EAAFP Secretariat Renews MoU with the Secretariat for the Indo-Burma Ramsar Regional Initiative (IBRRI) to Strengthen Wetland and Migratory Waterbird Conservation

On 17 January 2025, the Secretariat for the Indo-Burma Ramsar Regional Initiative (IBRRI), represented by IUCN, renewed its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the EAAFP Secretariat. This renewal marks a significant step in reinforcing the ongoing partnership between the two organisations, strengthening their collaborative efforts to promote the wise use of wetlands, protect migratory waterbird species, and safeguard biodiversity across the Indo-Burma region.

The renewed partnership underscores a sustained commitment to advancing conservation efforts for wetlands and migratory waterbirds, while also promoting sustainable development across Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, and Viet Nam. With the MoU in effect until 2030, it aims to bolster IBRRI and EAAFP’s priority conservation actions throughout the region, with a focus on conserving vital wetland ecosystems and the species they support.

The two Secretariats have identified several key areas for collaboration such as supporting coordinated efforts on the designation and management of Flyway Network Sites (FNS) and Ramsar sites of importance for key species under the EAAFP framework, supporting collaboration between FNS and Ramsar site managers on capacity building, synergies through CEPA activities and sharing of best practices, exchange of information on wetlands and migratory waterbird conservation and issues, among others.

Ms. Jennifer George, Chief Executive of the EAAFP, and Dr. Dindo Campilan, IUCN Regional Director for Asia and Hub Director for Oceania, discussed ways to expand their cooperation beyond the Indo-Burma region. They explored ways to strengthen partnerships between IUCN Asia and EAAFP by identifying strategic opportunities that will further enhance migratory waterbird and wetland conservation efforts along the East Asian–Australasian Flyway.

This partnership is poised to drive meaningful progress in conserving critical wetland habitats for migratory waterbirds and supporting local communities reliant on these wetland ecosystems.