Conservation and Sustainable Use of Sites of International Importance to Migratory Birds in East-Asia, South East Asia and Australasia

To achieve the conservation of migratory waterbirds and their habitats in Asia-Pacific region through international cooperation, "Asia-Pacific Migratory Waterbird Conservation Strategy (1996-2000)" was developed by close partnership among the Wetlands International , Environment Australia and Ministry of the Environment, Japan.
In 1996 and 1999, the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention adopted the recommendations to encourage active participation and implementation of the Strategy by parties in the region and related organizations.
The second phase of the Strategy (2001-2005) was developed and the related activities under the Strategyhas been implemented since 2001. It is expected that such efforts will be reported and discussed at COP8 of the Ramsar Convention to be held in November 2002.

This partnership provides a cooperative framework for conservation of migratory waterbirds and their inland and coastal habitats across the region. The partnership is guided by the Asia-Pacific Migratory Waterbird Conservation Strategy and associated Action Plans for conservation of Anatidae, Cranes and Shorebirds. Each of these Action Plan calls for recognition of internationally important habitat for the relevant species group through inclusion in 'Site Networks'. The site network concept links internationally important sites across country boundaries and provides for exchange of information and training opportunities.
In order to achieve their potential, the site networks need to include at least 25% of internationally important sites across the migratory flyways. At present the networks include approximately 10% of internationally important sites. The WSSD partnership provides for expansion of the site networks across the region.
The partnership will be coordinated through the Asia-Pacific Migratory Waterbird Conservation Committee (MWCC), made up of representatives of the related countries and partner organisations.