What's New in 1999 Launch of the Site Network 14 May 1999 [ in Japanese ] [ Back ]

The Site Network was launched at a reception organised by Wetlands International and Environment Agency of Japan on 14th during the 7th Meeting of the Contracting Parties of Ramsar Convention (San Jos, Costa Rica, 10-18 May 1999). Six countries nominated 25 sites of international importance for Anatidae in the Flyway at the launch.

Photo: T. Mundkur

In the afternoon of 14 May 1999, during the 7th Meeting of the Contracting Parties of Ramsar Convention (San Jos, Costa Rica, 10-18 May 1999), a reception Launch of the East Asian Anatidae Site Network and Reception for the Asia-Pacific Waterbird Networks was organised by Environment Agency of Japan and Wetlands International, and was hosted by Okinawa Prefecture, Naha City and Tomigusuku Village of Japan, where nearly 200 participants joined.

Mr. Brendan Edgar, MWCC Chair. Photo: T. Mundkur

Mr. Delmar Blasco, Ramsar Convention Bureau. Photo: T. Mundkur

References * Anet Newsletter No.1, June 2000 * Wetlands No.8: p.7 (Wetlands International, 1999)

Its objectives were promotion of waterbird site networks under the Asia-Pacific Migratory Waterbird Conservation Strategy: 1996-2000 in the Asia-Pacific Region, and Launch of the East Asian Anatidae Network.

The Chair of Migratory Waterbird Conservation Committee (MWCC) of Wetlands International - Asia Pacific, Mr. Brendan Edgar reported a letter of the nomination approval by the Anatidae Working Group from its Interim Chair, Mr. Kojiro Mori. In the letter, 25 sites from 6 countries (Russian Federation, Mongolia, People's Republic of China, Republic of Korea, The Philippines, and Japan) had been approved as appropriate by the members of Anatidae Working Group. The nominated sites are listed in Table 1.

In the Reception, Opening Remarks were given by Ramsar Convention Bureau (Mr. Delmar Blasco), Environment Agency of Japan (Mr. Hisao Shikano) and Wetlands International (Mr. Chris Kalden). After the report of MWCC Chair, nominated sites were introduced by the national delegates to the CoP7. The Anatidae Flyway Officer of Wetlands International - Japan, Mr. Yoshihiko Miyabayashi gave Concluding Remark and the all the participants to the reception cerebrated the Launch of the Site Network.

Delegates from Australia and United State of America gave remarks on the implementation of international waterbirds initiatives (North American Waterfowl Management Plan, Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network and bilateral migratory bird treaties/agreements) and on the further international cooperation in Asia-Pacific Region.

Some local governments in Japan gave presentations on their efforts to the conservation of wetlands and waterbirds on a local basis from Okinawa Prefecture, Tomigusuku Village, Narashino City, Kushiro City and Tajiri Town. A Japanese NGO, Japanese Association for Wild Geese Protection gave vote of thanks for the reception and launch of the Site Network.

In the venue, poster presentations were given from the Anatidae Network Sites and some Ramsar Sites, which were attracted the participants. Wetlands International announced the publication of Atlas of Key Sites in Eastern Asia for Anatidae and Cranes in the reception, as well.

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The "Action Plan for the Conservation of Migratory Anatidae in the East Asian Flyway" is a component of the "Asia-Pacific Migratory Waterbird Conservation Strategy", and the "Anatidae Site Network in the East Asian Flyway" is a programme of international co-operation to enhance the conservation of the wetlands of international importance for Anatidae (ducks, geese and swans) in the flyway under the "Action Plan". The "Anatidae Working Group" of Asia-Pacific Migratory Waterbird Conservation Committee oversees the implementation of these programmes with technical support from Anatidae Flyway Officer. For further information, please contact the Anatidae Flyway Officer. Posted 14 May 1999.