Asian Waterbird Conservation Fund
Asian Waterbird Conservation Fund
ANNUAL REPORT 2020 (July 2019 – June 2020)
1. Background The Asian Waterbird Conservation Fund (AWCF) was established in July 2005 to provide financial support for projects at sites of importance for migratory waterbirds (including seabirds) in Asia along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway (EAAF).
Cathay Pacific made an initial donation of HK$500,000 in 2005 and additional funding was received through proceeds of WWF’s Big Bird Race from 2006 to 2008. The fund received a donation of totally HK$500,000 from Mr Trevor Yang, former WWF-Hong Kong Chairman (2008-2014), from 2012 to 2016.
In 2019, two new grants were established under the AWCF Programme, the WWF Dr Lew Young Grant and the Asian Flyways Initiative Grant (AFI Grant), to extend the support from the EAAF to the Central Asian Flyway (CAF). The maximum funding amount for the former is US$10,000 for a one-year project while that for the latter is US$5,000 for a one-year project or US$5,000/year for a multiple-year project. The grants seek to support on the ground projects in Asia that will promote the conservation of migratory waterbrids and their habitats in the EAAF and CAF, particularly through partnership with the local community at the site.
WWF-Hong Kong is responsible for the administration of the two grants.
Local secondary school students enjoyed watching swan goose and playing environmental games in Mundok Migratory Bird Reserve, DPR Korea
Annual Report 2020 1
Asian Waterbird Conservation Fund
2. Project progress and results
Since 2005, a total of 37 projects have been funded and completed (Appendix 1). Projects completed and new projects approved under the WWF Dr Lew Young Grant and the AFI Grant from July 2019 to June 2020 are below.
2.1 Projects completed
2.1.1 Public awareness raising through edition of documentary film “Mundok Migratory Bird Reserve” by the Ministry of Land and Environment Protection, DPR Korea.
In the migration of waterbirds from Russian Far East and Alaska to Australia and New Zealand, the inter-tidal wetlands along the western coast of the Korean peninsula, especially at the Mundok Migratory Bird Reserve, play an important role. For the high value of its ecosystem services, such as provisioning and regulating services, the reserve was designated as a Ramsar Site (or Wetland of International Importance) in 2018. However, due to the lack of public awareness, wetland ecosystems and their resources are continually over-exploited and damaged, resulting in negative impacts to both wetlands and migratory birds. A documentary film was produced to show the reserve’s diverse habitats, rich biodiversity and its important role for the conservation of migratory birds.
The documentary film can be viewed online here: http://naenara.com.kp/main/index/en/video
2.1.2 Celebration of “World Migratory Bird Day 2019” in Mundok Migratory Bird Reserve by the Ministry of Land and Environment Protection, DPR Korea
During the southern migration in autumn, about a third of the global swan goose population stops over at the Mundok Migratory Bird Reserve. On 12 October 2019, the ministry organized a Swan Goose Festival in the reserve with support
Annual Report 2020 2 Playing an environmental game (Photo credit: MoLEP) Asian Waterbird Conservation Fund from EAAF Partnership Secretariat, WWF-Hong Kong, Hanns Seidel Foundation and Hong Kong Bird Watching Society to celebrate the World Migratory Bird Day 2019. About 160 participants including embassy representatives from Russia, Mongolia and Syria, guests from local government ministries, national institutions, scientific research institutes, officials from other wetland reserves and local secondary school students and teachers attended. Activities included bird-watching, a photo exhibition and educational games and booths.
