Enhancing Cooperation Between the Central Asian and East Asian–Australasian Flyways by HSF Korea, 10 November

On 10 November, the Hanns Seidel Foundation (HSF) Korea hosted a side event to review ongoing progress and outline the way forward for cooperation along the Central Asian and East Asian–Australasian Flyways. The event built on momentum from the HSF–EAAFP Conference held in November 2022 in Songdo, Incheon, and incorporated insights from the virtual masterclasses delivered throughout 2023, along with perspectives emerging from ongoing multi-stakeholder dialogues across the flyway. It also provided updated information on the proposed institutional arrangements for the Central Asian Flyway Initiative and explored opportunities for synergy with the East Asian–Australasian Flyway framework.

The session opened with remarks by Dr. Bernhard Seliger of HSF Korea, followed by a presentation from Dr. Ivan Ramirez, Head of the Avian Species Team at CMS, who emphasized that substantial on-the-ground work is already underway and stressed the importance of active participation from governments and organizations. Ms. Vivian Fu, Senior Manager of the Wetlands for Asian Flyways Initiative at WWF–Hong Kong, outlined the development of a collaborative and sustainable conservation network for wetlands in the region. She noted that the Wetlands for Asian Flyway Initiative adopts a people-centered approach that broadens wetland and migratory bird conservation and can also connect Hong Kong with the Central Asian Flyway. Dr. Ponnusamy Sathiyaselvam of the Bombay Natural History Society then presented updates on India’s prioritized wetlands and species under its Central Asian Flyway National Action Plan. He highlighted that the Great Knot could serve as a key species example for strengthened cooperation between the CAF and EAAF.

The event concluded with closing remarks by Dr. Musonda Mumba, Secretary General of the Convention on Wetlands, who reaffirmed the importance of sustained international collaboration in safeguarding migratory birds and their habitats.