News of the Asia-Pacific Migratory Waterbird Strategy 2001-2005

(posted to the Ramsar Forum, 22 September 2000)

Update on the Asia-Pacific Migratory Waterbird Strategy for 2001-2005 and three species-group actions plans

Dear Forum Members,

Conservation of migratory waterbirds and wetlands in the Asia Pacific region has been promoted through the Asia Pacific Migratory Waterbird Conservation Strategy: 1996-2000. The Strategy, an international cooperative initiative, has core financial support from the governments of Japan and Australia and is coordinated by Wetlands International. The Strategy is endorsed by the Convention on Wetlands and the Convention on Migratory Species.

Implementation of the Strategy has been largely dependent on the capacity of governments, conventions, NGOs, technical experts, local communities and others and their ability to work cooperatively to implement actions to achieve the conservation of migratory waterbirds and their habitats.

Based on the successes of the Strategy during the last five years, a updated Strategy for 2001-2005 and three Action Plans for species-groups (Anatidae, cranes and shorebirds) are currently being prepared. These will provide an international framework to further promote the conservation of migratory waterbirds and their wetland habitats in the Asia-Pacific into the 21st century.

The four consultation drafts are can be downloaded from our web site <http://ngo.asiapac.net/wetlands>:

1. Asia Pacific Migratory Waterbird Strategy: 2001-2005
2. Action Plan for the Conservation of Migratory Cranes in Asia Pacific: 2001-2005
3. Action Plan for the Conservation of Migratory Anatidae in the East Asian Flyway: 2001-2005
4. Action Plan for the Conservation of Migratory Shorebirds in the East Asian-Australasian Flyway: 2001-2005

If you wish to receive these documents by email, kindly contact Dr Taej Mundkur: < taej@wiap.nasionet.net >.

We are seeking to ensure that these documents accurately reflect regional priorities and will focus conservation efforts over the next 5 years. It is crucial that these documents are reviewed and that implementation is actively supported by governments, international/national agencies, funding agencies, conventions, NGOs, technical experts, funding agencies and local communities in the region with an interest in migratory waterbird and wetland conservation.

An International Workshop to finalise and endorse the Asia Pacific Migratory Waterbird Strategy: 2001-2005 is to be held in Naha City, Okinawa, Japan, between 15-19 October 2000. The main purpose of the workshop is to finalise these documents and to seek endorsement from the participating government agencies, conventions, funding agencies, NGOs and other groups. Interested people are invited to attend the workshop, more information is available through the workshop secretariat c/o Ms. Saya Murakami < ccc@home.ccc-inc.co.jp > or Fax. +81-3-5574-8696.

We also invite your constructive comments and input on these documents. Comments received by 2 October 2000 can be considered by the regional conference. All comments will be reviewed during finalisation of these documents and submissions acknowledged.

Thank you very much for your input and cooperation.

We look forward to hearing from you,

Dr Taej Mundkur, Strategy Coordination Officer, Wetlands International - Asia Pacific, 3A39, Block A, Kelana Centre Point, SS7/19 Petaling Jaya, 47301 Selangor, MALAYSIA Tel: +60-3-704 6770 || Fax: +60-3-704 6772 || Email: wiap@wiap.nasionet.net   Web site : http://ngo.asiapac.net/wetlands

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