• EAAFP Foundation 2021-2022 Small Grant Winter Project Reporting Workshop

    On 26th May, the EAAFP Foundation organized the 2021-2022 Small Grant Winter Project Reporting Workshop online. The 2021-2022 Small Grant Programme was sponsored by the Korea South-East Power Co., Ltd. Yeongheung Power Division (KOEN) with support from Hanns Seidel Foundation (HSF). Following the first workshop last year in 2021, the Foundation have implemented its own Small Grant Programme to support the efforts of the civil society organizations in the Republic of Korea by providing small grant to local projects that aim to conserve migratory waterbirds and their habitats. 8 winter projects were selected and implemented from October 2021 to March 2022. The organizations reported the outcomes of their projects, shared their achievements and discussed improvements. In addition, a short introduction on the 2022-2023 Small Grant Programme was provided for recruitment later this year. The Foundation’s 2022 World Migratory Bird Day donation lucky box event was also presented to the participants. <Learn more about 2021-2022 Small Grant Programme> (in Korean) The 8 grantee NGOs included: 1) Ganghwa Citizen Network, 2) Tidal flat Ecological Education Hub Moolseal, 3) Cheorwon DMZ Crane Eco-tourism group, 4) Wetlands and Birds Korea, 5) Yeoncheon Geological Ecology Network, 6) DMZ Ecology Research Institution, 7) Global Future Environment Association, and 8) KFEM Incheon The representative of the KOEN, HSF, and staff members of the EAAFP Secretariat and the Foundation attended the workshop as well. To kick off the workshop, Mr. Doug Watkins, the Chief Executive of the EAAFP Secretariat and the Chairperson of the EAAFP Foundation gave a congratulatory remark. He expressed gratitude to KOEN and HSF for their financial supports to run the Small Grant Programme, and to 8 participating NGOs for their efforts to conserve the migratory waterbirds and their habitats. He concluded by expressing his wish to continue the cooperation between the EAAFP Foundation and the sponsoring organization and with grantee organizations. Dr. Bernhard Seliger, the Resident representative of Hanns Seidel Foundation Korea, gave his pre-recorded remark. He expressed pleasure for the first step in supporting the small grantees to strengthen communication and help manage the habitats of waterbirds in inner boarder areas of RO Korea. Lastly, the congratulatory speech from Mr. Sun Hyeon Jeong, a senior manager of Environment Technology Department at KOEN Yeongheung Power Division. He said, “We will keep supporting the EAAFP and small grantees to maintain the stabilized relations with EAAFP built over the past 5 years and to protect migratory waterbirds around the border”. Presentation from Ganghwa Citizen Network ©EAAFP Foundation The reporting was proceeded in two separated sessions. During the first session, the Ganghwa Citizen Network gave the first reporting presentation with the project title ‘2021 Crane School-Go on a crane trip’. The organization prepared the project due to a lack of recognition on cranes and emphasized the necessity of recording investigation of cranes and provision of safe environment habitats through the Ganghwa crane monitoring activity. Presentation from Cheorwon DMZ Crane Eco-tourism group ©EAAFP Foundation The second reporting was by Cheorwon DMZ Crane Eco-tourism group, with the project title ‘Feeding and Population Surveys of Cranes’. He analyzed the suitability of Cheorwon Basin (One of EAAFP Flyway Network Sites EAAF 027) as a place for wintering sites and suggested the need for a map with the number of crane populations and their wintering areas. Presentation from KFEM