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WETLANDS OF THE AMUR RIVER BASIN RUSSIA-CHINA-MONGOLIA o o o 110 120o 130 140

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Number Name

1 Torey Lakes 2 Zeya-Bureya Playns 3 Khingano-Arkharinskaya Lowland 4 Bolon lake and river estuaries 5 Udyl Lake and river estuaries 6 Khanka lake 7 Xingkai lake 8 San Jang 9 Honghe 10 Zhalong 40o 11 Xianghai 12 Dalai Lake 13 Buir Lake and wetlands 14 Mongol Daguur 15 Khurkh-Khuiten Valley Lakes 2008 – the Year of Ramsar Wetlands in Amur River Basin

World Wildlife Fund declared the Amur River The most important aim in conserving biodi- • Keep the level of ground waters; Basin (Heilong Jiang in Chinese) one of its versity of Amur ecoregion is development of • Purify water, withhold contaminants; Objectives of the Year global priorities. There are situated three of 200 the system of protected areas, connected by • Produce and emit oxygen to the atmo- of Ramsar Wetlands: global ecoregions of the world: Ussury broad- ecological corridors and buffer zones (ecologi- sphere; leaved forests, Dauria steppes and Amur fresh- cal network). The name of this program is “The • Act as the largest stock and reserve of at- 1. To provide the informational support for water ecosystems. Since 1994 WWF Russia Green Belt of Amur-Heilong” and the Oriental mospheric carbon; conservation of Ramsar sites and other wet- conducts nature conservation projects, united in White Stork serves as flagship specie. In the • Stabilize microclimate conditions, espe- lands of Amur River basin. 2002 in one of the largest ecoregional programs. year 2008 the Amur branch of WWF started a cially precipitation and temperature; 2. To raise profile of Ramsar sites in the Far WWF offices in the North-East China and East- program to support Ramsar wetlands. Nowa- • Slow down erosion and stabilize coast posi- East of Russia, North East China and East Mon- ern Mongolia were established for implementa- days in Amur river basin people are poorly tion; golia to boost better protection and expansion tion of Amur-Heilong Ecoregional Programme. informed about the importance of Ramsar wet- • Present the highest primary ecosystem pro- of protected areas. 3. To promote establishment of Amur-Heilong Several communication campaigns were run to lands, little awareness exists among the gov- duction Ramsar Regional Initiative for preservation of support Amur program within last 3 years: “The ernment agencies and local populations of all • Support biodiversity; Amur River wetlands and founding of coordinat- year of the crane”, “Precious wave”, “The Crane three countries of the basin. This creates seri- • Serve as a habitat for many species of plants ing international secretariat supported by gov- above Amur”, “The days of Amur” in Amur- ous difficulties for wetland protection and ex- and animals, including rare and economically significant. ernments of Russia, China and Mongolia. skaya, Chitinskaya, Primorskiy, Khabarovskiy, pansion of protected area. 4. To call for development of joint strategy for Evreyskaya provinces. Campaigns annually Wetland functions are extremely important in In 2008, in advance of the upcoming Ramsar 10th Conference of Parties in Seul, we focus wetland conservation and wise use of in Amur gather over 20 thousand participants, are sup- the ecosystem, because they provide the fol- River basin integrated into the regional develop- ported by management bureaus of 18 national lowing services: on wetlands of international importance: Torey lakes, Zeya-Bureya Plain, Khingano-Arkharins- ment plans and decision making processes. nature reserves, 10 local NGOs public organiza- • Accumulate and keep fresh water; 5. To elaborate the joint information strategy and tions, 4 student unions of nature protection. • Regulate surface groundwater runoff; kaya Lowland, Lake Bolon and the mouths of the Selgon and Simmi Rivers and Lake Khanka. database for better information and education in In three of those Ramsar wetlands efforts will the field of transboundary wetlands protection. start to enlarge existing national protected ar- 6. To draw attention of local people to the role eas and to establish additional local reserves of Ramsar sites and other wetlands in keeping in their close neighborhood with total planned water balance of the river, in water purification expansion of about 3000 km2. Udyl Wildlife and conservation of biodiversity, provision and Refuge will shift under management of Rus- maintenance of livelihood. sia Ministry of Natural Resources and Ecology rare species of birds the «Strategy for conserva- of Russian Federation (Minpriroda Russia) and tion of Oriental White Stork in Russia» will be will receive support for protection infrastruc- completed and submitted for endorsement by ture. Work is underway to support nomination as a Ramsar wetland for recently expanded Minpriroda Russia as the official document. This Tashinsky wildlife refuge. will launch 5-year strategy implementation pro- One of the WWF objectives is strengthening gram carried out in alliance with Bolon, Khin- international cooperation of Russian nature re- gan, Khanka and Bastak strict scientific nature serves with their partners in China and Mon- reserves., The Strategy also includes exchange golia. In 2008 WWF plans to take part in in- programs with the for Stork Breeding Centers ternational meetings of governoing committees in Japan and South Korea. The WWF supports for transboundary reserves: Dauria (DIPA) and widening of the “Nest Keepers Movement” that Khanka Lake, as well as in meeting of Biodi- undertakes protection measures at every known versity Task Force of Russia-China Subcom- nest of the Oriental White Stork. mitee for Environment, and support staff ex- This brochure published in Russian and Eng- changes between protected areas that signed lish presents data on Ramsar wetlands in bilateral cooperation agreements. Amur river basin obtained from Ramsar–re- The Oriental White Stock and many other species lated web-sites and information sheets ( See depend on wetlands ecosystems status. To protect back cover for list of sources). Wetland name: Torey lakes, including national reserve “Daursky” Torey Lakes Geographical coordinates: 50°05’ N 115°40’ E (49°55’-50°14’N, 115°05’- Russia, Zabaikalsky Province, Onon and Borzinsky districts 115°98’E) atures vary from 26°C in January to +19°C in of the wetland there grow close to each other Geographical location: July. The daily range of temperature is 15-200С, species of steppes and of the wetlands. So far Torey lakes are situated in Transbaikalia, on and the annual variation – 80. Annual precipita- 440 species of vascular plants are known from the territory of Onon and Borzinsky regions tion varies from 150-350 mm (mean 290 mm), of Daursky. Here it’s possible to notice several red- of the Zabaikalsky Province. The south border which 80% fall in the second half of summer. At listed species: Short-leaved asparagus, Mongo- of the wetland coincides with the boundary the same time there are floods on the rivers. Win- lian cotoneaster, Daurian ephedra, Milk-white between Russia and Mongolia. The distance of ter is frosty, windless and not snowy. The warmest iris, Tiger iris, Low iris, Golder thrift, Monop- the western part of the wetland to Borzya is 90 month is July, the coldest – January. km, from the northern part to Chita – 300 km terous saltwort, Narrow-leaved kochia, Ural