Call for data for the Asian Waterbird Census 1997-2001 report

(posted to the Ramsar Forum, 9 October 2001)

Dear Colleagues,

Wetlands International - Asia Pacific coordinates the Asian Waterbird Census (AWC). The Asian Waterbird Census runs parallel to other waterbird censuses in Africa, Europe and Neotropics under the umbrella of the International Waterbird Census (IWC).

The census aims to obtain information on an annual basis of waterbird populations at wetlands in the region during the non-breeding period of most species (January), as a basis for evaluation of sites and monitoring of populations; monitoring on an annual basis the status and condition of wetlands; and encourage greater interest in waterbirds and wetlands amongst people, and thereby promote the conservation of wetlands and waterbirds in the region.

The Geographic region of the census covers most of the Asian and pacific countries, from Pakistan eastwards. Waterbirds counted during the census include all species of grebes, cormorants, pelicans, herons, egrets, storks, ibises, spoonbills, flamingoes, ducks, geese, swans, cranes, rails, jacanas, shorebirds (waders), gulls, terns, and raptors (birds of prey) normally associated with wetlands.

Normally each country has a volunteer coordinator who is responsible for organizing the census, collecting of the results and forwarding it to the international coordinator.

All the information of AWC is computerised and stored in a central database. This data is compiled into an AWC report, a complimentary copy of which is sent to all the participants and key national and international agencies.

The AWC has taken a significant role for not only the conservation of waterbirds and their habitats at national level but also at international level. For example, the Ramsar Convention encourages regular monitoring of waterbirds by its Contracting Parties as the basis for the identification of many wetlands of international importance (refer to Recommendation 6.4). The AWC has greatly supported the implementation of the Strategy of both Ramsar(1997-2002) and CMS (2000-2005). The AWC is also the key activity for promoting of the Asia-Pacific Migratory Waterbird Conservation Strategy: 2001-2005.

Wetlands International is currently compiling of the five-year (1997-2001) AWC report, so the information can be used for the conservation activities and as a feed back to the participants. In order to include as much count information as possible in this report, we would be appreciative if you could send us the wintering count information (data from December to February is acceptable) for the counts done in the past five years (i.e. 1997-2001). We would like to acknowledge those who have contributed the information in the AWC report.

Please let me know if you need more inforamtion about the AWC and the report.

Thank you very much for your kind assistance.

Best regards,

David Li
AWC International Coordinator & Waterbird Conservation Officer
Wetlands International - Asia Pacific
3A39, Block A, Kelana Centre Point, SS7/19, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia Tel : 603 704 6770 Fax : 603 704 6772 Web: http://www.wetlands.org

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