Conservation Leaders Unite to Secure the Future of Black-faced Spoonbills

26th February, 2025

Over 35 local and international experts are gathering at WWF Jockey Club Mai Po Peter Scott Visitor Centre, Mai Po Nature Reserve, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, from 26th to 28th February to initiate the process of revising the Black-faced Spoonbill International Single Species Action Plan (ISSAP) for the next decade. This revised action plan will be crucial in addressing emerging threats and strengthening conservation efforts for the endangered species, ensuring its continued recovery and long-term survival.

The Black-faced Spoonbill (Platalea minor), listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List and included in Appendix I of the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), has been a flagship species for international conservation. It is also covered under bilateral migratory bird agreements between China, the Republic of Korea and Japan. Thanks to the coordinated conservation efforts, its population grew from fewer than 300 individuals in 1989 to nearly 7,000 in 2024. However, mounting habitat pressures, urban expansion, renewable energy infrastructure, avian diseases, and climate change present emerging threats, making the revision of the ISSAP essential to guide future conservation actions.

The current ISSAP, which was formulated in 2010, is outdated and no longer fully addresses the species’ emerging threats. This meeting aims to work with experts and key stakeholders from across the species’ range, including China (including the Mainland, Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR, and Taiwan region), the Republic of Korea, Japan, and the Philippines, to evaluate conservation outcomes from the current ISSAP, assess the species’ current status, identify conservation gaps and threats, and develop the new ISSAP framework for concerted conservation efforts for 2026-2036.

Dr. Kisup Lee, Chair of the EAAFP Black-faced Spoonbill Working Group, stated:

“Conservation is a continuous and collaborative journey. Over the years, we have built a strong network of international cooperation to protect the Black-faced Spoonbill. The successful implementation of the past two ISSAPs has contributed significantly to the species’ recovery, making it one of Asia’s most remarkable conservation success stories. However, challenges remain. The threats to the species demand urgent attention and coordinated action. Collaboration across countries is essential, as the future of the Black-faced Spoonbill depends on our collective efforts.”

Ms. Nicole Wong, Chief Executive Officer of WWF-Hong Kong, added:

“Hosting this meeting reaffirms WWF’s commitment to shaping the future conservation efforts over the next decade. We believe that through strong collaborative partnerships, we can make a significant impact in preserving this iconic species along the East Asian–Australasian Flyway. We are proud to lend our ongoing support to efforts aimed at protecting their habitats for the enjoyment and wonder of future generations.”

Mr. Yat-tung Yu, Director of the Hong Kong Bird Watching Society, and Coordinator of the International Black-faced Spoonbill Winter Census, emphasized:

“People and science are key to the recovery of this endangered species. The 32 years of joint efforts in conducting the International Black-faced Spoonbill Winter Census—led by dedicated volunteers—is proof of the power of collaboration. Our work is far from over. The commitment shown at this meeting by government authorities, scientists, and conservationists to revise the Species Action Plan will be crucial in ensuring a thriving future for the Black-faced Spoonbill.” The meeting is organized by the Black-faced Spoonbill Working Group of East AsianAustralasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP), co-organized with the Hong Kong Bird Watching Society and hosted by WWF-Hong Kong at Mai Po Nature Reserve. It is supported by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department of the Hong Kong SAR; North-East Asian Subregional Programme for Environmental Cooperation (NEASPEC); East AsianAustralasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP); and Mangrove Conservation Foundation. The Black-faced Spoonbill Working Group will lead the revision of the third Black-faced Spoonbill ISSAP, which is targeted for completion in 2026.

About the Black-faced Spoonbill

The Black-faced Spoonbill is a migratory waterbird restricted in East Asian–Australasian Flyway, ranging from Russia Far East, the coast of China, DPR Korea and Ro Korea, Japan, northern Vietnam, and a few records in the Philippines and Cambodia. It is the smallest and rarest of the six spoonbill species in the world. Once near extinction, its population has increased from only a few hundred in the 1990s to nearly 7,000 in 2024, due to concerted international conservation collaboration and efforts. However, habitat loss, development, and disease remain significant threats to the species.