licorice, Baical skullcap, etc. and from Nizhniy Tsasuchey – 50 km. ECOLOGICAL FEATURES Area: the territory of the wetland. This ecosystem is shaped by 30 year climate cy- THREATENING AND DISTURBING FAC- 172 500 ha cle. Fluctuating water level of steppe lakes with This wetland includes the most of territory of TORS CONSERVATION MEASURES area change from 900 sq. km to several sq. km The conservation of the territory of the wetland in Daursky Biosphere Reserve with 44 752 ha creates dynamic mosaic of habitats and triggers Climate cycle drives sharp dynamics of popula- core area and 163,530 ha buffer zone. tions and communities of Torey lakes. In times the area of the reserve is conducted by its inspec- changes in species populations and migration pat- tors. All human activities are prohibited in the core Altitude: terns. Reed (Phragmites australis) associations of intensive water level rise many shallow lakes 591,4 (the bottom of the lake) to 769,3 m (the are formed outside the territory of the Ramsar zone (Daursky strict scientific nature reserve). In with sedge and cattail (Typha angustifolia) occur the buffer zone it is prohibited to change the hy- highest point of the mountain range along the along the shore of Lake Barun-Torey, in the river wetland, while inside designated wetland open coast of Zun-Torey). The water level is at the area overgrow intensively and this has tempo- drological regime, the use of chemical pesticides, mouths and floodplains. Reedbeds are sparse and all kinds of hunting. Fishing is allowed in specially point 598,2 m a.s.l. occupy 30 to 70% of the habitat area. The sector, rarily negative effect for the quantity of birds Wetland Type: designated places. The control of hunting and fish- covered by reed, is narrow, up to 100m. Only the and of nesting species. ing on the territory of the lake Zun-Torey, that is Ramsar classification - Q, R, Ss, Ts, P, M Kulustaisky bay is totally covered by the reed. Uncontrolled fire hazards in spring in steppes Ramsar Criteria: not the part of the reserve nor the part of its buffer Along river beds there are sedge and cattail com- and river floodplains also give a negative effect zone is conducted by fishery inspections of Onon- 1а, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 3a, 3b. The main – 2a – the munities, often combined with reed. on the condition of the wetland. important area of habitation of rare species. sky and Borzinsky regions. Since 1994 Daursky Torey lakes are fed by rivers, which have 98% strict scientific nature reserve together with Dalai Overview: NOTEWORTHY FAUNA of their water catchment area on the territory of The steppe lakes with variable hydrological Lake National Nature Reserve in China and Mon- The list of species in Daursky includes 47 mam- Mongolia and thus requires international coor- regime, connected in high-water years with gol Daguur Strict Nature Reserve in Mongolia mals, 317 birds, 3 reptiles, 2 amphibians. 4 species dination of water protection and management. comprise Dauria International Protected Area with a channel; parts of river-beds, delta, flooding of mammals and 42 birds are listed in Red Data- it rivers. The site is an important breeding, On the Russian territory there are peasant’s regular transboundary cooperation in research and book of Russia, 20 species of birds – in IUCN Red farms along Uldza and Imalka rivers, close to environmental education. feeding and staging area for migratory List. Torey lakes are an important place of nesting waterfowl, including such species as Larus such species as White-naped crane, Great bustard, relictus and Anser cygnoides. Asian dowitcher, Relict gull (Larus relictus). Also here there are nesting Swan goose, Steppe eagle, PHYSICAL FEATURES Saker falcon, Deadly nightshade, Black-winged Geology and geomorphology stilt, Pied avocet, Eagle owl, Mongolian lark and The distinctive feature of the terrain are coastal Pere David’s snow finch. Here it’s possible to meet bars on the bottomland and on the first terrace during the migration Baer’s Pochard, Siberian above flood-plain of the lakes. They formed be- crane, White-naped crane, Hooded crane, Baikal cause of the movement of the coast line during the teal. Shore of Torey Lakes is place of recovery for variations in levels of the lakes. The number of herd of Mongolian Gazelle, that was previously these bars reaches 19-20 on one slope. The size is extirpated from Russia. 0,5-3m high and 20-30m wide. Climate NOTEWORTHY FLORA The area has a continental climate with dry cold Flora of the wetland is unique for the territory of SOURCE: Ramsar Information Sheet, 2007 winter and warm summer. The mean air temper- southern Transbaikalia. On a rather small territory Wetland name: Zeya-Bureya Plains including Muravievsky zakaznik Zeya-Bureya Plain Geographical coordinates: Russia, Amurskaya Province, Tambovsky district 46°42’ - 50°09’ N, 127°30’ - 127°43’ Geographical location: PHYSICAL FEATURES ary. The warm period, when the temperature is The wetland is located on the plane near Geology and geomorphology above zero, lasts for 100-110 days. The growing middle Amur, between river mouths of The plains are composed of the Neogene and Pleis- period for vegetation is 140-160 days. Annual Zeya and Bureya. Amur Region, 43 km tocene silty-loam lacustrine sediments. The flood- precipitation varies from 550 to 600 mm, with northwest of the city of Blagoveshchensk plain of the Zeya River is about five km wide within only 15% falling in winter. The snow cover is (regional centre), 33 km east of the village the site, and the floodplain of the Bureya is up to not deep, and the ground freezes to 1.5-2 m. of Tambovka. 10 km wide. The lower portions of the floodplains Soils Area: include islands and beaches; the higher-level flood- The soils are predominantly of the meadow 34000 ha plains contain a complex of levees, oxbow lakes and types, with a high humus content (5-12%). The Altitude: marshes. Above the floodplains, there are two ter- humus horizon is 20-60 cm deep. At lower plac- and pastures. Also the pollution of waters by pesti- Mean 126 m (min 110 m, max 136 m a.s.l.) races. es, gley soils occur, with an underlying layer of cides and chemicals. Wetland Type: Hydrology clay. The high-level floodplain is covered by for- Ramsar classification - Ts, O, M The rivers are fed mainly by rain. The spring flood CONSERVATION MEASURES Ramsar Criteria: ests on soddy-alluvial and brown soils. is not high, the level of water may rise considerably The borders of the Ramsar site coincide with those of 1a, 2a, 3b. The main is 2а – the habitat area after monsoon rains in summer. the Muravjevsky Wildlife Refuge (‘zakaznik’). With- of rare species. ECOLOGICAL FEATURES Climate in the refuge borders, the Muravjevsky Nature Park Overview: Bottomland and above flood-plain freshwater The area has a monsoon temperate climate (a con- lakes with adjacent marshes. Slowly flowing has been established by the Social-Ecological Union, It’s a river floodplain with lakes and marshes, which gives great emphasis to education matters. a place of nesting of rare species and tinental variant). The summers in the area are the small rivers with adjacent marshes and bayou hottest in the Russian Far East. The mean air tem- lakes. It’s an important site for waterbirds dur- concentration of natatorial. SOURCE: Ramsar Information Sheet, 2007 peratures are +20,5°C in July and -25,5°C in Janu- ing the seasonal migration.

