1 Overview of the UNEP/GEF Siberian Crane Wetlands Project GOAL: Secure the ecological integrity of a network of critical wetlands needed for the survival of the Siberian Crane, migratory waterbirds and other globally significant wetland biodiversity in Asia

2 UNEP/GEF Siberian Crane Wetlands Project Full Title: Development of a Wetland Site and Flyway Network for Conservation of the Siberian Crane and Other Migratory Waterbirds in Asia Full Title: Development of a Wetland Site and Flyway Network for Conservation of the Siberian Crane and Other Migratory Waterbirds in Asia Duration: 7 Years: 2003 – 2009 Duration: 7 Years: 2003 – 2009 International Executing Agency : ICF with support from Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) International Executing Agency : ICF with support from Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) Countries : China, Russia, Kazakhstan, and Iran Countries : China, Russia, Kazakhstan, and Iran Two Flyways – 16 project sites Two Flyways – 16 project sites GEF 10 Million, $ 16M co-finance, $20M associated funding GEF 10 Million, $ 16M co-finance, $20M associated funding

3 Need for Project SCWP was developed in response to the widespread and continuing loss and degradation of wetlands across Asia and the precarious state of waterbird populations. SCWP was developed in response to the widespread and continuing loss and degradation of wetlands across Asia and the precarious state of waterbird populations. 59% waterbird populations declining in Asia 59% waterbird populations declining in Asia

4 Siberian Crane is an effective Flagship Species Cultural symbol – long life, fidelity, spirit guide Cultural symbol – long life, fidelity, spirit guide Migratory – Migratory – effective ambassador Critically Endangered Critically Endangered Its wetland used by thousands of other waterbirds & people Its wetland used by thousands of other waterbirds & people

5 Map by the International Crane Foundation 2005 Cartographer: Zoe Rickenbach Address Threats at SITE LEVEL

6 Site Management Committees established and involved in the process for developing the management plan and public education plan (Keerqin NNR, China). (i) Established Stakeholder Participation

77 (ii) Invested in Communities Community participation/income projects tested Community participation/income projects tested China (Poyang, Zhalong, Xianghai and Keerqin) China (Poyang, Zhalong, Xianghai and Keerqin) Iran (Fereydoon Kenar) Iran (Fereydoon Kenar) Kazakhstan (Naurzum) Kazakhstan (Naurzum) Guidelines on community participation have been published as part of a book on wetland management by China Academic Press with support from the project Guidelines on community participation have been published as part of a book on wetland management by China Academic Press with support from the project

8 (iii) Site Management Plans - based on sound science and involving local communities

9 - e.g. Removal of Oil Exploration Rig - e.g Re-alignment State Powerlines (iv) Address Threats

10 (v) Upgraded Conservation Status of Protected Areas and Expanded Size along Flyways: (v) Upgraded Conservation Status of Protected Areas and Expanded Size along Flyways: - one new World Heritage Site - 5 new Ramsar sites, 4 applications in progress - Management effectiveness improved at 16 sites, totaling 7 million hectares, benefitting millions of people - Improved protection status of over 1.8 million ha

11 Map by the International Crane Foundation 2005 Cartographer: Zoe Rickenbach Russia Kazakhstan Iran China Address broader measures for wetlands and waterbird conservation at the NATIONAL LEVEL

12 KEY NATIONAL APPROACH: Provision of water for wetlands; Capacity building, Monitoring & Program sustainability

13 WATER MONITORING WATER MANAGEMENT PLANS developed for Zhalong, Xianghai, Keerqin, Momoge in China & Naurzum in Kazakhstan. MINIMUM WATER FLOWS & SUSTAINED FINANCING WETLAND RESTORATION

14 Short-term training courses Formal university courses Partnership between sites and local institutes & universities Capacity Building

15 Applied Research and Ecological Monitoring 10-year study of ecological relationships water levels, food plants & waterbird distribution at Poyang Lake NNR Data provided to support technical assessment of proposed water control structure

16 Map by the International Crane Foundation 2005 Cartographer: Zoe Rickenbach and activities at the FLYWAY LEVEL Coordinatio n Russia

17 Strong cooperation with Regional Initiatives Strong cooperation with Regional Initiatives Origins under (CMS) MoU on Siberian Crane Origins under (CMS) MoU on Siberian Crane East Asian – Australasian Flyway Partnership East Asian – Australasian Flyway Partnership Central Asian Flyway Initiative (CMS/WI) Central Asian Flyway Initiative (CMS/WI) Wings over Wetlands UNEP/GEF project Wings over Wetlands UNEP/GEF project Many other international and national projects and partners Many other international and national projects and partners

18 Exchange of staff and coordinated surveys has increased connections between countries

19 Enhanced Waterbird Monitoring Along Flyways

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21 Regional Public Awareness Programs an effective tool for conservation across continents World Wetlands Day World Wetlands Day World Migratory Bird Day World Migratory Bird Day Crane Festivals (120 sites in 9 countries) Crane Festivals (120 sites in 9 countries)

Websites – depository on project outputs

23 Project Achievements & Sustainability Increased security of the network of wetlands for Siberian Crane and millions of waterbirds. Increased security of the network of wetlands for Siberian Crane and millions of waterbirds. Wetland management been linked to water resource management policies & gov. funding Wetland management been linked to water resource management policies & gov. funding Conservation of wetlands and waterbirds been strengthened through improvements to national policies, legislation and plans Conservation of wetlands and waterbirds been strengthened through improvements to national policies, legislation and plans Transboundary exchanges, agreements, cooperation & monitoring – having national benefits Transboundary exchanges, agreements, cooperation & monitoring – having national benefits

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25 Success factors & lessons (i) First Flyway project supported by GEF – lessons lead EA very dedicated with long track record Country-specific work programs yet in regional context Advantage of working under a regional agreement (MoU – CMS) positive achievements influenced government priorities & approach way beyond original scope Flyway: need long-term projects & commitment; three- level approach, to avoid isolated islands of success Flyways: exchange of staff, expertise & experience

26 Success factors & lessons (ii) Finding common issues and targeting shared interests: flyway bird and water monitoring enabled dialogue on issues such as water distribution or socio-economic concerns Strong public communications campaign – best use of GEF funds. Regional activities plus project management just 13% of overall GEF budget; whilst generating country benefits well beyond that. Multi-country projects do work!

27 The Way Forward Site and national activities will continue through national agency programs under mainstreaming and budgeting arrangements Site and national activities will continue through national agency programs under mainstreaming and budgeting arrangements Conservation efforts for the Siberian Crane will continue in cooperation with CMS and ICF and integrated with wider flyway conservation programmes Conservation efforts for the Siberian Crane will continue in cooperation with CMS and ICF and integrated with wider flyway conservation programmes 27