In a decisive move to bolster the conservation and restoration efforts of migratory bird flyways across China, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, has unveiled the “Action Plan for the Protection and Restoration of Migratory Bird Flyways in China (2024-2030)” on June 24, 2024.
According to official release news, this comprehensive plan, aimed at aligning with the country’s ecological civilization vision, sets ambitious targets to enhance the protection of key habitats crucial for migratory birds. By 2030, the plan aims to include 90% of critical habitats along migratory bird flyways into effective protection zones and ensure effective monitoring for over 80% of migratory bird species.
China boasts over 1,500 bird species, constituting 13% of the world’s avian diversity, with more than 800 species being migratory birds, accounting for approximately 53% of the nation’s bird population. Among the world’s nine major migratory bird flyways, four traverse China, including the East Asia-Australasia Flyway, the Central Asia Flyway, the West Asia-East Africa Flyway, and the East Asian-Australasian Flyway.
While acknowledging overall improvements in migratory bird and habitat conservation, the plan underscores persistent challenges such as habitat degradation, incomplete protection management systems, inadequate monitoring capacities, and the need for heightened public awareness and participation.
The action plan strategically identifies 821 critical habitats along migratory bird flyways based on threat levels, global population proportions, and migration route significance. It advocates for strengthened protection management, ecological restoration, enhanced monitoring capabilities, and fostering bird-friendly environments to ensure comprehensive and coordinated conservation efforts across these flyways.
Key initiatives outlined in the plan include the establishment of protection networks, habitat restoration, enhancement of monitoring systems, and promoting harmonious coexistence between humans and birds. It emphasizes the integration of ecological corridors, designation of important wetlands and wildlife habitats, and the development of comprehensive management facilities to support sustainable bird migration and biodiversity conservation.
The China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF) has long been dedicated to the conservation of migratory birds. Their efforts encompass widespread public engagement through initiatives like Biodiversity Conservation in Our Neighborhood (BCON). For years, the Foundation has advocated at the platforms of China’s National People’s Congress and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, urging the government to ratify the United Nations Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) to promote protection measures for migratory wildlife, including birds.
Additionally, CBCGDF has established Community Conservation Areas (CCAfa) to protect birds and combat poaching at the community level. CCAfas around the country have also exposed illegal wildlife trade, including the trade of wild birds on e-commerce platforms. The Beijing-based group promotes birdwatching ethics and has published guidelines on Nature Photography Ethics to foster respect for wildlife and nature.
As an active participant in international environmental protection, CBCGDF serves as an observer to international agreements such as the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), and the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. It is also a member organization of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), contributing significantly to global biodiversity conservation efforts.
Edited by: Linda
Checked By: YJ
Contact: v10@cbcgdf.org; +8617319454776
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