NOTEWORTHY FAUNA About 15,000 geese and 1,500 ducks migrate through the area in spring; up to 8,000 migrat- ing ducks and 50-60 cranes have been regis- tered in autumn. Breeding waterbirds include 300 pairs of ducks. Rare bird species, that occur at the site, include Japanese crane Grus japo- nensis (8-9 breeding pairs), White-naped crane Grus vipio (8-9 pairs) and Oriental white stork Ciconia boyciana (5-6 pairs).

NOTEWORTHY FLORA The flora of the Zeya-Bureya Plains includes 280 species of plants, three of these are listed in the Russian Red Data Book and seven species are listed in the Red Book of the Russian Far East. Flora is mainly presented by meadow species and water, wetland, forest and ruderal species.

THREATENING AND DISTURBING FACTORS Potentially dangerous kind of activity is graz- ing of agricultural animals and human induced burnings that sporadically appear on meadows Wetland name: Khingano-Arkharinskaya Lowland Geographical coordinates: Khingano-Arkharinskaya Lowland 49°10’N, 130°00’E (48°54’ - 49°32’ N, 129°37’ Russia, Amurskaya Province, Arkharinsky district - 130°44’ E) Geographical location: Hydrology the rivers and shores of the lakes In southern Amur Region, near the border with The rivers are fed mainly by rain. The spring are overgrown with reed Phrag- China, 175 km southeast of the city of Bla- flood is not high, the level of water may rise con- mites, which is up to two metres goveshchensk. The site includes vast floodplain siderably after monsoon rains in summer. high, as well as with Typha sp., areas in the middle course of the Amur River, Climate Sagittaria sp., Acorus calamus, between the Bureya and Khingan Rivers, to the The area has a monsoon temperate climate (the Menyanthes sp. and Lycopus sp. south-west of Trans-Siberian railway most continental variant of this climatic type). Aquatic plants include Potamo- Area: The summers in the area are the hottest in the geton sp., Lemna sp., Nimphaea 188073 ha Russian Far East. The mean air temperatures tetragona and Trapa natans. Altitude: are +20,5°C in July and -25,5°C in January. The 90-504 m a.s.l. warm period, when the temperature is above NOTEWORTHY FAUNA Wetland Type: zero, lasts for 100-110 days. The growing period The significance of the region as a Ramsar classification - Ts,Tp,O,M for vegetation is 140-160 days. Annual precipita- place for migratory birds Ramsar Criteria: tion varies from 550 to 600 mm, with only 15% Migrating waterbirds include 1a, 1c, 2a, 2b, 2c. The main - 1c and 2a – unique falling in winter. The snow cover is not deep, and Greylag goose Anser anser, landscapes with nesting of rare birds. the soil freezes to 1,5-2 m. White-fronted goose Anser al- Overview: Soils bifrons, beangoose Anser faba- Unique wet forest-steppe (prairie) ecosystems The soils are predominantly of the meadow types, lis, Brent goose Branta bernicla, in the Amur valley, a very important breeding with a high humus content (5-12%). The humus Baikal teal Anas formosa, mallard Aix galericulata; Chinese merganser Mergus area for rare and threatened birds. horizon is 20-60 cm deep. At lower places, gley A. platyrhynchos and Northern pintail A. acu- squamatus; osprey Pandion haliaetus; Gold- soils occur, with an underlying layer of clay. The ta. However these information is outdated. In en eagle Aqila chrysaetos; White-tailed eagle PHYSICAL FEATURES high-level floodplain is covered by forests on the latest decades there were no observations Haliaeetus albicilla; Gyr falcon Falco gyrfal- Geology and geomorphology soddy-alluvial and brown soils. for migration and nesting of Anatidae. Till con; Japanese crane Grus japonensis; Sibe- now Falcated duck Anas falcata is a common Plains in the Amur valley are composed of the rian crane Grus leucogeranus; White-naped breeding specie. Neogene and Pleistocene siltyloam lacustrine ECOLOGICAL FEATURES crane Grus vipio; Hooded crane Grus mo- The significance of the region as a place for nesting nacha; Great bustard Otis tarda dybowskiii; sediments. The lower portion of the floodplain Wet meadows with herbs, Calamagrostis sp. and Carex sp. are the most widespread. Be- The breeding avifauna of the eastern forest- Little whimbler Numenius minutus. includes islands and beaches; the higher level ing underlain by clays, these meadows are steppe contains representatives of the Chinese The significance of the region as a place for con- floodplain contains a complex of levees, oxbow waterlogged for a long time after heavy rains. and European faunistic types. The former in- servation of biodiversity of mammals, amphib- lakes and marshes. Above the floodplain, there The herbs are dense and tall (100-120 cm cludes Pied harrier Circus melanoleucus, Siberi- ian and reptiles are two terraces. high), and are dominated by Calamagrostis an ruddy crake Porzana paykullii, Shortwinged The regional mammal fauna contains represen- purpurascens (80- 85% of the biomass), Ly- cuckoo Cuculus micropterus, Black-browed tatives of the oriental fauna, such as Tscherskia copus sp., Lythrum sp., Valeriana sp. and reed wabler Acrocephalus bistrigiceps and triton, Lepus mandshuricus and Nyctereutes Sanguisorba sp. Meadows at the highlevel Greyhooded bunting Emberiza fucata. The lat- procyonoides. Steppe species include Cricetulus floodplain show a rich diversity (60 species) ter includes yellow-breasted bunting Emberiza barabensis and Spermophilus undulatus. and abundance of flowering plants, such as aureola, Blueheaded wagtail Motacilla flava Lilium sp., Ñypripedium sp., Iris ensata and and other common species. NOTEWORTHY FLORA Paeonia lactiflora. On the terraces, dry mead- The significance of the region as a place for rare The flora of the area is represented by 700 spe- ows with Calamagrostis epigeios and various and threatened species cies of vascular plants. Ten species listed in the herbs are found. These are not large in area. The wetlands of the area are of particular im- Russian Red Data Book occur at the site. These Grass fens are situated in depressions under- portance for breeding populations of rare and are Braseria scheberi, Dioscorea nipponica, Al- lain by clays. The herbage is 40-50 cm high. threatened birds. Fifteen species listed in the drovanda vesiculosa, Iris ensata, Cypripedium These communities are dominated by Cala- Russian Red Data Book have been registered calceolus, C. macranthon, Pagonia japonica, magrostis neglecta, Carex lasiocarpa and at the site (Andronov, 1987), including: Ori- Paeonia lactifolia, P.obovata and Trapa natans. Carex meyerana. Eriophorum sp. occur at ental white stork Ciconia boyciana; Black lower levels of the floodplain. The mouths of stork C. nigra; Swan goose; Mandarin duck SOURCE: Ramsar Information Sheet, 2007 Wetland name: Lake Bolon and the mouths of the Selgon and Simmi Rivers Lake Bolon Geographical coordinates: Russia, Khabarovsky Province, Amur district 49°35’N, 136°05’E ( 49°25’ - 49°55’N, 135°21’ - 139°15’E) Hydrology The significance of the region as a place for nesting Geographical location: Lake Bolon is a drainage lake, connected with About 25% of the waterbirds breeding in In Amursk District, Khabarovsk Region; the Amur River by two channels (the Sii and Khabarovsk Region are found at the site. Spe- 70 km of the town of Amursk, 170 km of Serebryanaya). The level of the lake is subject cies which breed in small amounts in some years the city of Khabarovsk. to fluctuations of up to 3,72 m, with the area include Whooper swan Cygnus cygnus, Spotbill Area: varying over a range from 342 km2 to 612 duck Anas poecilorhyncha, gadwall A. strepera, 53800 ha km2. The lake is shallow, the maximum depth Baikal teal A.formosa and Mandarin duck Aix ga- Altitude: is 4,5-5 m. Sometimes there are storms with lericulata. 15 m a.s.l. waves up to 1,5m high. The significance of the region as a place for rare Wetland Type: Climate and threatened species ed to the lake, produces the major threat to the Ramsar classification - L, M, O, Tp, Ts, The area has a transitional monsoon-continen- Species listed in the Russian Red Data Book that wetland. Anthropogenic pressure is high, in- W. tal climate. It is cool and subhumid. The Arc- occur at the site include Oriental white stork Cico- Ramsar Criteria: nia boyciana; White-tailed eagle; Japanese crane cluding over-fishing, that leads to the decline of tic continental air masses dominate in winter. population of some species, intense waterfowl 1(a,c) – a representative example of a large The mean January temperature is -28°C and Grus japonensis; Hooded crane Grus monachus;, Black stork Ciconia nigra; osprey Pandion hali- shooting and poaching. Forest cutting takes floodplain wetland complex in the Lower the mean July temperature is +21°C. The an- aetus and Golden eagle Aquila chrysaetos are rare, place in the catchment of Lake Bolon, outside Amur area; the wetland plays an important nual variations in the air temperatures reach presumably breeding species. the wetland area. And there are grass fire haz- role in the natural functioning of the Low- 50°C. Annual precipitation varies between er Amur. 2(b,c) - the catchment of Lake ards every year. 400 and 500 mm, with 50-55% falling be- Bolon is important for migrating, breeding NOTEWORTHY FLORA and moulting populations of waterfowl, tween July and September, and only 15% Three species of plants currently listed in the Rus- CONSERVATION MEASURES and for breeding populations of rare fish from November till March. Snow cover is 35- sian Red Data Book occur in the area. These are A project to establish a strict nature reserve (‘za- species. 3(a) - the wetland regularly sup- 40 cm deep and persists from early November Brasenia schreberi, Iris ensata and Trapa natans povednik’) has been developed and adopted by ports 20000 waterbirds. 