We work with a wide range of partners to conserve migratory waterbirds. We support the establishment and management of networks of protected wetlands along the migratory routes (flyways) of waterbirds. Through our flyways approach, we aim to improve the conservation of waterbirds and wetlands, while also benefiting people.
International conventions
At the global level, to manage migratory waterbirds and wetlands we work closely with two international conventions: the United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP) Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) and the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. We chair the CMS Flyways Working Group responsible for advising the CMS on migratory bird conservation globally.
At the flyway level, we work closely with governments, research institutions, NGOs and others. Our work is exemplified by the following activities around the world:
- African-Eurasian flyway region. We provide strategic advice for the conservation of migratory waterbirds through our participation in the African-Eurasian Waterbird Agreement (AEWA). We are involved in the development of key publications and reports. From 2005 - 2010, we led a major collaborative international project that resulted in the creation of the Critical Site Network (CSN) Tool, a new online resource for the conservation of 294 species of waterbirds and the important sites upon which they depend in Africa and Western Eurasia.
- We support the regional and national training of site managers under AEWA with our comprehensive Flyway Training Kit. We are also raising public awareness of waterbirds through the development of a network of visitor centres in the region.
- Americas flyways. We participate in the Hemispheric Council of the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network WHSRN. We developed the first flyway maps for several waterbird species in the Neotropics.
- East Asian-Australasian Flyway(EAAF). Through the the Partnership, we aim to conserve over 250 populations of migratory waterbirds, spanning over 100 sites in 14 countries. We work to improve wetlands management of important waterbird sites, particularly in China, Indonesia and Thailand, and advise governments in other countries.
- Central Asian Flyway (CAF). We work closely with the CMS, governments and partners on an international action plan for migratory waterbirds and wetlands in the flyway. We are strengthening the management of wetlands at several important sites, particularly on the Indian subcontinent.