Side event details

This side event will 1. explore the ecological, social and institutional aspects of connectivity of wetland networks across the world and come up with recommendations for Ramsar, based on experience from regional and national flyway initiatives and partners; 2. Focus on finance needs and options to support wetland management and restoration and highlight opportunities for innovative funding across stakeholder groups; and 3. Share China’s experiences in flyway and wetland conservation through  policy and practice, case study of OECMs for Spoon-billed Sandpiper, and CEPA initiatives in line with draft COP 15 resolutions.

Strengthening connections among wetlands, increasing financing and enhancing national and international partnerships are all very relevant to the COP15 theme of Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future and this side-event will link to draft resolutions on CEPA (23.6), Institutional Strengthening (23.9), Flyways (23.16) and OECMs (23.18)

Session 1: Connectivity and Networks

Wetlands are among the most ecologically connected of sites, due to their importance in enabling millions of waterbirds and other species to complete their migratory journeys.  While the focus has been on ecological connectivity, wetlands are also connected by the people who manage and use these areas. Increasing the connections among people living in and around wetland networks (social connectivity) underpins the integrity and long-term sustainability of these networks. Recognition of the links among important wetlands along the routes of migratory species has led to the development of national and international frameworks to support site networks. This aspect of institutional connectivity promotes the effectiveness of cooperative and collaborative approaches to supporting and developing ecological networks.

EAAFP, ICLEI and CMS in collaboration with ICF and WHSRN will present examples of social and institutional connectivity in a panel discussion

Session 2: Finance for Connecting Wetlands, Flyways, People and Institutions

Finance for wetlands continues to be significantly below what is needed for their continued maintenance and much-needed restoration. Of all the world’s ecosystems wetlands have experienced the most losses, are often the least supported and are under the most threat from further degradation. Finance is therefore vitally needed for these ecosystems which are so critical for the local communities and biodiversity they support as set out in the recently published Wetlands Outlook Report. 

ADB and GEF representatives will mention how they are working to fill the funding gap through the ADB led Regional Flyway Initiative and the GEFs 30+ years of investing in wetlands globally. 

Session 3: Policy, Action and CEPA for the People’s Republic of China

Over the past decade, China's efforts in migratory waterbird flyway and wetland conservation have achieved significant progress. We will share China’s experiences, including

1) Importance of OECMs effect for filling conservation gap in coastal wetlands of EAAF: case study of Spoon-billed Sandpiper. Presenter: Dr.LEI, Guangchun

2) Releasing the “Wetland Power: CEPA Case Studies” and inviting wetland conservation representatives to share insights. Presenter: Dr. YAN, Baohua

Special Draft Resolution

Lastly on behalf of the National Forestry and Grassland Administration for the PRC, a Draft Resolution on Strengthening National Actions for the Conservation and Restoration of Waterbird Flyways will be presented.

AGENDA

Opening Remarks (3 min)

• Jennifer George, Chief Executive, East Asian Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP)

Opening and Scene Setting (2 min)

• Martin Harper, Chief Executive Officer, BirdLife International (moderator for all sessions)

Session 1: Connectivity and Networks (22 min)

• Yoon Lee, Deputy Chief Executive, EAAFP
• Dr. Anton Earle, Global Coordinator: Water Systems, ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability
• Amy Fraenkel, Executive Secretary, Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS)

Session 2: Finance for Connecting Wetlands, People and Institutions (15 min)

• Duncan Lang, Senior Environment Specialist, Asian Development Bank (ADB)
• Tasila Banda, Senior Biodiversity Specialist, Global Environment Facility (GEF)

Session 3: Action and CEPA for the People's Republic of China (15 min)

• Dr. Lei Guangchun, MCF, Beijing Forestry University (BFU), EAAFP Science Unit
• Dr. Yan Baohua, Secretary General, Mangrove Conservation Foundation

Special Session: Draft Resolution on Strengthening National Actions for the Conservation and Restoration of Waterbird Flyways (1 min)

• Dr. Lyu Cai, BFU, Center for EAAF Studies, Representing the National Forestry and Grassland Administration f(NFGA) of the PRC

Closing Remarks (2 min)

• Dr. Musonda Mumba Secretary General, Ramsar Secretariat