International migratory bird organization marks 20th anniversary with Incheon event

An international organization dedicated to conserving migratory waterbirds and their habitats across the East Asian-Australasian Flyway is marking its 20th anniversary with a significant event in Incheon, South Korea. The East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP), established in 2006, brings together 18 countries, international organizations, NGOs, and corporations to collaborate on bird conservation efforts.

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The East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP) is celebrating its 20th anniversary with an event in Incheon, South Korea.

The choice of Incheon as the host city is particularly fitting, as the city's West Sea tidal flats were recognized for their geographical importance to migratory routes, leading to the establishment of the EAAFP secretariat there in 2009. This year's anniversary celebration, scheduled for October 14-15 at the Gyeongwonjae Ambassador Incheon, will include an awards ceremony, an international forum on Black-faced Spoonbill conservation, and a workshop for national bird habitat managers.

Incheon itself is being honored for its contributions to biodiversity conservation and international cooperation, receiving the 'World Conservation Union Biodiversity Excellence Certification.' The city's coastal areas, including Ganghwado Island, Yeongjongdo Island, and the Namdong Reservoir tidal flats, are known as the world's largest breeding ground for the Black-faced Spoonbill, a critically endangered species and a natural monument. The spoonbill population has seen a remarkable recovery, increasing from just 430 individuals globally in 1995 to 7,081 in the past year, leading to its reclassification from 'Critically Endangered' to 'Vulnerable' by the IUCN. Incheon alone is home to 3,828 Black-faced Spoonbills, representing 54% of the global population.

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The partnership, established in 2006, works with 18 countries and over 40 organizations to conserve migratory waterbirds and their habitats.

The event will feature presentations by prominent researchers, including Professor Lee Woo-shin from Seoul National University and Professor Lei Guangchun from Beijing Forestry University, who will discuss the EAAFP. Spike Millington, Chair of the EAAFP Scientific Working Group, will moderate a panel discussion. The 'International Forum on Black-faced Spoonbill Conservation' will share conservation status updates from South Korea, Hong Kong, and Japan. Further details are available on the event's website.

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Incheon's tidal flats are recognized as a crucial breeding ground for the endangered Black-faced Spoonbill, whose population has significantly increased.