Incheon ©EAAFP Foundation The third reporting followed by KFEM Incheon with the project called ‘A Report on the Monitoring Results of Natural Monuments and Crane Wintering Site’. The project aimed to increase the awareness of conserving the crane’s habitats. With the explanation of the project, the presenter shared the photos at the site with citizen participants and two ecology experts. Presentation from Tidal flat Ecological Education Hub Moolseal ©EAAFP Foundation For the last presentation of the first reporting session, Tidal flat Ecological Education Hub Moolseal shared the outcome of the project, ‘Wintering with Cranes’. They investigated the current habitats of cranes through two monitoring sessions and insisted the importance of preparing resolutions for conserving crane groups in Ganghwa tidal flat. After the break, the participants watched <Bird Meets Arts> summary video produced with the Yeonsu Foundation for Arts and Culture, and the video of Black-faced Spoonbill migrating between Incheon and Hong Kong. Wetlands and Birds Korea ©EAAFP Foundation The second reporting session was proceeded with a presentation from Wetlands and Birds Korea. Through an ‘A Round-table Conference with Local Organizations from Migratory Waterbirds Flyway,’ they announced 2022 Wetland Day Joint Statement between Korea and Japan, and discussed the role for the registration of Korean tidal flats to UNESCO. Presentation from Global Future Environment Association ©EAAFP Foundation Second reporting of the 2nd session was proceeded by Global Future Environment Association, with the project title ‘Research on Ecological Services at Habitats for Migratory Waterbirds in Incheon Economic Free Zone(IFEZ) and Quality of the Habitats’. The project quantified the damage to tidal flats and wetlands located in the Incheon Economic Free Zone, which developed rapidly, to analyze the ecological value as a habitat for migratory waterbirds. Presentation from Yeoncheon Geological Ecology Network ©EAAFP Foundation The last reporting was provided by Yeoncheon Geological Ecology Network about the project, ‘Monitoring Winter Migratory Waterbirds and training for civic scientists in Chatancheon stream, Yeoncheon’. They implemented about 20 sessions of migratory waterbirds monitoring activity and expressed strong ambitions to increase the value of Yeoncheon Imjin-river ecosystem conservation sites through the continuous monitoring and expansion of civil participation activities. After the second reporting session, Ms. Yoon Lee, the External Relations Manager at EAAFP Secretariat introduced the 2022-2023 Small Grant Programme. The detailed information of the programme will be uploaded to EAAFP Foundation website in July, and after the application in August, the result of the selected projects will be notified in September. Lastly, EAAFP Foundation promoted the lucky box event to celebrate the World Migratory Bird Day and encouraged the participants to join the event for the migratory waterbirds and their habitats. The final report for the 2021-2022 Small Grant Programme will be uploaded to the EAAFP Foundation website. Group Photo at 2021-2022 Small Grant Winter Programme Reporting Workshop ©EAAFP Foundation About EAAFP Foundation in Korean (full version) and English summary. <About EAAFP Foundation> The EAAFP Foundation was established in 2019 to contribute to providing the Partnership with a mechanism to support sustainable financing and expand its engagement with various types of organizations for the conservation of migratory waterbirds and habitats in EAA Flyway. The Foundation office is based in Songdo, Incheon, Republic of Korea. For more information, visit EAAFP Foundation.