4(a,b) - the lake is till mid-April. The grounds freeze down to and some rare in the region species. Government on November the 18th, 1997. The of importance for indigenous fish popula- 160 cm. Winter has a lot of unshadowed days. site received a status of a wetland of international tions. All criteria are equal in importance Summer is humid and warm. THREATENING AND DISTURBING FAC- importance. Overview: TORS The site incorporates a large floodplain ECOLOGICAL FEATURES Pollution of the Amur waters, that are connect- SOURCE: Ramsar Information Sheet, 2007 lake and a group of small lakes, ox-bow Lake Bolon is one of the largest inland wa- lakes and bays in the lower courses of the ter reservoirs of the Amur Rriver region. The Selgon and Simmi Rivers. The area is im- maximum length of the lake is 70 km, width – portant for migrating, breeding and moult- 20 km. The northern and eastern shores of the ing populations of waterfowl, including lake are hilly, and there are two well defined rare and threatened species. terraces at a height of 12-15 m and 20-25 m. The southern and western shores are low, with PHYSICAL FEATURES a belt of dense aquatic vegetation, sedges and Geology and geomorphology peatmoss bog forests. The site is situated on the northern part of the Middle Amur Plain, which is separated from the other part of NOTEWORTHY FAUNA the plain by the Vandan and Sindo-Murkhen moun- The significance of the region as a place for tain ridges on the left bank of the Amur River, and by migratory birds the Petropavlovsk-Sarapul ouvals on the right bank. The site is very important for conservation of The major landforms are alluvial and lacustrine-al- migratory waterbirds. About 80% of all water- luvial plains in the bottom-lands and on the terraces, birds, migrating through the Lower Amur tributaries and lakes on the bottom-land. Lake Bolon region, use the area as a stop-over site. The is a natural floodplain lake, presenting a remaining total number of passage migrants is between part of the ancient riverbed of the Amur. 800,000 and 1,200,000. Wetland name: Lake Udyl and the mouths of the Bichi, Bitki and Pilda Rivers Lake Udyl Geographical coordinates: Russia, Khabarovsky Province, Ulchinsky district 52°05’N, 139°48’E PHYSICAL FEATURES 4,000 adult geese (without chicks) were counted, Geographical location: Geology and geomorphology including 800-850 birds with broods. The average Lower Amur, Khabarovsk Region, Ulchsk The site is situated in the Udyl-Kizinsk depression density of duck nests is 2-3 pairs per km, with a District. The site is located 100 km up- which was formed in the Tertiary. The major portion maximum of five pairs. stream from the mout of the river Amgun of the depression is presented by a lacustrine-allu- The importance of the site as a place for rare and and 500 km downstream of the city of vial plain with hummocky topography. The steep endangered species Khabarovsk. The site is 5 km away from southwestern and southeastern shores of Lake Udyl Lake Udyl and adjacent wetland areas provide im- the nearest village of Kolchem and 30 km are composed of clayey and siliceous shales. portant habitats for a number of rare and threatend far from the village of Bogorodskoye (dis- Hydrology bird species. The local population of Swan goose Lake Udyl is a drainage lake, connected with the Anser cygnoides was the largest in the USSR in the trict centre). Im summer there is a water Amur River by the Ukhta channel which is 35 km 1980s. In the 1990s, the numbers have decreased, THREATENING AND DISTURBING FACTORS transport, in winter – ice roads and snow- long, 30-50 m wide and to 5-6 m deep during the and only several dozens of pairs breed in the area Pollution of the Amur waters by phenols and other mobile. flood period. The open water area comprises about presently. The local population of Steller’s sea ea- contaminants produces the major threat to the wet- Area: 330 km2 in summer. The highest water level is ob- gle Haliaeetus pelagicus, an endemic species to Far land. There is a danger of oil pollution. Rivers, that 57600 ha served in July-August, and the lowest, in late March. Eastern Russia, is the largest in the Amur region. flow into the lake, are polluted by gold mines. Over- Altitude: The lake is shallow: the average depth is 2-3 m in Other species listed in the Russian Red Data Book fishing has caused a decrease in fish populations. Forest cutting takes place in the catchment of the 3-100 m a.s.l. summer, with a maximum of 5 m. include: osprey Pandion haliaetus, White-tailed Bichi River. Also poaching and capture of Steller’s Wetland Type: Climate eagle Haliaeetus albicilla, Black stork Ciconia nig- The area has a northern-monsoon climate. The Arc- ra; presumably breeding species: Baikal teal Anas sea eagle for commercial needs increased. Ramsar classification – L, M, O, Tp, Ts, tic continental air masses dominate in winter. The formosa, Chinese merganser Mergus squamatus, U, W; mean air temperatures are between -24° and -27°C Baer’s pochard Aythya baeri and Blakiston’s fish- CONSERVATION MEASURES Ramsar Criteria: in January and +17.5°C in July. Snow cover is not owl Ketupa blakistoni. The site is protected as the Udyl Wildlife Refuge 2a, 2с, 2d - the wetland supports popu- deep and the grounds freeze down to 2-3 m in win- (‘zakaznik’), established in 1988 with area 104400 lations of rare species, in particular the ter. Annual precipitation varies between 450 and NOTEWORTHY FLORA ha as a zoological reserve and in 1995 upgraded to largest in the Amur region populations of 480 mm, with 60-64% falling between May and The rare forest plants are represented by yew-tree a wildlife refuge of federal importance and received Swan goose Anser cygnoides and Steller’s September, and only 40-50 mm from November till Taxus cuspidata listed in the Russian Red Data a status of a wetland of international importance. In sea eagle Haliaeetus pelagicus. The latter March. Most of the unshadowed days are in winter. Book, which occurs in its shrub form. The flood- 2001 the refuge of local importance was established In February-March snowstorms are common. plain forests are mainly represented by willow for- nearby. There is also a nature monument “Island is an endemic species to the Far East of mations dominated by Salix schwerini. Krachiy”(Tern Island) with area of 5 ha. Russia, that doesn’t nest anywhere else. ECOLOGICAL FEATURES Both species are nesting and breeding in Lake Udyl is oblong in shape; it is 50 km long and SOURCE: Ramsar Information Sheet, 2007 mouths of the rivers that poor into Udyl. 5-10 km wide. The Bezymyanny Peninsula with This is the most sensitive part of the bio- cape Zholmyh divides the lake into two almost logical cycle. 1а, 1с – a representative ex- equal parts: the southwestern and northeastern ample of typical large wetland of Lower ones. There is the narrowest part of the lake (2,5-3 Amur region. 4b – the Udyl basin plays an km) between the cape and the mouth of river Bitki. important role in salmon spawning. The The northeastern shoreline is slightly indented. This shore is low and marshy, and composed of sands main is 2а – a pocket of rare species. and clays. Only 5-6 km far from it there can be Overview: seen isolated hills. The southwestern and southeast- The site comprises a large freshwater lake ern shores are precipitous. The lake has almost no and adjacent wet meadows and mires. The aquatic vegetation. area is important for migrating, breeding and moulting populations of waterfowl, in- NOTEWORTHY FAUNA cluding rare and threatened species. Here The importance of the site as a place for nesting there are the largest nesting populations of The site is very important for conservation of mi- gratory waterbirds, passing through the area in large Swan goose and Steller’s sea eagle. amounts in spring and in autumn. In 1979, 3,800- Wetland name: Lake Khanka Geographical coordinates: Lake Khanka 44°53’ N, 132°30’ E (44°13’ - 45°07’N, 131°59’ Russia, Primorsky Province - 133°16’E) Geographical location: ies over the range from 501000 to 394000 ha, and the nelope, Falcated teal Anas falcata and Common teal The site is located approximately 200 km total volume of water varies from 22,6 km3 to 12,7 Anas crecca), 100000-130000 geese (mainly Bean north-northeast of the city of Vladivostok. m3. Average annual elevations in the level of the lake goose Anser fabalis and White-fronted goose Anser The northern one third part of the lake is in above the relatively accepted zero (66,0 m in Baltic albifronts), and 3,000-5,000 swans (mainly Whooper China (look Xingkai Lake description). system) are about 300 cm. In different years the fluc- swan Cygnus cygnus). Migrating birds stay on the Area: tuations are from 200 cm to 430 cm. The monthly lake for about a month both in spring and in autumn. 116099 ha average peak of water level in the lake and nearby The significance of the region as a place for rare and Altitude: pounds coisides with the peak of precipitation. The threatened species 70 m a.s.l. mean depth of Lake Khanka is 4 m, with a maximum The species listed in the Red Data Book of the Rus- Wetland Type: of 10 m. The floodplain water bodies are 1-1.5 m deep. sian Federation that occur at the site include 25 spe- (Ctenopharyngodon idella), eelpout (Lota lota), Mud- Ramsar classification - L, M, O, Tp, 3; The catchment area of the lake comprises 1689000 ha, cies of waterfowl: Cattle egret Bubulcus ibis; Inter- fish (Ophiocephalus argus), Chinese perch (Siniperca Ramsar Criteria: including 1537000 in Russia. mediate egret Egretta intermedia; Spoonbill Platalea chua-tsi) and others. 1c, 2a, 2b, 3a, 4a, 4b. The main -1с, 2а, 2b, 4а Climate leucorodia; Japanese crested ibis Nipponia nippon; – a unique site, a place of habitat of rare spe- The Lake Khanka is situated in the region which Oriental white stork Ciconia boyciana; Lesser white- NOTEWORTHY FLORA cies of plants and animals. has a monsoon climate of the eastern part of the fronted goose Anser erythropus; Swan goose An- The plants listed in the Russian Red Data Book, Overview: continent. The mean air temperature is 20°C in Ju- ser cygnoides; Bewick’s swan Cygnus columbianus that occur at Lake Khanka are: Caldesia parnas- A large trans-border freshwater lake, sur- ly. Annual precipitation is 600 mm, with 500 mm bewickii; Mandarin duck Aix galericulata; Baer’s sifolia, brasenia scherberi, Eleocharis tetraquetra, rounded by grass mires. The site supports a falling in summer. The shallow floodplain water pochard Aythya baeri; Osprey Pandeon haliaetus; Dioscorea japonica, Aldrovanda vesiculosa, Erio- great number of waterbirds, rich diversity of bodies are frozen down to the bottom in winter. Golden eagle Aquila chrysaetos; White-tailed eagle caulon komarovii, Lespedeza cyrtobotrya, Quercus plants and animals, including rare and threat- Haliaeetus albicilla; Japanese crane Grus japonensis; dentata, Iris ensata, I.ventricosa, Fritillaria ussu- ened species. ECOLOGICAL FEATURES White-naped crane Grus vipio; Hooded crane Grus The period between the highest and lowest peaks riensis, Lillium callosum, L.pseudotrigrinum, Ne- monacha; Swinhoe’s yellow rail Porzana exquisite; lumbo nucifera komarovii, Euryale ferox, Pagonia PHYSICAL FEATURES in the water level is 12-13 years. The medium level Great bustard Otis tarda; Long-billed ringed plover japonica, Paeonia lastifolia, P.obovata, Armeniaca Geology and geomorphology conditions (about 300 cm), but not the highest, are Charadrius placidus; Black winged stilt Himantopus the most favorable to the waterfowl. mandshurica, Trapella sinensis, Trapa natans, Juni- The site is situated on a lake-alluvial plane, dissected himantopus; Spotted greenshank Tringa guttifer; Asi- perus rigida, Pinus densiflora and Pirrosia lingua. by degraded mountains and ridges which are not very atic dowitcher Limnodromus semipalmatus; Chinese NOTEWORTHY FAUNA high. To the west and east, the plain is surrounded by bush warbler Bradypterus taczanowskius; Paradise THREATENING AND DISTURBING FACTORS The significance of the region as a place for migratory flycatcher Terpsihore paradise; Yangtse parrotbill mountains. birds Agricultural pollution from the rice fields poses the Hydrology Paradoxornis heudei. major threat to the site. The present economic situa- During