Welcoming Bangpu Nature Education Center (EAAF157) as Thailand’s 4th Flyway Network Site

The East Asian – Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP) is proud to announce the addition of the Bangpu Nature Education Center (BNEC) in Samut Prakan Province, Thailand, as the country’s 4th Flyway Network Site. Officially designated on 28 March 2025, this recognition highlights BNEC’s pivotal role in safeguarding critical habitats for migratory waterbirds, contributing to flyway-wide conservation efforts along the East Asian – Australasian Flyway (EAAF).

BNEC is a haven for an impressive array of avian life, hosting numerous key species such as the Brown-headed Gull (Chroicocephalus brunnicephalus), Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa), and Tibetan Sandplover (Charadrius atrifrons). It is also a sanctuary for globally threatened species, including the Milky Stork (Mycteria cinerea), Far Eastern Curlew (Numenius madagascariensis), and Spotted Greenshank (Tringa guttifer).

Nestled in the northeastern part of the Inner Gulf of Thailand, BNEC is a biologically rich area featuring diverse ecosystems such as mangrove forests, vast mudflats, and remarkable biodiversity that supports over 560 species of fauna and 22 species of flora. Also known as the Bangpu Bird and Biodiversity Area, this site was designated as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) by BirdLife International. The area has long been recognised for its ecological value, with the wetlands officially declared nationally significant by a cabinet resolution in August 2000, as well as its recent designation as the 63rd ASEAN Heritage Park in December 2024.

Evidenced by its comprehensive monitoring and research programmes, BNEC collaborates with the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation and the Bird Conservation Society of Thailand to conduct waterbird censuses, gathering critical data on migratory waterbird populations. Additionally, in partnership with Mahidol University, BNEC plays a crucial role in monitoring migratory birds for avian influenza, ensuring early detection and responses to potential health risks.

Beyond its natural treasures, BNEC offers visitors a unique opportunity to connect with nature, learn about conservation, and appreciate the rich history tied to the country’s coastal landscapes. The center serves as a hub for environmental education and community engagement, hosting a variety of programmes for students and visitors. Annual events like World Wetlands Day and “Bangpu Big Bird Day” draw attention to the importance of wetland ecosystems, while educational tours for students highlight biodiversity, migration, and the importance of wetland conservation. Visitors are also encouraged to participate in hands-on conservation activities such as tree planting, wildlife releases, and marine debris cleanups.

The wetlands at BNEC also provide a range of vital ecosystem services, supporting the environment while benefiting local communities by sustaining commercial fisheries and boosting ecotourism.

As BNEC joins the network of internationally recognised wetlands for migratory waterbirds, the EAAFP looks forward to continued collaboration with experts, youth, community-led organisations, and other local stakeholders. This partnership promises to unlock new opportunities in education, recreation, and sustainable livelihoods while ensuring the long-term protection of migratory waterbirds and the ecosystems they rely upon.

Bangpu Nature Education Center (EAAF157) Site Information Sheet: https://eaaflyway.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/SIS-Bangpu-Nature-Education-Center-clean.pdf

More photos: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjC6zPd

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