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  • 2022 Black-faced Spoonbill Birthday Party in Namdong Reservoir, Ro Korea

    ©EAAFP Secretariat In recent years, Black-faced Spoonbill (BFS) have come back to breed on the small artificial islets in Namdong Reservoir, Incheon, Ro Korea, thus becoming a flagship species for Incheon. To raise awareness to the general public about migratory waterbirds, especially the key species Black-faced Spoonbill, on 21st May 2022, the Incheon Black-faced Spoonbill Network hosted the 2022 Black-faced Spoonbill Birthday Party at the BFS Ecological Center, and over 250 people attended. The BFS birthday party is an annual event hosted by the Incheon BFS Network which commemorates the arrival and breeding of Black-faced Spoonbill in Namdong Reservoir, Incheon. Due to the lifted social distancing regulations, the BFS Birthday Party attracted around 250 children and parents interested in nature and the conservation of the Black-faced Spoonbill. The event organizers also took actions for “Practical volition for the Earth” and minimized the use of disposable goods. Various activities including the BFS art contest, birdwatching, writing postcards to politicians and the government, building birthday cakes from natural objects, and a birthday party for BFS were provided to eager young participants. The EAAFP Secretariat also participated in the event as an associated organization and ran a booth – led by Ms. Jisun Lee, the Foundation coordinator of the EAAFP secretariat, and two volunteers. The booth, which provided a modified version – akin to a treasure hunt – of the BFS Lolo’s Flying Journey game and distributed flyers about EAAFP and waterbirds that migrate via EAAF, was very popular among the participants. In the modified Lolo migration game, children had to spot 5 locations hidden around the event venue and answer questions about BFS at each point. The original game, titled “Lolo’s Flying Journey,” was developed by WWF Hong Kong and recently modified in collaboration with the EAAFP Secretariat under the Incheon-Hong Kong Sister Site Arrangement signed in 2019. Both children and parents listened attentively to the explanation by the staff and gained a better understanding of East Asian-Australasian Flyway and environmental conservation. Entries for the BFS Art Contest / ©EAAFP Secretariat EAAFP