seasonal migrations on the lake Khanka and The significance of the region as a place for con- Lake Khanka is characterized by long-term cyclical nearby territories accept 300000-350000 dabbling tion has resulted in some decrease in the level of the servation of biodiversity of mammals, amphibian changes in water level. As a result, the water area var- ducks (mainly pintail Anas acuta, wigeon Anas pe- impact. Another important factor is disturbance of and reptiles birds by people and domestic animals. Mammals listed in the Red Data Book are: Sorex mi- rabilis, Ursus thibetanus, Panthera pardus and Felis CONSERVATION MEASURES euptilura. Among the other mammals, muskrat On- The area was designated as a wetland of international datra zibethicus is noteworthy as a species playing an importance by Decree No 1049 of the USSR Gov- important role in the wetland ecosystems. Chinese soft- ernment on 25 December 1975. The site includes the shelled turtle Pelodiscus sinensis represents the rare 38000 ha Khankaisky Nature Reserve (‘zapovednik’) reptiles. established in 1990. The reserve has a buffer zone of The significance of the region as a place for fish 73740 ha. There is also a 16500 ha wildlife refuge (‘za- The lake is rich with fish. Its amount depends on the kaznik’). The Administration of Primorsky Region has water level. The connection is positive. There are 50 established the special regime for the buffer zone. The species of fish, including great Kaluga sturgeon (Hu- Khankaisky natural reserve is responsible for control so dauricus), Amur sturgeon (Acipenser schrencki), of the condition and use of the environment of the site. Taimen (Hucho taimen), Lenok (Brachymystax le- nok), Black carp (Myopharyngon piceus), Grass carp SOURCE: Ramsar Information Sheet, 2007 Wetland name: Xingkai Lake National Nature Reserve Geographical coordinates: Xingkai Lake Reserve 45º 17’ N 132º 32’ E PRC, Heilongjiang Province Geographical location: Xinghai Lake NNR is located in the south- PHYSICAL FEATURES toplankton. There are 39 species of mammals in east part of Heilongjiang Province, 120 km Xingkai Lake consists of two lakes. Xingkai ba- the wetlands, where Vulpes vulpes, Lepus timidus, to Jixi City, 25km away from Mishan City, sin is an alluvial plain. The northwest region is Ondatra zibethica and Capreolus capreolus are and at the east and south neighbor to Russia. higher than the southeast, with a 10 meters high the predominant species. Among amphibian are Russian reserve “Lake Khanka” borders the sand hill between the two lakes. Xingkai Lake Salamandrella keyserlingii and Rana amurensis. reserve belongs to the Wusuli River system. There are Area: 24 rivers pouring into the Xingkai Lake, which is NOTEWORTHY FAUNA 222488 ha very important in preventing floods and in filling The reserve is an important place of habitat of num- Altitude: ground waters. The average highest temperature ber of birds, that are protected in China Here there 59m – 81m is 21,2° С and the lowest is -19,2° С. Annual are about 65 species of fish and over 460 higher Wetland Type: rainfall is 750 mm, most rainfall is in summer. plant species. Here can be seen such red listed and 9, 6, 4, 3, 2, 1, Xp, Xf, W, U, Tp, O nationally protected species as Grus japonensis, G. Overview: ECOLOGICAL FEATURES vipio, Ciconia boyciana, Haliaeetus albicilla and The reserve is a wetland ecosystem with Xingkai Lake has over 460 higher plant species, Egretta eulophotes. Total number of nesting birds, lake. This also makes the reserve an especially lakes, forests, marshes and pastures. including wood plants, vine plants, grass plants including Larus ridibundus, Chlidonias hybrida, valuable place for education and tourism. The date of establishment: are 263 species, moss, medicine plants, food Anas platyrhynchos and А. poecilorhyncha reach- January 11th 2002 fungus, honey plants, berries and aquatic phy- es 20.000. In the reserve there were noticed over THREATENING AND DISTURBING FACTORS 60 Red-crowned cranes (Grus japonensis) nesting The pollution from agricultural activities has af- , that is 2,5% of their total population in the world. fected the rivers and lakes. There are following fish species in the reserve: Erythroculter ilishaeformis, Coregonus ussu- CONSERVATION MEASURES riensis, Esox reicherti, Carassius auratus gibelio, In April of 1986, Heilongjiang Government ap- Hemiculter leucisculus and Channa argus. proved the provincial Xingkai Lake Nature Re- serve. In July of 1992_a trans-boundary nature re- HUMAN USE serve was established with Khanka Naure Reserve The land belongs to the government, the adminis- of Russia with the help of International Crane trative rights for the land and surrounding region Foundation. In April of 1994, the reserve was pro- belong to state owned farms and community vil- moted to be a national nature reserve. In March of lages. The reserve is used for nature protection and 1997, the reserve was appointed as a network site for scientific research. Surrounding areas are used of the North East Asia Crane Site Network. The for tourism, fishing, agriculture and animal breed- reserve has established a union committee for the ing. Grus japonensis and Ciconia boyciana were protection of the lake with local communities. studied here. Also there were studied migration Conservation measures for biodiversity and gen- and nesting of birds Cygnus cygnus, Larus ridi- eral plan for the reserve are proposed but not yet bundus and Haliaeetus albicilla. The research de- implemented. Also the plan of ecological demon- partment consisted of 8 workers, one observation stration zone is going to be developed. The plans tower and 5 stations of scientific research. The ag- of purification of waste waters of paper factory ricultural university of Bayi and north-eastern for- on the bank of the lake are being developed. Oth- est university conduct scientific observations and er urgent Jobs are to establish police station in qualification of reserve staff. Joint study programs the reserve; to develop green-food industry and with the reserve “Khanka lake” have begun. There organic agriculture; to centralized manage water are 4 eco-tourist resorts here. 500 thousand people resource; to carry out eco-tourism; to conduct visited the reserve in the year 2000, including for- general survey of the resources in the reserve; to eigners. The plan of construction of resorts on the strengthen international cooperation. Khanka lake was developed. In the Neolithic age a known culture Bohai existed in the basin of the SOURCE: © Wetlands International, 1998 Wetland name: The Sanjiang Nature Reserve Geographical coordinates: Sanjiang Reserve 47°56’ N; 134°20’ E PRC, Heilongjiang Province Geographical location: Hei Longjiang province, along the border Due to its remote location and cold winters, hu- eye (Bucephala clangula), Smew (Mergus albel- with Russia, in the downstream of Ussury man interference has been minimal, though local lus), Goosander (Mergus merganser) and Chinese river. inhabitants, including 300-400 people of the He Merganser (Mergus squamatus), with the amount Area: Zhe (one of the smallest ethnic groups in China) totaling over 20,000. 164400 ha. who support a unique cultural, find abundant ani- Overview: mal, fish, and forest resources. THREATENING AND DISTURBING FACTORS It’s the largest territory with freshwater There is some human impacts from the local pop- marshes in PRC. NOTEWORTHY FAUNA ulation. Also there are plans of PRC government The date of establishment: According to the statistics resulting from the survey about intensive development of north-western January the 1, 2002 conducted from March 1997 to January 1998 by the provinces, which can increase HUMAN impacts Nature Reserve (unpublished), 18 species of migra- on the territory. The development of ecologi- ECOLOGICAL FEATURES tory Anatidae were found staging or breeding in the cal tourism with help from the Russian side can solve this problem. An alluvial floodplain typical of high-altitude Reserve, including Swan Goose (Anser cygnoides), wetlands, a mixture of rivers, open bogs, season- Bean Goose (Anser fabalis), Greylag Goose (Anser ally flooded meadows, and sedge marshes CONSERVATION MEASURES anser), Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus), Pintail The Nature Reserve has changed its status from (Anas acuta), Common Teal (Anas crecca), Fal- Provincial to National Nature Reserve since SIGNIFICANCE cated Teal (Anas falcata), Mallard (Anas platyrhyn- 1999, and listed in the Wetlands of International The site is internationally important for water- chos), Wigeon (Anas penelope), Gargeney (Anas Importance of Ramsar Convention effective 11 birds, particularly ducks, and for fishery resourc- querquedula), Schoveller (Anas clypeata), Baer’s January 2002. es, and serves as a natural reservoir for the San Pochard (Aythya baeri), Tufted Duck (Aythya ful- Jiang Plains, providing vital flood control as well. igula), Mandarin Duck (Aix galericulata), Golden- SOURCE: © Wetlands International, 1998 Wetland name: Honghe National Nature Reserve Geographical coordinates: Honghe National Nature Reserve 47º 49’ N 133º 40’ E Geographical location: PRC, Heilongjiang Province Honghe National Nature Reserve (NNR) is HUMAN USE the area. There is one integrated center for zone around it. A study recommended the located at the boundary of Tongjiang City and The Honghe NNR is state-owned. The sur- research, education and training. There is no establishment of a dam to ensure sufficient Fuyuan County. rounding area is under tenure of the local gov- recreation/tourism in the area. water during drought and adequate drain- Area: ernment. Part of the land inside the reserve is age during flooding. For further protection, 21836 ha being farmed. Three state-owned farms lie in THREATENING AND DISTURBING FAC- a wetlands restoration project was proposed Altitude: the surrounding area. Most of their land is used TORS in 2000. Implementation would result in a 51 m – 55 m; mean: 52 m for rice paddies. There are some 20,000 people Water extraction by way of historical drain- Wetland Type: living near the NNR. The Reserve hosts an im- age channels and intensive agricultural activ- reduction of rice paddy fields, lessen water 5,2,1,W,U,Ts,R,Q,N,M portant pilot project for public education and ities are seriously affecting the environment. extraction and mitigate the surrounding hu- Overview: environmental protection, funded with support man disturbance. The proposal is still wait- The main wetland types are seasonal/intermit- from GEF/UNDP. There is a program of pub- CONSERVATION MEASURES ing for approval. tent freshwater marshes/pools, aquaculture lic education on wetlands and birds for school Fishing and hunting have been forbidden ponds, non-forested peatlands, permanent al- children, but also for farmers and leaders in since 1989. The site has a 1-km wide buffer SOURCE: © Wetlands International, 1998 kaline lakes, meadows and island forest. The date of establishment: Novemver the 1, 2002