2.1.3 Regional situation analysis on the poaching of migratory birds in Southeast Asia (Myanmar) by the Biodiversity And Nature Conservation Association
Myanmar is the second most important country in Southeast Asia for bird diversity, supporting nearly 1,100 bird species. It is also important to wintering populations of many migratory waterbird species in the EAAF such as spoon-billed sandpiper (CR), spotted greenshank (EN) and Baer’s pochard (CR). The project addresses knowledge Selling small pratincole and munia in front of a gaps on the extent of hunting and restaurant in Mandalay (Photo credit: BANCA) taking of wild birds in the country, through market surveys and interviews in central and eastern Myanmar from January to March 2020. Key findings include:
• A total of 991 birds of 29 species were recorded in the 14-day market survey conducted in Mandalay, Lashio, Muse, Shwesettaw Wildlife Sanctuary and Naung Shwe Township near Inlay Wildlife Sanctuary; • Mandalay region is the main point for illegal wildlife trade from other regions; • Bird traders can pre-order species they want with hunters; • Birds are trapped and sold during the period Shwesettaw Pagoda Festival (a Buddhist festival); • For parakeets, hunters target eggs and chicks in nests; • More forest birds than waterbirds are hunted as pets, for food and religious release.
Annual Report 2020 3
Asian Waterbird Conservation Fund
The results were shared with Forest Department and other relevant government departments and awareness-raising programmes targeting local communities were carried out.
2.2 Project approved under the WWF Dr Lew Young Grant Towards an Informed Conservation Action Plan for Seabirds in the Philippines by Isla Biodiversity Conservation. Project period: Oct 2020 to Oct 2021
Despite considerable work from governments and non-profit organizations to conserve wetlands and associated species, there remains a gap in research, awareness and conservation efforts for seabirds. Studies on this group of marine-dwelling birds are hampered due to the difficulty in Terns and gulls in the Philippines tracking and/or getting to sites (Photo credit: Don Geoff Tabaranza) where seabirds typically congregate. Studying seabirds also requires advanced knowledge of seabird identification (i.e. molting phases, migration season and routes) and sophisticated spotting and photographic equipment, which are often cost- prohibitive for local researchers.
Despite these limitations, there have been initiatives by organizations and birdwatchers to document seabirds in the Philippines but no attempt to consolidate studies and efforts. This project is the first attempt to determine potential sites for seabird research, identify and address gaps in research and conservation at the local and national levels, and develop IEC (Information, Education & Communication) strategies and materials for seabirds in the country.
Expected conservation results: • A national seabird conservation action plan will be drafted; • Presentation of the key findings and agreements from the action plan workshop will be presented at the 29th Annual Philippine Biodiversity Symposium in 2021;
Annual Report 2020 4
Asian Waterbird Conservation Fund
• A seabird survey protocol will be developed and a field-based training on seabird surveys will be organized so that local groups and volunteers will conduct surveys based on the proper protocols; • Awareness on seabirds within local communities will be raised through production and distribution of education materials; • Local knowledge on seabirds will be gathered though interviewing at least 30 local fishers at coastal communities.
2.3 Projects approved under the AFI Grant 2.3.1 Endangered Migratory Shorebird Monitoring, Advocacy, and Capacity Building at Pantai Cemara, Tanjung Jabung Timur, Jambi, Indonesia by EKSAI Foundation. Project period: Sep 2020 to Aug 2023
The provincial government of Jambi is planning to develop Pantai Cemara as a tourist site by using shorebirds to bring in crowds. However, the government and related departments do not properly understand local shorebirds and their habitats. EKSAI Foundation will work on community-based shorebird conservation with three key activities, Migratory waterbirds on mudflat at Pantai Cemara (Photo credit: Cipto Dwi Handono) i.e. shorebird monitoring, government advocacy, and capacity building for its local partner.
Expected conservation results: • Shorebird data at Pantai Cemara will be collected in the coming three years for government advocacy work; • Government knowledge of shorebirds and their habitats will be increased with regular meetings and discussions; • Pantai Cemara will be proposed as a new Flyway Network Site under the EAAF Partnership; • At least 10 local village representatives will be trained to become protectors for shorebirds and their habitats.