Booth / ©EAAFP Secretariat Mr. Doug Watkins, Chief Executive of EAAFP, gave congratulatory remarks at the BFS Birthday Party, and highlighted the importance of BFS, BFS’s adaption to the newly constructed artificial habitat, and EAAFP’s work in the conservation of the endangered species. He shared his hope to work together with the local communities for the better management of the BFS habitats before the closing of the event. The event ended with an exuberant sing-along of a song dedicated to BFS nesting in Namdong reservoir. Congratulatory remarks from EAAFP Chief Executive Mr. Doug Watkins/ ©EAAFP Secretariat This is also the first time EAAFP Secretariat recruited local volunteers for conservation activities. The volunteers commented that “the ardent reactions from the children made me believe that we still have high hopes for the future, and volunteering for EAAFP was simply marvelous." To learn more about Black-faced Spoonbills, click here. For more on the EAAFP Volunteer Programme, click here.   지난 5월 21일, 인천 저어새네트워크 사무국은 저어새 생태학습관에서 ‘2022 저어새 생일잔치’를 개최해 250여명이 참석했다고 밝혔다. 2022 저어새 생일잔치 참가자 단체사진 / ©EAAFP 사무국 저어새 생일잔치는 인천 남동 유수지에서 저어새의 도래와 번식을 기념해 인천 저어새네트워크 사무국이 매년 주최하는 행사다. 이번 행사의 경우 사회적 거리두기 규제가 풀리면서 환경에 관심이 많은 어린이와 학부모 250여명이 몰릴 만큼 큰 인기를 끌었다. 행사 주최 측은 행사를 진행하는 동안 일회용품 사용을 최소화하는 등 “지구를 위한 실천적 의지”를 실행하기 위해 노력하였다. 본 행사는 특히 연령이 낮은 참가자들이 즐길 수 있는 저어새 그림 그리기 대회, 탐조, 정치인과 정부에 보내는 엽서 쓰기, 자연 속 재료로 생일 케이크 만들기, 저어새 생일잔치 등 다양한 활동으로 구성되었다. 또, 본 행사의 관련 단체로서 EAAFP 사무국의 이지선 재단 코디네이터와 자원봉사자 2명이 홍보 및 이벤트 부스를 운영하였다. 참가자들은 보물찾기와 비슷한 방식인 ‘저어새 롤로의 하늘을 날으는 여행 게임’과 동아시아-대양주 이동경로를 통해 이동하는 물새에 대한 교육자료에 큰 흥미를 보였다. 저어새 롤로의 비행 여정 게임을 풀기 위해서는 행사장 주변에 숨겨진 다섯 곳을 찾아내어 저어새에 관한 질문에 답해야 했다. 이 게임은 본래 ‘저어새 롤로의 하늘을 날으는 여행’이라는 이름의 WWF 홍콩이 개발한 게임이며, 2019년 체결된 인천-홍콩 자매 협약에 따라 EAFP 사무국과 함께 수정되었다. 어린이와 학부모 모두 부스 운영진의 설명을 경청하며 동아시아-대양주의 이동경로와 환경보전에 대한 이해를 높이는 시간을 가졌다. 저어새 그림 그리기 대회 / ©EAAFP 사무국 EAAFP 사무국 부스 게임 참여 모습 / ©EAAFP 사무국 EAAFP의 더그 왓킨스 대표는 저어새 생일잔치에서 축사를 하면서 저어새와 인천 남동 유수지 내 인공 서식지에 적응하는 것의 중요성, 그리고 멸종 위기에 처한 종 보호에 대한 EAAFP의 노력을 강조하였다. 또한 보다 체계적인 서식지 관리를 위해 지역 사회의 관심과 동참을 희망하였다. 마지막으로 남동 유수지를 방문하는 저어새를 위한 노래를 따라 부르며 행사를 마무리하였다. EAAFP 더그 왓킨스 대표의 축사 / ©EAAFP 사무국 EAAFP 사무국이 철새 보존 활동을 위해 지역 자원봉사자들을 모집한 것은 이번이 처음이며, 자원봉사자들은 “아이들의 열렬한 반응은 미래 세대의 환경 보전에 대한 높은 기대와 희망을 가질 수 있도록 해주었으며, EAAFP와 함께한 자원봉사도 매우 인상깊었다”고 평했다. 저어새 및 주요 철새 종 더 알아보기 EAAFP 자원봉사 프로그램 더 알아보기 (국문 / 영문)