PHYSICAL FEATURES There are two main rivers that flow through the Honghe NNR, the Nongijang River and Wolulan River. The wetlands obtain their wa- ter from these rivers and from precipitation. The terrain is a low, flat, sediment plain. Mean annual minimum and maximum temperatures are -23.4°C and 22.4°C, respectively.

ECOLOGICAL FEATURES Main floral species include Carex lasiocarpa, C. pseudo-curaica, Phragmites australis and Calamgrostis angustifolia

NOTEWORTHY FAUNA Honghe NNR lies in the Sanjiang Plain which contains the largest area of original marsh in China, with many different wetland types. Rare floral species include Glycine soja and Astragalus membranaceus. Endangered fau- nal species include the Red-crowned crane Grus japonensis and the White-naped crane Grus vipio, the White-tailed sea eagle Aquila chrysaetos, the Red deer Cervus elaphus and lynx Felis lynx. The total population of Ana- tidae in the Reserve is over 30,000 during the migratory season. It is an important breeding site for the endangered Oriental stork Cico- nia ciconia. Wetland name: Heilongjiang Zhalong National Nature Reserve Zhalong Reserve Geographical coordinates: PRC, Heilongjiang Province 47º 12’ N 124º 12’ E Geographical location: PHYSICAL FEATURES Rich low-lying meadow and meadow prairie are The site is located 26 km east of Qiqihar City The site is mainly flat, low-lying, alluvial terrain, used by the local population for cattle grazing. in the west of Heilongjiang Province. with numerous lakes and relatively widespread In the marsh area, plant species include Scir- Area: freshwater marsh and saltmarsh. pus tabernaemontani, Carex spp., and Cyperus 210000 ha Hydrology spp., whilst in the meadow there is Pennisetum Altitude: The source of the wetland is the Wuyu’er Riv- alopecuroides and Puccinellia tenuiflora and in 140 – 146 m. er which runs through this area. The depth of the meadow prairie, Aneurolepidium chinense. Wetland Type: lakes is generally 2 m deep with a maximum Aquatic plants include floating, submergent and Ts,Tp,P,O,M (dominant types shown in bold) of 5 m. The maximum depth of water in the emergent vegetation. In the reserve, there are The site comprises a vast complex of marshland is 0.7 m. The area of accumulated over 269 bird species recorded including Ardea permanent and seasonal freshwater marshes water accounts for 70% of the area of the nature purpurea, Platalea leucorodia, Anser cygnoi- with numerous shallow lakes and ponds and reserve. Extensive flooding of the marshes and des, A. anser, Tadorna tadorna, Anas falcata and an increase in large scale production and devel- extensive Phragmites beds (40,000 ha) in the surrounding land occurs during the rainy season many shorebirds and gulls. Grassland, farmland opment activities, overfishing and overgrazing, lower drainage basin of the River Wuyu’er. in spring and summer. and man-made fishponds surround the reserve. are also affecting the site. Overview: Climate The terrain of the site is typical of this area The climate is continental with an annual mean HUMAN USE CONSERVATION MEASURES of northeast China, with its mixture of temperature of about 3ºC, annual precipitation The site is owned by the state and collectives. The nature reserve was established in 1979 with rivers and lakes. There are large numbers of 368-427 mm, and a frost-free period of 121- It is a popular tourism area, especially for bird- an area of 42,000 hectares. In 1982, the area of wintering waterbirds, including several 135 days. watching, attracting an increasing number of was increased to 210,000 hectares and Zha- endangered species. The site regularly both national and international visitors, which long Reserve Management Bureau was set up. supports over 20,000 waterbirds. There are ECOLOGICAL FEATURES provides valuable income for the reserve. There In 1987, with the approval of the State Coun- close to 350 Grus japonensis overwintering Vegetation in the area includes meadow prairie, are scientific research facilities at the site in- cil, the reserve was raised to National Reserve at the reserve. wet meadow, marshy vegetation and aquatic cluding a captive breeding site for cranes, and status. Hunting is prohibited in the reserve and The date of establishment: vegetation. The extensive reed marshes in the re- an audio-visual education centre. Each year public security agencies have been set up to March the 31, 1992 serve provide a habitat for breeding waterbirds. during the crane watching festival in Qiqihar control the area. A protection committee was City, special public awareness campaigns are formed, with relevant units in the surrounding carried out to educate people about wetland area, to organise protection of the wetland and and waterbird conservation. The site also hosts waterbirds. Fishing is prohibited each year from educational visits for residents and schools ev- May to June to ensure there is sufficient food for ery spring and autumn to provide information waterbirds breeding there. Permanent publicity about birds. In winter, reeds are collected from boards have been set up in and around the site, the marshes and transported to paper mills for providing information on the protection of wet- paper production. Other uses include fishing lands and birds. A plan for the management of and animal husbandry. the reserve has been drafted. Conservation mea- sures proposed but not yet implemented include THREATENING AND DISTURBING a limit on large-scale production and exploita- FACTORS tion activities in the reserve, a reduction of hu- The main adverse factors at the site are: enclo- man disturbance in the bird breeding area in sure of land for cultivation, wetland reduction, the core zone, and avoidance of excessive reed overgrazing in meadow marshland, overfishing collection during the winter to ensure sufficient leading to reduction in fish stocks, develop- reeds are left to provide good breeding sites for ment of production activities and an increase in waterbirds in the following spring. It’s neces- disturbance caused by human activities. In the sary to mention that not all of the proposed mea- surrounding area, enlargement of land for agri- sures are taken. cultural purposes, discharge of industrial waste water into the upper reaches of Wuyu’er River, SOURCE: © Wetlands International, 1998 Wetland name: Jilin Xianghai National Nature Reserve Geographical coordinates: Xianghai Reserve 45°02’ N 122°41’ E PRC, Jilin Province Geographical location: The reserve is located 67 km north-west of PHYSICAL FEATURES with the algae providing abundant food for Tongyu County, Jilin Province Hydrology fish. The large area of reed marshland, which Area: Many lakes and large areas of reed and marsh includes Juncus effusus, Acorus sp. and Ty- 105467 ha wetland have been formed due to flooding of the pha sp., provides an excellent habitat for Altitude: rivers. In 1971, a dam was built to form Xiang- waterbirds. Rich meadows and pastureland 156 m – 192 m hai and Xinglong reservoirs. The main source are used by the local population for cattle Wetland Type: was the Taoer River. The depth of the reservoirs grazing. The sand dunes interspersed be- 6,W,Tp,N (dominant types shown in bold) is 1.5 - 10 m, with a high silt content. The water tween the lakes and marshes are covered with There are three river systems in the reserve, Huo- of the lakes and marshlands is clear without any elm forest, mostly Ulmus macrocarpa and U. lin River, Ermuqin River and Taoer River, with industrial pollution. The area of the catchment pumila, with Prunus ansu, Morus mongolica lakes, swamps, reed marshes and two reservoirs. is 12,441 ha. There are no heavy flood impacts and Periploca sepium. Waterbird species in- Overview: on the lower reaches of the river. clude Grus japonensis, Ardea purpurea, Pla- The site is an alluvial geomorphic wetland, Climate talea leucorodia, Anser cygnoides, A. anser, typical of the region due to the mixture of The climate is continental monsoon in the Tadorna tadorna and Anas falcata, and many rivers and lakes in the eastern part of China. north, with a temperate and semi-arid zone. shorebirds and gulls. In addition, there are There are 253 bird species in the reserve of The annual mean temperature is about 5°C, over thirty species of mammals including in 1997 include a limit on large-scale produc- which 193 species are waterbirds, including with a maximum of 37°C and minimum of - Procapra gutturosa, Lepus c. tolai and Mus tion and exploitation activities in the reserve, large numbers of endangered species. The site 32°C, with a frost free period of 150 days and marmota. a reduction of human disturbance in the bird regularly supports over 20,000 waterbirds. precipitation of 400 - 500 mm, concentrated breeding area in the core zone, Resource in- There are 6 species of crane present includ- in July and August. HUMAN USE ventories of birds, mammals, amphibians, ing approximately 90 Grus nigricollis. The site is owned by the state and collectives. reptiles, insects, plants and plankton are be- The date of establishment: ECOLOGICAL FEATURES It is a popular tourism area, especially for ing conducted. March the 31, 1992 There is a high diversity of aquatic plants, birdwatching. The local economy tradition- ally depends on fishing and reed collection, SOURCE: © Wetlands International, 1998 with the site providing 1 000 000 kg of fish and 20 000 tons of reed each year.

THREATENING AND DISTURBING FACTORS Overfishing, land reclamation, development of production activities and increased human disturbance present some level of threat to the site. Development of biological conservation programs such as planting a 50 m wide Hip- pophae rhamnoides shelter belt, and building a reservoir on Huolin River to control the wa- ter volume of the wetland.

