Celebrating World Wetlands Day and a decade of wetland partnerships with Ramsar

In 1998, scientists concerned with the Siberian Crane met to challenge themselves to protect and wisely manage the critical wetlands for the species.  This meeting was held in Ramsar, Iran, the location of the 1971 signing in of the Convention on Wetlands, an intergovernmental treaty which provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources. Following the meeting in 1998, researchers began developing ideas for a flyway approach to Siberian Crane conservation, which developed into the UNEP/GEF Siberian Crane Wetland Project (SCWP).

Our sixteen project sites along the western and eastern Siberian Crane flyways are all of international importance for the conservation of wetlands and wetland biodiversity. Millions of migratory waterbirds are supported by the network of sites, including at least 32 globally threatened species.  The wetlands are also important to local communities and national economies.

Through our work, ten of our project sites are currently designated as Ramsar wetlands and five are being proposed.  In addition, Kazakhstan has officially joined as a Contracting Party to the Convention on Wetlands. During the nearly six years of the SCWP our achievements relating to wetland conservation include (click on the suggested fact sheets and technical briefs to learn more about these activities):

• The size of the wetland protected areas at our project sites have greatly increased and legal protection is stronger.
  
  Management plans are being developed for most sites, following the Ramsar Convention’s approach to participatory, science-based management, and we provide training and technical assistance.
  
  Management Improvements at Naurzum National Nature Reserve, Kazakhstan
  Technical Brief 1.37 MB PDF
  

• Each site is actively engaging the different people who use the wetlands in finding solutions that meet diverse needs.  We are seeing important shifts in attitudes towards wetlands.
  
  Capacity Building and Co-management in Iran
  Fact Sheet 1.0 MB PDF
  

• Six years of drought combined with great human needs have reduced the water available to sustain wetlands in NE China. The project has addressed this complex problem by developing water management plans, requiring new collaboration between agencies usually allied to human needs and economics.
  
  Water Management Planning in Northeast China
  Fact Sheet 993 KB PDF
  

• A migration monitoring scheme is providing scientific information on the status of crane and other waterbirds needed for conservation planning.  
  
  Establishment of a New Migration Monitoring Network across China for the Siberian Crane and Other Waterbirds
  Technical Brief 2.09 MB PDF

• The project mitigated some immediate threats – including the removal of an oil well in West Siberia, and the routing of power lines and use of scaring devices to reduce bird mortality from collisions.
  

• Our project supported the Ramsar Convention through developing flyway site networks and exchange of staff between sites.
  
  Western/Central Asian Site Network
  Fact Sheet 1.72 MB PDF

Our partnership with Ramsar has taught us valuable skills, strengthened our credibility, and opened doors.   The SCWP has applied these lessons and tools, and the synergy has brightened the future for Siberian Cranes, other waterbirds, and people alike.

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Last update: 2 February 2009

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