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  • YSFAC X EAAFP PROJECT 2022 Bird Meets Arts 2nd Education Program

    On 11th June, the second public event of the education…


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  • First joint public lecture of 2022 to promote migratory waterbirds and Art in Incheon

    On 18th May, the first public lecture of the education program of 2022 <Bird Meets Arts> proceeded successfully. Launched in 2021, the  <Bird Meets Arts> has been…


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  • Asian Waterbird Conservation Fund (AWCF): Securing the future of our highflyers!

    Along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway, 36 and 19 species are globally threatened and near threatened respectively. On today’s Endangered Species Day, WWF-Hong Kong is pleased to announce that the Asian Flyways Initiative Grant (AFI Grant) will support researches on the critically endangered Baer’s Pochard (Aythya baeri; Figure 1) and near threatened Swinhoe’s Storm-petrel (Hydrobates monorhis; Figure 2) while the implementation of the seabird conservation action plan by Isla Biodiversity Conservation in the Philippines will be supported by Dr. Lew Young Grant. Both grants are under Asian Waterbird Conservation Fund (AWCF). In the Baer’s Pochard project, researchers at the Qufu Normal University will identify the nesting locations of the pochard in Nanyang Lake in Shandong Province and estimate the breeding success by monitoring the number of chicks and their survival rate. Threats faced by this species during the breeding period such as by-catch in fish harvesting activities will also be investigated. Mr. Simba Chan, one of the Committee Members of AWCF commented “In my opinion, this is the most important application not only in this year but also in recent years. Shandong is important to Baer’s Pochard but the breeding sites there are not very well-known.” For the Swinhoe’s Storm-petrel project, besides studying reproductive success, the Australasian Seabird Group will track 20 individuals from Chilbaldo, Ro Korea (also Flyway Network Site EAAF 107) with the use of geolocators to reveal the foraging locations during both breeding and non-breeding seasons. Dietary study will also be carried out. “Increased research on seabirds is urgently needed in the Yellow Sea. The work will build a better understanding of the potential impacts of expanding wind farms on seabirds.” said Mr. Doug Watkins, another Committee Members of AWCF and the Chief Executive of East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership Secretariat. With the support from the Dr. Lew Young Grant 2021, Isla Biodiversity Conservation successfully organized the 1st National Seabird Forum and Action Planning Workshop in the Philippines in October 2021 with the participation of over 100 stakeholders from government, NGOs, academe and birdwatching groups and bird tour companies. A national action plan for the conservation of seabirds (2022-2026) was finalized and the coming project aims to collaborate, capacitate, and work with local stakeholders and national agencies in developing a national CEPA action plan and in piloting a training programme for seabird monitoring and research. “AWCF aims to provide much-needed funding to fill the critical knowledge gap and catalyze pivotal action to conserve some of the most threatened migratory waterbird species in the region. Through the deep and extensive research and collaboration in these projects, we are hopeful that the bird populations can fly up high again in the near future.” Ms. Nicole Wong, CEO, WWF Hong Kong added. Figure 1.  A family of Baer’s Pochard in Nanyang Lake, Shandong Province ©Xuefang Li Figure 2.  A Swinhoe’s Storm-petrel’s nest ©Shinan County   Article prepared by Fion Cheung from AWCF Secretariat


