WWF today announced the first batch of outstanding wetland conservation projects for the Asian Waterbird Conservation Fund (AWCF) to help enhance the conservation status of migratory birds at the important wetland habitats in the East Asian – Australasian Flyway through partnership and engagement with the local community. The AWCF was established in July 2005 with an initial donation of HK$500,000 from Cathay Pacific.

© WWF

“WWF thanks for Cathay Pacific’s generous donation for the establishment of AWCF which has allowed WWF to extend the important wetland conservation work from Hong Kong to other key sites for migratory birds in the East Asia – Australasian Flyway,” said Dr Lew Young, Mai Po Reserve Manager, WWF Hong Kong.

"As the airline of Hong Kong, Cathay Pacific cares about the wellbeing and development of all aspects of Hong Kong life - cultural, commercial, social and environmental. It is our pleasure to be able to support the Asian Waterbird Conservation Fund. We hope that its success not only preserves the wetland habitats so important to our migratory birds but also provides an area of natural beauty that everyone in Hong Kong can cherish and enjoy," said Cathay Pacific General Manager Marketing Charlie Stewart-Cox.

© WWF

Some 26 applications were received at the end of the first round of application on 31 March 2006. Successful applications include a public awareness campaign carried in Southern Thailand, a community based waterbird conservation activity in South-eastern Bangladesh and a conservation and public awareness programme in West Mongolia. Each project will receive up to US$4,000.

“These projects have been selected because they all carry the elements of engaging the local community in their wetland conservation work. Local community plays a very important role in enhancing conservation value of the important habitats, it is therefore vital to get their support and understanding on the importance of wetland conservation. By actively involving the local community in wetland conservation work, the chances of enhancing the conservation value of these sites will be more promising,” explained Dr Lew Young.

“In addition, these selected project sites are very important in the Flyway as they provide key stopovers for the migratory birds during their long flights. For example, the project site in Western Mongolia is an important breeding site for Dalmatian Pelicans and it is believed that these birds fly south to Hong Kong to spend the winter. We need to ensure these sites are well protected for the long-term benefits of people and wildlife in this area,” continued Dr Young.

The projects have been selected by Committee with wetland conservation experts all over the world. They include:

• Dr. Taej Mundkur, Strategy Coordinator, Wetlands International - South Asia. India.
• Warren Lee Long, Shorebird Flyway Officer, Wetlands International – Oceania, Australia
• Doug Watkins, Manager, Wetlands International – Oceania, Australia

The next round of application will at the end of October 2006.

Information on selected wetland conservation projects

© Wetlands International - Thailand Office

1. Public awareness campaign in Southern Thailand

• Carried out by “Wetlands International – Thailand”
• Site: Chao Mai Marine National Park is a Ramsar site which support over 137 species of birds, including many shorebirds
• Wetland habitats: rivers, waterfalls, hot springs, swamp forests, reed swamps, seagrass beds and islands etc
• 3 months project: Workshop will be held and posters, brochures will be published to enhance awareness on wetland conservation among local community, local government, school teachers, children and Park staff

© Dr. Christoph Zokler

2. Community Based Waterbird Conservation Activity in South-eastern Bangladesh

• Carried out by “Wilderness Conservation”
• Site: Cox’s Bazar zone support more than 250 species of water birds and is threatened by shrimp and salt farming
• Wetland habitats: intertidal mudflats, lagoons, mangrove, seashore rivers and canals
• 1 year project with various programmes: awareness raising programmes, birds monitoring, production of outreach materials and bird-based ecotourism; which will involve the local community.

© H. Mix

3. Conservation and public awareness activities in West Mongolia

• Carried out by Har Us Nuur Club
• Site: Har Us Nuur National Park is a Ramsar site which regularly supports more than 20,000 waterbirds, including Dalmatian Pelicans.
• Wetland habitats: 3 large but shallow lakes, reedbed etc.
• 19 months project with field trips, lectures, exhibition and conferences organized for a wide range of people: students, professionals and the general public