Annual Report 2020 5
Asian Waterbird Conservation Fund
2.3.2 Waterbirds training, survey, monitoring, and awareness focused on farmers of agriculture ponds in Banyuasin Peninsular, South Sumatra, Indonesia by South Sumatra Bird Conservation Society. Project period: Aug 2020 to Jul 2021
In 1995, a few commercial fish farming businesses from Lampung province expanded their activities into the Banyuasin Peninsula, and between 1995 and 2001, 205,750 ha of mangrove forest was converted into fishponds. Although the site was declared as a part of Large flock of shorebirds in Banyuasin Peninsula Sembilang National Park (Photo credit: Muhamaad Iqbal) (recently Berbak Sembilang National Park), the activities of agriculture ponds continue. The project will work with farmers of agriculture ponds to raise their awareness on migratory shorebird conservation and involve them in waterbird monitoring. The project will train at least 25 farmers of agriculture pond in Banyuasin Peninsular and 10 of them will be expected to continue the monitoring work.
Expected conservation result: • Local knowledge on waterbird survey and monitoring techniques is improved; • 10 trained local farmers will conduct monthly waterbird surveys in their agriculture ponds.
2.3.3 Nesting ecology and conservation of lesser adjutant stork (Leptoptilos javanicus) in Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, Nepal by Himalayan Biodiversity Network Nepal. Project period: Aug 2020 to Jul 2021>
Lesser adjutant stork is declining throughout its distribution range because of anthropogenic pressure and habitat degradation. This project aims to mitigate human-induced threats and raise public awareness for sustainable conservation of lesser
Lesser adjutant (Photo credit: Shivish Bhandari) Annual Report 2020 6
Asian Waterbird Conservation Fund adjutant stork in and around Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, Nepal. It will also focus on figuring out the nesting ecology of lesser adjutant stork in the study site. Through community-based conservation (i.e. orientation programmes in the local clubs, a buffer zone committee, etc), it is hoped that pesticide use in the agriculture land can be minimized, and other threats such as killing of lesser adjutant stork by fishpond owners for protecting their fish and by children for fun can be reduced.
Expected conservation result: • Nesting ecology of at least 35-45 nests will be understood; • Conservation outreach programmes will be conducted in at least 5-6 villages and schools; • Attitudes of local people towards lesser adjutant stork will be changed after understanding the ecological role/ importance of the stork.
3. Income and expenditure
No additional funding has been received from July 2019 to June 2020.
A total of US$26,150.9 (approximately HK$204,000) was given out to projects in instalments.
Table 2: Summary on the Income and Expenditure Income (year) HK$ Cathay Pacific (2005) 500,000.00 WWF HK Big Bird Race (2006) 121,841.00 WWF HK Big Bird Race (2007) 100,000.00 WWF HK Big Bird Race (2008) 183,537.00 Proceeds from DVD sales (2007-10) 39,462.00 Mr Trevor Yang (2012) 100,000.00 Mr Trevor Yang (2013) 100,000.00 Mr Trevor Yang (2014) 100,000.00 Mr Trevor Yang (2015) 100,000.00 Mr Trevor Yang (2016) 100,000.00 Sub-total 1,444,840.00 Expenditure (year) US$ Project instalments (2006-07) 75,251.45 9,495.00 Project instalments (2007-08) 46,255.13 5,830.25 Project instalments (2008-09) 76,116.89 9,797.00 Project instalments (2009-10) 71,195.01 9,399.50 Project instalments (2010-11) 61,906.87 7,959.50 Project instalments (2011-12) 87,490.00 11,265.00
Annual Report 2020 7
Asian Waterbird Conservation Fund
Project instalments (2012-13) 71,287.04 7,658.00 Project instalments (2013-14) 132,806.22 17,116.00 Project instalments (2014-15) 100,609.21 12,974.00 Project instalments (2015-16) 96,337.22 12,407.00 Project instalments (2016-17) 112,033.15 14,455.66 Project instalments (2017-18) 95,132.60 12,181.50 Project instalments (2018-19) 101,793.71 12,970.00 Project instalments (2019-20) 203,977.00 26,150.90 Administration and technical advice (2005-present) 353,849.00 Sub-total 1,686,040.49 Net Balance -241,200.49
4. Acknowledgements
Dr Lew Young, former Chief Executive of EAAF Partnership, conceived the idea of establishing the AWCF when he was the Mai Po Reserve Manager for WWF-Hong Kong. Since 2007, Dr Young was one of the AWCF Committee members and provided comments and advice on every application proposal received. On 5 March 2019, Dr Young passed away while on a work trip to develop conservation actions for the intertidal wetlands of the Yellow Sea in Beijing. In 2019, WWF-Hong Kong set up the WWF Dr Lew Young Grant in honour of his dedicated work and major contribution to wetland conservation.
