Overview of the UNEP/GEF Siberian Crane Wetlands Project

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 Duration: 7 Years: 2003 – 2009 International Executing Agency : ICF with support from Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) Countries :China, Russia, Kazakhstan, and Iran Two Flyways – 16 project sites 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. 59% waterbird populations declining in Asia

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

5. Actions on 3 Levels Address Threats at SITE LEVEL Map by the International Crane Foundation 2005 Cartographer: Zoe Rickenbach

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

7. (ii) Invested in Communities Community participation/income projectstested China (Poyang, Zhalong, Xianghai and Keerqin) Iran (Fereydoon Kenar) 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 7

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:- one newWorld 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 10

11. Actions on 3 Levels Address broader measures for wetlands and waterbird conservation at the NATIONAL LEVEL Russia Kazakhstan Iran China Map by the International Crane Foundation 2005 Cartographer: Zoe Rickenbach

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

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

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

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. Actions on 3 Levels Russia Coordination and activities at the FLYWAY LEVEL Map by the International Crane Foundation 2005 Cartographer: Zoe Rickenbach

17. Strong cooperation with Regional Initiatives • Origins under (CMS) MoU on Siberian Crane • East Asian – Australasian Flyway Partnership • Central Asian Flyway Initiative (CMS/WI) • Wings over Wetlands UNEP/GEF project • 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 19

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

22. Websites – depository on project outputs www.scwp.info www.sibeflyway.org

23. Project Achievements & Sustainability • 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 • Conservation of wetlands and waterbirds been strengthened through improvements to national policies, legislation and plans • 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 27 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