Resilience”, “The Green Transition, Needs a Green Workforce: The Role of Skills Development for a Just Transition”, etc. From the side events, a key lesson learned was that the engagement of multi stakeholders including civil society and youths is crucial to the implementation of projects related to SDGs. In line with the EAAFP’s mission, cooperation among various sectors is highly significant to conservation activities. One of the key agendas discussed during side events was the role of climate finance in the funding of projects and initiatives related to climate change mitigation. They provided information regarding future investments as well as how organizations may access these funds. This knowledge may prove valuable if the EAAFP or its Partners were to seek funding for projects in the future. A booth of the Regional Flyway Initiative (RFI) and the Jiangsu Yancheng Wetlands Protection Project prepared by the ADB-PRC Regional Knowledge Sharing Initiative (RKSI) was presented. The booth also had a virtual reality (VR) activity where with the VR headset people can look around several Flyway Network Sites and tablets where people could scan each picture on the booth wall regarding the investment in the RFI, RFI areas, and Asia and the Pacific’s climate risk, and receive information relevant to the picture. The tablets also showed a map of migratory birds’ flyways and the information about each site so people visiting the booth could learn about the importance of conservation of migratory birds and their habitats. The EAAFP staff also visited several other booths form the Incheon City, various corporates and organizations where people could do various activities, participated in the activities to introduce the EAAFP and RFI, and learn about the other institutions’ work. Booth at the meeting ⓒ EAAFP Secretariat EAAFP Secretariat also contributed to a 1-minute interview video with ADB to promote the RFI (Twitter, Instagram). Ms. Hyeseon Do mentioned that we should take immediate action to conserve migratory waterbirds and their habitats, to fight against ecosystem degradation by humans and mitigate climate change. Also, together with ADB and Birdlife International, EAAFP will try to develop the RFI and scale up nature-based solutions to combat environmental challenges by conserving the wetlands in the East Asian-Australasian Flyway. ⓒ EAAFP Secretariat Guided by staff from the Secretariat before the meeting, the RFI organizers team from BirdLife International and ADB visited several migratory birds’ habitats in Incheon, such as Songdo Flyway Network Site and Ramsar Site, Ganghwa Island, and Namdong Reservoir (breeding site for Black-faced Spoonbill) and Sorae Wetland Park. Ms. Patricia Zurita (CEO), Mr. Vinayagan Dharmarajah (Regional Director for Asia), Mr. Gary Allport (Senior Adviser to the CEO) from BirdLife International, and Mr. Duncan Lang (Senior Environment Specialist) from ADB visited the EAAFP Secretariat after the RFI side event on the 2nd May. Group photo with Ms. Patricia Zurita, Mr. Vinayagan Dharmarajah, Mr. Gary Allport from BirdLife International, and Mr. Duncan Lang from ADB visited EAAFP Secretariat © EAAFP Secretariat Left to right: Mr. Duncan Lang and Mr. Warren Evans from Mr. Gary Allport © EAAFP Secretariat About Regional Flyway Initiative Launched in October 2021 at the 15th Conference of Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP15), Regional Flyway Initiative (RFI) is a large-scale long-term financing initiative by the ADB, EAAFP, and BirdLife International to support the conservation, restoration, and efficient management of wetlands in the EAA Flyway. A partnership of multiple stakeholders will collaborate to develop the RFI program, scaling up the Flyway-wide conservation efforts to protect wetlands and the migratory waterbirds and the lives of the people who are dependent on them. The initiative aim to build and protect an ecological network of at least 50 priority sites over the next 10 years. For more information on RFI, click here.
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