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Asian Waterbird Conservation Fund (AWCF) 2024: New Partnerships to Protect Asian Flyways

WWF-Hong Kong is pleased to announce the successful application results for the Asian Waterbird Conservation Fund (AWCF), three projects were selected by AWCF Committee. The Asian Flyways Initiative Grant (AFI Grant) of AWCF will support conservation efforts at the newly designated Flyway Network Sites (FNS) in Myanmar, as well as a comprehensive study on migratory waterbirds in West Sulawesi, Indonesia. Additionally, the Dr. Lew Young Grant under the AWCF will support a community conservation project in North Sumatra, Indonesia.

About the Projects
 
  1. Engaging Local Communities in the Management of Wetland Conservation in Pyu Lake and Paleik Lake in Central Myanmar

    The Pyu Lake and Paleik Lake in Myanmar were designated as FNS in 2023. These lakes are important habitats for waterbirds in the dry zone of Central Myanmar, but face threats from pollution, unsustainable fishing, and hunting. The Biodiversity and Nature Conservation Association (BANCA) will work with local organizations to conserve these wetlands, conduct regular waterbird surveys, and promote the wise use of wetlands through community engagement and education. Community-based wetland conservation management plan for Pyu Lake and Paleik Lake will also be developed through collaboration with all stakeholders.
     
    © Thiri Dae We Aung
    Ferruginous pochard (Aythya nyroca) and the critically endangered Baer’s pochard (Aythya baeri) in Paleik Lake
     
  2. Migratory Bird Survey, Habitat Assessment, and Education for Conservation Bioacoustics in the Mampie, West Sulawesi, Indonesia

    In western Sulawesi of Indonesia, researchers from the University of West Sulawesi will conduct a comprehensive study on migratory waterbirds, with the use of bioacoustics. The study also aims to understand the ecological dynamics and challenges faced by the waterbirds, and inform future conservation planning. The team will also organize educational programs to raise awareness among local communities. By integrating scientific research with community engagement, the project strives to contribute to the conservation efforts of migratory waterbirds in this ecologically significant yet relatively understudied region.
     
    © Alexander Kurniawan Sariyanto Putera
    A group of pied stilt (Himantopus leucocephalus) flying over fishpond
     
  3. Sustaining Flight: A Comprehensive Approach to Migratory Shorebird Conservation in Batu Bara Coastline, North Sumatra, Indonesia

    The Batu Bara Coastline in Sumatra of Indonesia was identified as a hotspot for shorebirds during surveys initiated in 2018. Extending over 50 km and nine villages, this area supports around 40,000 wintering shorebirds, including several globally threatened species. The Wild Heritage of Sumatra (WHIS) Foundation made significant progress in 2022 by establishing village regulations on shorebird protection in four key villages along the coastline. In this project, WHIS will focus on implementing these regulations, continue shorebird monitoring, and organize educational activities to engage local communities and university students in conservation efforts.
     
    © Chairunas Adha Putra
    The project site features an expansive mangrove forest and a vast intertidal mudflat, offering critical habitats for shorebirds.
     
    © Chairunas Adha Putra
    Large flock of migratory shorebirds in Batu Bara

AWCF is fortunate to have received a high number of quality applications for the current funding cycle. The AWCF committee has worked diligently to carefully evaluate each submission. The AWCF secretariat would like to express its sincere gratitude to the members of the AWCF Committee: Mr. Simba Chan, Mr. Spike Millington, Mr. Doug Watkins, Dr. Philip Round, and Prof. Guangchun Lei. Their generous contribution of expertise and time has been invaluable to the review process.

Learn more about AWCF


Under the WWF’s Freshwater Practice, Wetlands for Asian Flyways (WAF, formerly as Asian Flyways Initiative) is a regional initiative involving countries within the East Asian-Australasian Flyway and Central Asian Flyway. It aims to conserve networks of wetlands benefiting the local communities and long-term survivorship of migratory bird populations.

Learn more about WAF

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