CONSERVATION MEASURES Local governments have the responsibil- ity to coordinate conservation for all areas under their jurisdiction. Public awareness campaigns have been conducted. To enforce conservation rules, a local police station and forestry policy and resource section have been set up. Conservation measures proposed Wetland name: Dalai Lake National Nature Reserve, Inner Mongolia Dalai Lake Geographical coordinates: PRC, Inner Mongolia 48°33’ N 117°30’ E Geographical location: within the wetland are fishing and reed cutting. Daursky strict scientific nature reserve together The site is located in West Hulunbeir Prefec- The Dalai Lake Fishing Farm has fishing rights with Dalai Lake National Nature Reserve in Chi- ture, stretching across three administrative on the lake. It produces more than 10,000 tons na and Mongol Daguur Strict Nature Reserve in sub-regions. It lies 40 km south of the city of fish per year. The surrounding grasslands are Mongolia comprise Dauria International Protect- center of Manzhouli. The southern edge of under collective ownership and local herdsmen ed Area with regular transboundary cooperation the site borders the Republic of Mongolia on have rights to use the lands. The Nature Reserve in research and environmental education. transboundary Buir Lake. has not yet obtained land tenure. Dalai Lake is a Area: major water source for local people and livestock 740000 ha of the surrounding communities. The grasslands SOURCE: © Wetlands International, 1998 Altitude: surrounding the lake support a total of 2 million 545 – 784 m. livestock. Tourist activities include birdwatching Wetland Type: and boating. W,Tp,R,Q,P,O,N,M ECOLOGICAL FEATURES Overview: Waterbirds, especially Anatidae and shorebirds THREATENING AND DISTURBING FAC- Part of the Dalai Lake water system, the site constitute a major portion of the 284 bird species, TORS is a complex of lakes, rivers, marshes, shrub- manifested both in individual numbers and in to- In the wetland itself, over-fishing may result in lands, grasslands and reedbeds typical of tal (more than 100,000 individuals of these two exhaustion of fishery resources. Captured fish wetlands in arid steppes, still retaining near- groups stage or breed here). Marsh vegetation are appearing younger and smaller. Around the natural condition. The reed marshes can be types are the most important in the Dalai Lake. site, over-grazing is resulting in desertification in found in the shallow water area in south- They are distributed in river channels and sea- the area surrounding Dalai Lake, making this a west Dalai Lake and the Wulannur Lake. sonally or permanently inundated areas. Domi- potentially important threat to the wetland eco- Galadabaixin Core Area and Wulannur Core nant marsh species are Phragmites sp., Carex sp., system. A large amount of willow branches have Area of the Nature Reserve have extensive Calamagrostis angustifolia, Scirpus fluviatilis been cut to construct livestock sheds, possibly reed beds. Willow shrubs are found, mainly and willow shrubs. Areas with marsh vegetation increasing erosion of riverbanks and siltation of on the riverbanks. provide important breeding areas for birds and river channels. Oil deposits have been found in The date of establishment: spawning areas for fish. the surrounding area. Possible oil and other min- January the 11th, 2002 erals extraction may cause water pollution and NOTEWORTHY FAUNA consume large amounts of freshwater. PHYSICAL FEATURES A staging area in the East Asian-Australasian Geomorphologic features of the site include lake- Shorebird flyway. The site exceeds the 20,000 CONSERVATION MEASURES beds, hills, lacustrine and alluvial plains, sand individuals and 1% population thresholds for the The Nature Reserve Management Bureau estab- dunes and plateaux. The Dalai Lake Water Sys- species Vanellus vanellus, Anser cygnoides and lished its management stations in Wulannur and tem is composed of the Dalai (Hulun) Lake and Platalea leucorodia. More than 20,000 common Galadabaixin Core Areas in 1996. A manage- cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo were recorded ment station was established in Chengjisihan adjacent Kelulun River, Wuerxun River, Halaha in the Wulannur area in spring 2000. Some 30 Shuanmazhuang Tourism Area in 1998 and ef- River and Buir Lake. The average depth of Dalai fish species occur, of both Siberian and northeast forts have been made to raise the environmental Lake is 5,7 meters and fluctuates along with pro- China types, and some are economically impor- protection awareness of tourists. The Bureau has nounced drought cycle. The Dalai Lake region tant. National First Class Protected birds occur- also produced a series of brochures to introduce is the only lowland of Hulunbeier Plateau and ring include Grus leucogeranus, G. japonensis, the Nature Reserve and its key protected targets. therefore has great importance for flood storage G. monacha, Aquila chrysaetos daphanea, A. Conservation measures enacted are prohibitions and sediment retention. Because of the large den- heliaca, Haliaeetus leucoryphus, Larus relictus, on land reclamation for agriculture, uncontrolled Otis tarda dybowskii and Ciconia nigra. fishing, overgrazing and hunting, and restrictions sity of reeds and other hydrophytes that grow at on sand and stone extraction. The Nature Reserve its edges, it has a strong influence on maintain- HUMAN USE Management Bureau has signed agreements with ing water quality. The Lake is also important for The water areas of the Dalai Lake and Buir local governments and communities on joint groundwater recharge. Lake are owned by the state. The main activities conservation of the Nature Reserve. Since 1994 Wetland name: Lake Buir and its surrounding wetlands Geographical coordinates: Lake Buir 47°48’ N 117°40’ E Mongolia, Dornod Province Geographical location: Republic of Mongolia, Dornod Province. At ECOLOGICAL FEATURES and 10 are rare. Thousands and thousands of nese commercial fishermen. Oil mining by boundary with China P.R., 969 km east from Steppe plant communities surround the wetland. Mongolian gazelle-Procapra gutturosa herds foreign companies has experienced skyrocket- Ulaanbaatar, 314 km east from Choibalsan Bushy plants (Papurus etc.) are found abun- migrate into the area during fall and spring ing growth in adjacent areas. town of Dornod aimag, and about 20 km dantly in the Khalkh River delta, and natural southwest from Khalh gol soum. Lakes north- scene at the north-east of the lake is extremely HUMAN USE CONSERVATION MEASURES eastern part lies in the territory of China. beautiful. The surrounding of the Buir lake, as Area: Semi-nomadic, animal husbandry is the princi- Establishment of protected area was proposed a migration route for endangered species in the pal livelihood of the local population The herds- several times by domestic and international 104000 ha of which the lake covers 615 km2 worldwide contains many species of plants and or 61500 ha. men breed sheep, goat, horse, cattle and camel. experts. Mongolian Buir Lake is a missing part animals. Salty small lakes and muds occur in the There is no crop production or industry near of Dauria International Protected Area (DIPA), Altitude: low depression and salty valleys in the south of by the lake, except commercial fishing. There which includes bordering Dalai Lake NNR in 581 m. the lake. Wetland Type: are no settlements within the wetlands, except China. Local administration has not taken any L,Tp,O,M NOTEWORTHY FLORA small fishing village in the eastern bank. tangible measures on wetland conservation of Overview: The Buir Lake is surrounded by the steppe vegeta- the Buir lake and its surrounding area. Need This is largest freshwater lake in the eastern tion system, which are formed from Daguur type THREATENING AND DISTURBING to conduct in future complete assessments on Mongolia at border with China includes a from the north, Mongolian type from the south FACTORS fish resources and conservation measures. large portion of wetlands. Many small lakes and Manjurian (China) vegetation type from the Directions of the Khalkh river flows change located in the west of the lake. The Lake and east. The wetlands contain 100 species of humid- constantly and one side of the bank are eroded SOURCE: http://www.wetlands.org/reports/ its surrounding wetlands are an important arid plants, 102 species of humid favoured plants, by water while others are regenerating. Global ris/2MN011en.pdf breeding and resting ground in Mongolia for 19 water plants, 28 species of wetland plants, and warming, the most important environmental Updated March 2004 by B.Ouyngerel, N. a great variety of water birds. The lake basin 64 species of halophytic plants. White Peony- and ecological problem has caused decreasing Tseveenmyadag,Mongolian Academy of Sci- belongs to the Mongol-Daguur eco-region, Paeonia lactiflora, False spirea-Sorbaria sorbi- which is one of the 200 global eco-regions, water supply and shrinking lake area. Fish re- ences fola, Gas plant-Dictamnus dasycarpus, Common sources are extensively used, mostly by Chi- Batnasan N., WWF-Mongolia identified by the WWF for its conservation valerian-Valeriana officinalis, Bunge-Anemar- importance. rhena asphodeloides, Lilium dahuricum that are The date of establishment: listed in the Mongolian Red Book (1997) are March 22, 2004 found in the area.

PHYSICAL FEATURES NOTEWORTHY FAUNA Lake Buir is 40 km long, 21 km wide, and has The Buir lake and its surrounding area support 118 km long shoreline. Its max depth is 10,4 totally 236 birds species. 37 species of them m and water volume is 3,73 cub.km. Main are settled and 199 species are migratory. This tributary is Khalkh River and excess water is the world’s largest aggregation of molting goes to the Orshuun River, which is flowing Swan Goose (Anser cygnoides) reaching 40000 to the Lake Dalai-Nuur in China. There is a birds. The Buir lake, the most nourishing lake number of small lakes in east to south of Buir in Mongolia supports 29 species of fish, such as, lake, such as Bayan, Khar, Nariin, Zuun Zahiin, Taimen- Hucho taimen, Lenok-Brachymystax Zahiin, Baruun Zahiin, Takhi, Khukh Us and lenok, Amur grayling-Thymallus grubei, Amur Shart lake. Water temperature of the lake is 25- pike-Esox reicherti, Amur ide-Leuciscus wal- 28ºC in summer. Freezes from November to eckii, Flathead asp-Pseudaspius leptocephalus, April, and ice thickness varies 1,1-1,5 m. Min- Mongolian redfin- Erythroculter mongoliacus, eralization of the lake varies 298,7-365,9 mg/l Look up-Culter alburnus, Gold fish-Carassius in the western part of the lake and 200,5-294,1 auratus, European carp- Cyprinus carpio hae- mg/l in the east. pH = 8.5. The wetland is of matopterus, Amur catfish-Parasilurus asotus. 25 fundamental importance for the ground water species of mammals known in the surrounding recharge of the area. areas of the lake, among which 15 are abundant, Wetland name: Mongol Daguur (Mongolian Dauria) Geographical coordinates: Mongol Daguur 49°42’ N 115°06’ N Mongolia, Province Dornod Geographical location: Province Dornod, close to the state border of NOTEWORTHY FAUNA Crop production is also practiced. Two Mongolia/Russia, borders Russian reserve Both parts play a significant role as a place visit-centres in the reserve were started for “Daursky” for nesting and rest of migratory birds for ecotourism but lack qualified staff. During Area: many species of waterbirds. 260 bird species drought periods wetlands are severely 210000 ha use the site for staging, breeding or wintering, impacted by cattle and waterbirds may cease The date of establishment: December the 8th, 1997 including six species of cranes of which two to breed. are threatened – bustard and swan goose. It’s Since 1994 Mongol Daguur Strict Nature PHYSICAL FEATURES possible to notice 6 species of cranes , 40 Reserve together with Dalai Lake National This reserve is set in a basin formed by tectonic and species of mammals, including rare ones – Nature Reserve in China and Daursky strict volcanic activity. The site consists of two parts: vast daurian hedgehog, Mongolian antelope (black- scientific nature reserve in Russia comprise steppes with hills on the south bank and to the west tailed gazelle) and tarbagan. Little population Dauria International Protected Area with of the lake Barnu-Torey; the second is marshy part density and level of human impact caused a regular transboundary cooperation in research of the Uldza river floodplain, 30 km long. high level of biological diversity. and environmental education.