The Fund would like to thank Mr Doug Watkins, Chief Executive of EAAF Partnership, for kindly accepting the invitation to become the new committee member. The Fund also would like to express our gratitude to Mr Simba Chan, Prof. Guangchun Lei, Mr Spike Millington and Dr Philip Round for their long-term support.
Annual Report 2020 8
Asian Waterbird Conservation Fund
Appendix 1: Summary table of the projects funded and completed since 2005
Year Project Location Organization Project name
Public awareness campaign to enhance the conservation of 1 2005-06 Thailand Wetland International – Thailand Office migratory shorebird and their habitat at Chao Mai Marine National Park, Trang Province, Southern Thailand
Capacity Building & Community Based Waterbird Conservation 2 2005-06 Bangladesh Wilderness Conservation Activity in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh
Support of HUN Club's conservation and public awareness activities 3 2005-06 Mongolia Har Us Nuur (HUN) Club in W Mongolia
Conservation Education on Waterbirds and Habitat with focus on 4 2006-07 Thailand Bird Conservation Society of Thailand the Inner Gulf of Thailand
Capacity Building for Local NGO's on Migratory Shorebirds 5 2007-08 Sumatra, Indonesia Sumatra Rainforest Institute Conservation in North Sumatra
Shanghai Oasis Wildlife Conservation Community-based Initiative in Conservation of Migratory Waterbirds 6 2007-08 Shanghai, China and Communication Centre and Coastal Wetlands in Nanhui Dongtan, Shanghai, China
Marinelife Alliance Community Based Waterbird Monitoring and Conservation in Cox’s 7 2007-08 Bangladesh (with Wilderness Conservation) Bazar Coastal Areas, Bangladesh.
Inner Mongolia, Administration Bureau of Tumuji Establishment of Waterbirds Conservation Stewardship through 8 2008-09 China National Nature Reserve School and Community-based Education and Interpretation
Capacity Building for Village Leaders on Migratory Shorebirds 9 2008-09 Sumatra, Indonesia Sumatra Rainforest Institute Conservation in Sumatra Utara-Indonesia
Annual Report 2020 9
Asian Waterbird Conservation Fund
Continued Conservation Education and Public Awareness Activities Asian Coastal Resource Institute 10 2009-10 Vietnam on Waterbirds and Lake Wetlands at Shengjin Lake in Anhui Foundation (CORIN-Asia) Province in China.
Local Radio for Bird Protection Awareness Raising in Xuan Thuy 11 2009-10 Anhui, China Anhui Bird Watching Society Ramsar Site, Vietnam.