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  • World Migratory Bird Day: WWF collaborates with EAAPF to Launch an Updated Education Pack “Lolo Flying Journey” about Black-faced Spoonbill

    In line with the celebration of  “World Migratory Bird Day” on 14 May to raise awareness on protecting migratory birds and their habitats, WWF Hong Kong collaborates with the East Asian – Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP), with the generous support from Incheon Metropolitan City of the Republic of Korea and Hanns Seidel Foundation, launches the updated Education Pack “Lolo Flying Journey” about Black-faced Spoonbill today. The updates of the education pack was brought forward under the Incheon-Hong Kong Sister Site Arrangement signed in 2019. “Lolo Flying Journey” is an Education Pack featuring Black-faced Spoonbill to educate knowledge about migratory birds and wetland conservation. Through a fun and interactive game, participants would play the role as a Black-faced Spoonbill and experience their thrilling and exciting migration journey. The Black-faced Spoonbill is classified as an ‘Endangered' species on The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. There are only a little over 6,000 individuals in the world and the bird is inherently vulnerable to extinction. They, together with millions of other migratory birds, migrate along the East Asian – Australasian Flyway (EAAF) twice every year and would encounter different situations which affect their survival. The game also conveys the importance of conserving different wetlands,  between  Mai Po Nature Reserve and Inner Deep Bay (EAAFP FNS 003) in Hong Kong, the wintering ground, and Songdo Tidal Flat (EAAFP FNS 145)  in Incheon, Ro Korea, the breeding ground, for the protection of Black-faced Spoonbill and other migratory waterbirds. The Education Pack is targeting 6 to 15 year-olds, to enhance their understanding of human-nature environment, promote their interest and concern for Nature (particularly about migratory birds and wetlands), widen their horizon on global issues, and help them to develop positive value towards conservation of natural environment and wildlife by adopting a sustainable lifestyle. It includes an interpretation note and a manual for teachers and educators, English, Chinese and Korean versions are available. The original version of “Lolo Flying Journey” was in use for over 10 years in Hong Kong for environmental education. The new version provides more updated information, while WWF and EAAFP are also expecting to bring the pack to wider users in other places. Training and learning activities for teachers and students would be held soon. Digital version of updated “Lolo Flying Journey” can be downloaded from the following sources: (English version) https://www.wwf.org.hk/en/reslib/education/wetlands/ (Traditional Chinese version) https://www.wwf.org.hk/reslib/education/wetlands/ (Korean version) Link   About WWF-Hong Kong WWF is a leading global conservation organization, with a network active in more than 100 countries. WWF’s mission is to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature. WWF-Hong Kong has been working since 1981 to deliver solutions for a living planet through conservation, footprint and education programmes, with the aim of transforming Hong Kong into Asia’s most sustainable city. For more information, please visit: wwf.org.hk (Chinese version)   響應「世界候鳥日」 WWF聯同EAAFP推出更新版教材套「Lolo飛行手記」 推廣遷徙水鳥和濕地保育 為響應5月14日的「世界候鳥日」,喚起全球關注保護候鳥及其生境,世界自然基金會香港分會(WWF)與東亞—澳大利西亞遷飛區伙伴關係協定(East Asian – Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP)) 合作,並承蒙韓國仁川市政府和漢斯·賽德爾基金會(Hanns Seidel Foundation)的支持,推出更新版遊戲教材套「Lolo飛行手記」。 