Eco-Virological Approach for Assessing the Role of Wild Birds in the Spread of Avian Influenza H5N1 along the Central Asian Flyway

A unique pattern of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 outbreaks has emerged along the Central Asia Flyway, where infection of wild birds has been reported with steady frequency since 2005. We assessed the potential for two hosts of HPAI H5N1, the bar-headed goose (Anser indicus) and ruddy shelduck (Tadorna tadorna), to act as agents for virus dispersal along this ‘thoroughfare’.

Strategic Intent 2011-2020

The Strategic Intent 2011-2020 is the ten year outlook for our organisation and the overarching strategy for the organisation worldwide. It reflects the new challenges for wetland conservation and the increasing relevance of wetland condition to human well-being in today’s world.

Annual Review 2010

Our annual review provides a great and global overview of all our achievements, our projects, our publications and other products, our donors and our financial situation.

Working together on disasters, climate, ecosystems

During the coming 5 years, Wetlands International will work closely with Red Cross, Cordaid, Red Cross Climate Centre and CARE to implement a range of projects in Asia, Latin America and Africa to increase people's resilience against (climate related) disasters via ecosystem restoration and management. Together they have formed the “Partners for Resilience” (PfR).

Migratory movements of waterfowl in Central Asia and avian influenza emergence

In this study, historical data derived from over 80 years of bird ringing are combined with recent satellite tracking data to delineate migration routes, movement chronology and habitat use patterns of waterfowl in relation to H5N1 outbreak locations. Results confirm migratory linkage between breeding and moulting areas in northern Kazakhstan and southern Siberia, with nonbreeding areas in the Caspian, Black and eastern Mediterranean Sea basins, as well as with South Asia. 

Flamingo Bulletin, Issue 18 March 2011

Lee, R., Arengo, F. & Bechet, A. (eds.). 2011. Flamingo, Bulletin of the IUCN-SSC/Wetlands
International Flamingo Specialist Group, No. 18. Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, Slimbridge, UK.

Flying over an infected landscape: distribution of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 risk in South Asia and satellite tracking of wild waterfowl.

This study suggests that the continental-scale dynamics of HPAI H5N1 are structured as a number of persistence areas delineated by domestic ducks, connected by rare transmission through migratory waterfowl.

AWC Newsletter 18

Chilika Newsletter Volume - V

The fifth volume of newsletter Chilika, jointly published by Wetlands International South Asia and Chilika Development Authority, provides an update of various activities being undertaken for its conservation and wise use.  The issue focuses on management planning , and has a lead article on the management planning framework for the wetland ecosystem. Also contained within this volume are summaries of the Fisheries Resource Management Plan and the advanced acoustic technology introduced by the Chilika Development Authority for monitoring of the Irrawady Dolphins. Download the newsletter here

East Kolkata Wetlands Newsletter Volume - I

East Kolkata Wetlands form the backbone of food and ecological security for Kolkata city. The first volume of the newsletter, jointly published by Wetlands International – South Asia (WISA) and East Kolkata Wetland Management Authority (EKWMA) presents an introduction to the wetland system, and also outlines the management action plan formulated for its conservation and wise use. Download the newsletter here

Vegetation of the river Yamuna floodplain in the Delhi stretch, with reference to hydrological characteristics

The present study highlighted the importance of allocation of water for periodic inundation to maintain floodplain characteristics including aquatic/semi-aquatic vegetation cover as critical to the management of the river ecosystem. The current policy of water use focused entirely on human uses ignoring ecological requirements, and had clear adverse implications on the health of the river ecosystem.

The Global Peatland CO2 Picture

The report presents the first overview ever of peatland carbon data for all countries and regions of the world.  For every country/area information is given on extent and status of peatlands, volume of the peat resource and on CO2 emissions from different types of land use, both for the year 1990 as well as for the year 2008.

Annual Review 2009

The review charts the main achievements, as well as projects, finance and publications of Wetlands International during 2009. Furthermore, it highlights our work in relation to the Copenhagen Climate summit and a personal story from one of our projects. New this year is also our Climate Neutrality Report, as promised in last year’s Annual Review.

Wetlands and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)

This book presents a baseline of information that helps understanding of how WASH and wetland service provision are connected, why these linkages are vital and how they can be better managed. Furthermore, the publication presents a set of principles to be taken on by sector professionals as a way forward to improve integration in the future. The publication is the result of an ongoing collaboration between individuals and organisations from the wetland conservation sector and the water supply, sanitation and hygiene sector.

Loktak Newsletter Volume - V

The fifth volume of newsletter Loktak, jointly published by Wetlands International-South Asia and Loktak Development Authority, focuses on the managing Athaphum, a destructive form of fishing using vegetation enclosures which presently choke the entire lake. Also within this issue is a special article on wetlands and climate change, the 2010 theme for World Wetlands Day. Download the newsletter here