Community Participatory Co-management of Waterbirds and their Inner Mongolia, Administration Bureau of Tumuji 12 2010-11 Habitat through Promotion of Sustainable Behaviour and Livelihood China National Nature Reserve in Tumuji Township
Migratory Waterbird Conservation and its Habitat in Deli Serdang 13 2010-11 Sumatra, Indonesia Sumatra Rainforest Institute District Sumatra Utara Province: Phase I
Promoting community support and involvement in conservation of Inner Mongolia, The Bird Conservation Association of 14 2010-11 the endangered Red-crowned Crane and other rare waterbirds at China Northeast Forestry University Hui River National Nature Reserve, Inner Mongolia, China
Capacity Building for Waterbird Monitoring at Important Sites along 15 2011-12 Hubei, China Wuhan Bird Watching Society the China Coast
Monitoring and community awareness of Critically Endangered 16 2011-12 China The Hong Kong Bird Watching Society Baer's Pochard Aythya baeri wintering at Liangzi lake, Hubei
Potential Flyway sites monitoring and raise awareness of local 17 2011-12 Thailand Bird Conservation Society of Thailand people in The Inner Gulf of Thailand
Conservation and sustainable management of migratory waterbird 18 2012-13 Mongolia Mongolian Ornithological Society habitat at Dashinchilen Tsagaan Wetlands, Mongolia
Philippines Biodiversity Conservation Enhancing conservation of wetlands critical to threatened waterbird 19 2012-13 Philippines Foundation, Inc. in Southern Negros Occidental, Philippines
Annual Report 2020 10
Asian Waterbird Conservation Fund
Involvement of local community in the long term Dauria Daursky State Nature Biosphere 20 2012-13 Russia Transboundary Russian-Mongolian-Chinese Monitoring and Reserve Management Waterbirds Network (step first: Russian territory) Russian Society for Bird Conservation Significance of West Kamchatka, Russia for waterbirds 21 2013-14 Russia and Study (BirdsRussia), Kamchatka conservation on East Asian-Australasian Flyway with special focus Branch to shorebirds
Globally threatened waterbird conservation in the coastal areas of 22 2013-14 Bangladesh Bangladesh Bird Club Bangladesh Management of an important breeding and migration site for 23 2013-14 Mongolia Mongolian Ornithological Society waterbirds in Mongolia (Dashinchilen Tsagaan): Phase 2
Dongtai Tiaozini Sandbanks Survey and Conservation in Jiangsu 24 2014-15 Jiangsu, China Spoon-billed Sandpiper in China Province, China
Qufu Normal University Bird Watching The monitoring and protection propaganda of Baer’s Pochard in 25 2015-16 Shandong, China Society Taibai Lake, Jining City, Shandong Province
Waterbirds training, survey, monitoring, and awareness focused on 26 2015-16 Malaysia Malaysian Nature Society EAAF bird flyway in Malaysia
Biodiversity and Nature Conservation Protecting the Spoon-billed Sandpiper and other shorebirds on Nan 27 2015-16 Myanmar Association Thar Island, Myanmar
Conservation and Community Awareness of the Critically Wildlife Science and Conservation 28 2015-16 Mongolia Endangered Eastern Subpopulation of Dalmatian Pelicans in Center of Mongolia Mongolia
Environmental Protection Society of Training surveyors and protectors of Black-necked Crane in 29 2016-17 Qinghai, China Nianbaoyuze Nianbaoyuze, Qinghai Province
Annual Report 2020 11
Asian Waterbird Conservation Fund
Waterbird conservation through improving public awareness and 30 2016-17 Mongolia Mongolian Bird Conservation Center pasture management of Mongol Daguur Special Protected Area, Mongolia
Ministry of Land and Environment Advocacy and awareness promotion on wetland and migratory 31 2016-17 DPR Korea Protection waterbirds in Mundok Migratory Bird Reserve Area, DPR Korea
Conducting waterbird survey and protection work in the coastal 32 2016-17 Shandong, China Qingdao Bird Watching Society wetland of Jiaozhou Bay National Marine Park, Qingdao, Shandong Province.
Ministry of Land and Environment Publication of the second edition of “National Wetland Inventory of 33 2018-19 DPR Korea Protection DPR Korea”
Ministry of Land and Environment Activities for conservation of great knot in Mundok Migratory Bird 34 2018-19 DPR Korea Protection Reserve Area, DPR Korea
Ministry of Land and Environment Celebration of “World Migratory Bird Day 2019” in Mundok 35 2019-20 DPR Korea Protection Migratory Bird Reserve Area, DPR Korea
Ministry of Land and Environment Public awareness raising through edition of documentary film 36 2019-20 DPR Korea Protection “Mundok Migratory Bird Reserve”
Biodiversity And Nature Conservation Regional situation analysis on the hunting and take of migratory 37 2019-20 Myanmar Association (BANCA) birds in Southeast Asia (Myanmar)
Annual Report 2020 12