NOTEWORTHY FLORA HUMAN USE AND CONSERVATION There are about 300 species of plants and 100 of Semi-nomadic, animal husbandry is the rare and used in medicine. principal livelihood of the local population. SOURCE: © Wetlands International, 1998 Wetland name: Lakes in the Khurkh-Khuiten river valley Lakes in the Khurkh-Khuiten river valley Geographical coordinates: 48°18’ N 110°34’ E Mongolia, Khentii Province Geographical location: PHYSICAL FEATURES summer are cool, with high precipitation and snow- book (1997) is found from this area. 54 species of Khentii Province The Khurkh River is a main tributary of Onon River fall. Floods happen during the times when mountain mammals from 6 orders are recorded in the site. Area: and it is 190 km long, and catchment area is 6150 snow melts and rainfalls during summer. Among them Daurian Hedgehog (Erinaceus dau- 42940 ha sq.km. The area also contains Ulaan toirom, Ulaan ricus) listed under Mongolian Red Book (1997), Overview: Unduriin Lake, Bayanburd Lake, Khuck Lake, ECOLOGICAL FEATURES The Khurkh and Khuiten river basin is situat- Gray wolf (Canis lupus), Eurasian Lynx (Lynx Khulst Lake, Ick Burd Lake, Khulstiin Burd Lake, Vegetation is composed of mainly steppe plant spe- lynx), Manul (Felis manul). ed in the transition zone between Mongolian and Khulst toirom. The river valley is 15-20 km cies and forests in the northern slopes of the moun- forest and steppe zone. The Lakes and its sur- wide along the mid and end portion, and completely tains. In terms of vegetation and geographical zones, rounding wetlands are one of important HUMAN USE separated from the forests and flow to the steppe it includes in the Khentii mountain taiga zone, and breeding and resting places for a great variety Semi-nomadic, animal husbandry is the princi- and ended in small lakes in the valley. Lakes along Daguur-steppe mountain forest steppe zone. There of water birds. pal livelihood of the local population. Livestock the Khuiten river basin such as the Kunck lake, are some rare plants in the wetlands. The follow- The date of establishment: mainly consist of sheep, goats, cattle and horses. Ulaan Undur lake, Khulsts lake, Ulaan toirom, and ing plant species are included in the Mongolian Red March 22, 2004 Industry is not developed in the basin. From Ick Burd. The climate is humid cold. Winter and Book: Marsh Saxifrage-Saxifraga hirculus, Pink Peony-Paeonia anomala, White Peony-Paeonia lac- the river valleys, grass prepared as fodder for tiflora and Common Valerian-Valeriana officinalis. livestock during winter. And also timber is pre- pared from the forests for fuel. There is no crop NOTEWORTHY FAUNA production or industry near by the wetlands. There are 167 species of birds of 91 genera from 37 families of 15 orders, inhabiting the Khurkh-Khuiten THREATENING AND DISTURBING Valley Lake territories. The site is the habitat of many FACTORS threatened and endangered species from the southern During the last years lake area is reducing, which taiga, Central Asian steppe, and forest steppe of Da- is becoming main ecological concern in the area. guur-Manjuria. The region is a breeding habitat of va- In generally, many livestock graze around the lake, riety of rare and common bird species that highlights which are resulting in overgrazing of pasture land, the importance of the inclusion in Ramsar convention. as well as pollution the lake water by livestock It supports 11% of the biogeographical population of White-naped Crane (Grus vipio), 3% Eurasian Crane CONSERVATION MEASURES (Grus Grus), 1% Demoiselle Crane (Anthropoides No conservation measures are being taken at virgo), 15% Black Stork (Ciconia nigra). Taimen- Hucho taimen, Haitej sculpin -Mesocottus haitej, present time. Lamprey -Lampertra jaronical from fish species, River crayfishes-Cambaroides dauricus from Agna- SOURCE: http://www.wetlands.org/reports/ thans species, Molluscs-Dahurinaia dahurical, River ris/2MN011en.pdf mussels-Middendorffinaia mongolica from Molluscs Updated March 2004 by B.Ouyngerel, N. species, Siberian Salamander-Salamandrella keyser- Tseveenmyadag,Mongolian Academy of Sci- lingii, Asiatic Grass Frog-Rana chensinensis from ences Amphibians species are listed under Mongolian Red Batnasan N., WWF-Mongolia Why Amur-Heilong needs Ramsar Regional Initiative?

Russia, China and Mongolia cumulatively probably vention, the Government of the USSR designated 13 July 1992. China presently has 30 sites desig- time endeavour to coordinate and support present have the bulk of wetlands possessed by Asian coun- wetlands of international importance, of which three nated, with a surface area of 2,937,481 hectares. and future policies and regulations concerning the tries. Just in Russia there are about 120 thousand riv- were situated within borders of modern Russian Fed- Half of this area is found in Northeast China conservation of wetlands and their flora and fauna. ers of 2,5 mln km of total length, 2,7 mln lakes total eration. The Government of Russian Federation as Amur-Heilong River basin. Amur-Heilong-Onon River system, possessing surface of 400 thousands km2, 1,8 mln km2 of peat- successor to the former Soviet Union in 1994 des- The Ramsar Convention came into force for wetlands of global importance, is divded between lands of marshes, 5 mln km2 of paludified forests. ignated 35 sites, with a surface area of 10,323,767 Mongolia on 8 April 1998 and presently it has three countries and calls for coordinated protection The total length of the Russian sea coasts is about hectares. Significant part of wetland ecosystems in 11 sites designated as Wetlands of International efforts. Most of 5000 kilometers of national bound- 60 000 km. Nowadays many types of wetlands are Russian Federation are protected within the borders Importance, with a surface area of 1,439,530 ary lines crossing the Amur River Basin are drawn already badly damaged in Russia and in China, and of strict nature reserves (9 000 000 ha), national hectares. Most diverse and stable wetlands of in wetlands: rivers, lakes and marshes. Storks, even in Mongolia and require urgent protection. parks (650 000 ha), wildlife reserves (5 300 000 ha) Mongolia found in the basins of Onon, Kherlen cranes, sturgeon, turtle and other wetland wildlife Ramsar Convention is the main international tool for and approx. 60 000 000 ha within local protected ar- and Khalk rivers –part of Amur drainage. uses transboundary wetlands to rest, feed and breed. the conservation and wise use of wetlands. eas). Nevertheless, according to Russian experts, in Article 5 of the Convention suggests that participat- 10 out of 15 already dedicated Ramsar sites are ad- Convention’s Article 2 requests that each partici- close future it is necessary to create the system of at ing countries shall consult with each other about im- jacent to the border and protect transboundary wet- pating country shall designate suitable wetlands least 400 protected wetlands. Right now there is a plementing obligations arising from the Convention lands. Therefore wetland conservation in this river within its territory for inclusion in a List of Wet- “shadow list” of 166 sites that fully meet criteria for especially in the case of a wetland extending over the basin requires constant international coordination, lands of International Importance . wetlands of international importance. territories of more than one country or where a water exchange, mutual learning and support, that are the In 1977, when Soviet Union joined the Ramsar Con- In China the Convention came into force on 31 system is shared by countries. They shall at the same essence of Ramsar Regional Initiative.

Compiled by: A.Markina, E.Simonov, S.Titova Editor: Yu. Gafarov, T. Minaeva, E. Simonov. Lay out editor: Yu. Gafarov Photo: Yu. Darman, S. Titova, E. Simonov, M. Parilov, V. Klimenko, O. Goroshko, D. Kuchma, V. Solkin, Tsogtsaikhan P., Tseveenmyadag N., Mongolian Academy of Science, www.english. northeast.cn, www.scwp.info, www.qqhr.gov. cn, www.madison.k12.wi.us, www.zhb.gov.cn, picasaweb.google.com The information for this issue is taken from: Internet-site of Ramsar Convention (www.ramsar.org) Internet-site of Russian program Wetlands International (www.wetlands.ru) Information system “SPNA of Russia” of the Biodiversity Conservation Center (www.wetlands. oopt.info) Wetland Conservation in The Russian Federation (FCGS “Ecologia” 2005) Ramsar Information Sheets of Amur Region. (by R.S.Andronova, I.E.Kamennova) FCGS “Ecologia”, 2007 The issue “Wetlands of Russia. Vol. 5. Wetlands of Russian Far East (by V.A. Bocharnikov edition) M.: Wetlands International, 2005. – 220 p. Edition 500 copies Signed into the print Printed by OAO “IPK Priamurie”

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The Amur branch of WWF-Russia has been working in the Russian Far East since 1994. WWF protects large plots of valuable forests and introduces sustainable forest management; saves the Far Eastern leopard, the Amur tiger and Oriental stork from extinction; conserves wetlands and rare birds of the Amur River; conducts public awareness among kids and grown-ups.

Major WWF’s successes in the Amur River wetlands conservation: • the Amur-Heilong Ecoregional program elaborated and started up; • the Amur Coalition which includes 17 NGOs and 13 nature reserves created; • more than 800 thousands hectares of new protected territories including Bolonskii Nature Re- serve, Orlovskii federal wildlife refuge, Aldikon River Basin protected wetland, etc. created; • National Strategy for Oriental Stork (Ciconia boyciana) conservation in Russia elaborated in col- laboration with IUCN, and Rosprirodnadzor; • assistance is provided to conduct census of Red-crowned crane, White-naped crane and Oriental WWF Russia stork in the whole Amur River Basin; Amur branch • the Amur Information Center created in cooperation with the Amur River Water Basin Manage- Tel: +7 4232 414868 ment Authority, Pacific Institute of Geography, and Rosprirodnadzor); the encyclopedia «Amur- Fax: +7 4232 414863 Heilong River Basin Reader» published together with Ecosystem Ltd.; 18a, Verkhneportovaya St., • mass campaigns conducted to profile the Amur River freshwater ecosystems in 6 provinces with Vladivostok, 690003, Russia participation of about 50000 people (Zapovednaya Wave, The Stork over Amur, Amur Ambassadors, [email protected] No Dams on Amur)