「LoLo飛行手記」是一套以候鳥遷徙和濕地保育為主題的教材套,透過生動有趣的遊戲,讓參加者化身成黑臉琵鷺,體驗刺激又驚險的遷徙旅程。黑臉琵鷺被《世界自然保護聯盟紅色名錄》列為「瀕危」物種,全球數目只剩6千多隻,面臨絕種威脅。牠們每年兩次和成千上萬其他品種的候鳥沿著東亞—澳大利西亞遷飛區遷徙,有機會遇上各種各樣的狀況,影響牠們的生存。遊戲帶出保育各地的濕地對遷徙候鳥的重要性,包括黑臉琵鷺的渡冬地—香港的米埔自然保護區和內后海灣 (EAAFP FNS 003),以及其繁殖地—韓國仁川的松島潮灘(EAAFP FNS 145) 。 本教材套旨在讓6至15歲的學童認識人類與大自然的關係、提升他們對大自然的興趣及關注 (尤其有關候鳥和濕地)、擴闊國際視野,最終幫助他們建立對保護自然環境和野生生物的正確價值觀,並實踐符合可持續原則的生活習慣。教材套包括使用手冊、遊戲冊和講解重點,供老師和教育工作者參考。現時設有英文、繁體中文和韓文的版本。 香港政府和韓國仁川市政府於2019年簽訂諒解備忘錄,令香港米埔內后海灣和韓國仁川松島潮灘成為東亞─澳大利西亞遷飛區鳥區網絡下的「姊妹鳥區」,並促成是次推出更新版教材套。第一代的「LoLo飛行手記」已推出超過十年,主要對象為香港本地群體。更新版為參加者提供更合時宜的資訊,WWF和EAAFP更期望將教材套推廣至全球其他地方使用—第一站將會為南韓的教師和學童舉辦教材套培訓和學習活動。 電子版的「LoLo飛行手記」教材套可於以下網址下載: (英文版)https://www.wwf.org.hk/en/reslib/education/wetlands/ (中文版)https://www.wwf.org.hk/reslib/education/wetlands/ (韓文版) (link)   關於世界自然基金會 世界自然基金會是全球性環保組織,分會及辦事處遍佈全球逾 100 個國家。世界自然基金會的使命是建立人類與大自然和諧共存的未來。世界自然基金會香港分會自 1981 年成立,透過保育及教育項目提出解決方法,推動香港成為亞洲最可持續發展的城市。查詢更詳細資料:wwf.org.hk  WWF와 EAAFP, 세계 철새의 날 기념 “저어새 롤로의 하늘을 나는 여행" 개정판을 출시하다 EAAFP(동아시아-대양주 철새이동경로 파트너십)와 세계자연보호기금(WWF) 홍콩지부는 인천광역시와 한스 자이델 재단의 아낌없는 지원을 받아 5월 14일 "세계 철새의 날"을 기념하여 제작된 교육자료 "저어새 롤로의 하늘을 나는 여행" 개정판을 출시한다 밝혔다. 교육자료 제작은 2019년에 체결된 인천-홍콩 자매서식지 협정에 따라 추진되었다. "저어새 롤로의 하늘을 나는 여행"은 철새와 습지 보호에 대한 교육자료로 저어새 ‘롤로’가 주인공으로 등장한다. 게임을 통해 참가자들은 저어새 롤로가 되어 긴장감 있고 흥미진진한 여정을 경험하게 된다. 저어새는 세계자연보전연맹(IUCN)의 멸종위기종 적색 리스트(Red List of Threatened Species)에 '멸종위기종'으로 지정되어 있다. 전 세계적으로 약 6,000마리의 개체가 남아있고 멸종위기에 처해있다. 저어새는 수백만 마리의 다른 철새와 함께 동아시아-대양주 철새이동경로 (EAAF)를 따라 매년 2회 이동하며 생존에 영향을 미치는 다양한 상황에 직면하는 것으로 알려져 있다. 이 게임은 저어새뿐만 아니라 다른 이동성 물새를 보호하기 위해 월동지인 홍콩의 마이포 습지 자연보호구역(EAAFP FNS 003)과 번식지인 대한민국 인천의 송도갯벌(EAAFP FNS 145) 사이의 다양한 습지 보전의 중요성을 전달한다. “저어새 롤로의 하늘을 나는 여행”은 6세에서 15세 사이의 어린이를 대상으로 하며, 인간-자연 환경에 대한 이해도와 자연(특히 철새와 습지)에 대한 관심을 높이고, 문제에 대한 시야를 넓히고, 지속 가능한 생활 방식을 취하여 자연환경과 야생 동물의 보전에 대한 긍정적인 가치 인식을 높일 것으로 기대된다. 해설지와 교사 및 교육자를 위한 설명서가 포함되어 있으며 영어, 중국어, 한국어 버전이 제공된다. "저어새 롤로의 하늘을 나는 여행"의 원본 버전은 환경 교육을 위해 홍콩에서 10년 넘게 사용된 것으로, 올해 출시된 개정판은 전세계적으로 사용될 것으로 기대된다. "저어새 롤로의 하늘을 나는 여행"의 디지털 버전은 아래 링크에서 다운로드할 수 있습니다. (영어 버전) https://www.wwf.org.hk/en/reslib/education/wetlands/ (중국어 번체 버전) https://www.wwf.org.hk/reslib/education/wetlands/ (한국어판) Link EAAFP(동아시아-대양주 철새이동경로 파트너십) 소개 EAAFP (동아시아-대양주 철새이동경로 파트너십)은 2002년 지속가능발전 세계정상회의 (WSSD) 발의안 목록에 채택된 자발적이고 비형식적인 국제기구로 동아시아-대양주 철새이동경로 전반의 이동성 물새와 그 서식지를 보전하기 위해 2006년 11월 설립되었습니다. 현재 EAAFP에는 18개의 정부 파트너, 6개의 정부간 국제기구 파트너, 13개의 국제 NGO 파트너와 1개의 국제기구 파트너, 1개의 다국적 기업부문 파트너로 총 39개의 파트너들로 구성되어 있습니다. EAAFP는 인류와 생물다양성을 이롭게 하기 위하여 동아시아-대양주 철새이동경로 내의 이동성 물새들과 그 서식지가 잘 알려지고 보전되도록 노력하며, 다음과 같은 목적을 지향합니다. WWF(세계자연보호기금) - 홍콩지부 소개 WWF는 100개 이상의 국가에서 활동 중인 네트워크를 가진 세계 최대 국제 자연 보호 단체입니다. WWF의 사명은 인간이 자연과 조화롭게 사는 미래를 만드는 것입니다. WWF-홍콩지부는 1981년부터 홍콩을 아시아에서 가장 지속 가능한 도시로 변화시키는 것을 목표로 보전, 생태계 발자국 및 교육 프로그램을 통해 살아있는 지구를 위한 솔루션을 제공하기 위해 노력해 왔습니다. 자세한 정보는 www.wwf.org.hk를 참조하십시오.


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  • At the Nakdong Estuary FNS, river flowing freely for the first time in 35 years

    Sitting in the River mouth of Nakdong River, one of the largest rivers in RO Korea, Nakdong Estuary Flyway Network Site (EAAF097, SIS), located in Busan Metropolitan City in RO Korea, has joined the Flyway Site Network since 2009. The Nakdong Estuary consists of sandy shores, estuarine waters, intertidal marshes, and artificial wetlands. There are internally endangered Chinese Egret, Oriental Stork, Steller's Sea eagle, Black-faced Spoonbill, and Eurasian Oysters in the Estuary. The Nakdong Estuary Embankment was built in 1987 to secure agricultural, industrial, and drinking water by preventing from mixing of fresh and salty water. On the other hand, the bank has degraded water quality, the environment, and the ecosystem of the estuary. There has been a long discussion on opening Nakdong Estuary Bank’s floodgate for 35 years. One of the previous discussions was introduced on the EAAFP website (click here). Eulsukdo near the bank is one of the important sites for migratory birds. Especially in the mid-80s,  a lot of swans and geese visited the site every year. This site used to be productive on plankton, shellfish, crabs, and fish to accommodate these visiting waterbirds. However, after the completion of the estuary bank, the number of waterbirds has drastically declined to only about 5-10% of the numbers recorded in the 1990s. At the Nakdong Estuary Eco Center © EAAFP Secretariat In the end, the floodgate of the bank (W 2,400m x H 18.7m) has been fully opened since 18 February 2022. This is based on the research work from 2017 to 2021, comparing the effect on the number of fish species between flowing and closed water bodies in the estuary. After the decision and its implementation by the RO Korean government, EAAFP Secretariat staff including Ms. Hyeseon Do, Ms. Yeonah Ku, and Ms. Hyoeun Kim visited the FNS from 21 to 22 February 2022 to meet conservationists and staff from local environmental NGOs, research institutes, and government officials to encourage this important project of wetland restoration. Understanding the importance of what recently happened at the Nakdong Estuary FNS, officers from the EAAFP Secretariat visited the Nakdong Estuary Flyway Network Site. Group photo with Wetlands and Birds Korea © EAAFP Secretariat They visited the office of Wetlands and Birds Korea (WBK), an environmental organization that worked for the conservation of birds and wetlands at the Nakdong Estuary since 2000. Mr. Junerog Park and Mr. Sihwan Kim from WBK informed the trend of birds population and the constructions issues at the Nakdong Estuary. Busan Metropolitan City has been planning to build more than the existing 10 bridges (including two bridges for subways) across the Nakdong Estuary. Furthermore, its monitoring results were discussed with other organizations out of RO Korea, which they used to share with the Australasian Wader Study Group. It was touching to hear that they had felt connected when had heard from other bird watchers from Australasia first time and; also their thoughtful care on decreasing bird populations, especially the Spoon-billed Sandpiper in Nakdong be broadly recognized. Meeting with Professor Joo © EAAFP Secretariat The next stop was the Freshwater Ecology Lab of Pusan National University. Prof. Geajae Joo gave a presentation on the status of the Busan Eco-city and Eulsuk Island. The researchers and Professor Joo from the lab were involved in the research which supported opening the water gate of the Nakdong Estuary Bank. Thanks to the meeting, the team could understand more about the perspective of the government and public corporations of Ro Korea on river management of the site. Meeting at the Nakdong Estuary Eco center © EAAFP Secretariat At the Nakdong Estuary Eco Center in Eulsuk Island, we had a meeting on the core protected area of the island and the potential FNS manager workshop in 2023, with Dr. Nial Moores from Birds Korea and the director of the Eco Center. Dr. Nial Moores was involved in designing the core area and the center in the early phase, with Prof. Geajae Joo’s team. After that, Dr. Hyunwoo Kim guided the center and Eulsuk Island Ecological Park. they had a conversation on the management of the core area and the center for planned renovation. The natural flow of the Nakdong River and its effects should be carefully considered, which could encourage other rivers/ estuaries’ ecological restoration. All the effort and passion of the conservationists and researchers who worked for the estuary will pay off, hopefully in the near future.


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  • Citizen Scientists in Republic of Korea Monitor Birds in River and Streams

    On 5th February 2022, on occasion of World Wetlands Day, the Korea Network for River and Watershed hosted the 3rd Citizen Monitoring of Migratory Birds along rivers…


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  • Envisioning Roadmap of the Gochang Tidal Flat World Heritage Site management

    To further develop the roadmap for advancing management of Gochang Tidal Flat after its designation as a World Heritage Site in Ro Korea, a 2-day technical workshop for…


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  • The launch of the Incheon Red-crowned Cranes Network, based on the scientific evidence provided by civil monitoring (RO Korea)

    The Incheon Red-crowned Crane Network, which aims to conserve Red-crowned Crane,…


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