- Publication (DD-MM-YYYY)
- 07-29-2026
- Creator / Author
- EAAFP Secretariat, WWF-Hong Kong, and the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity
- Publisher
- East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP)
- Contributor
- ASEAN Flyway Network; Ministry of Forestry, Indonesia; Bangpu Nature Education Centre [EAAF157], Thailand; Bird Conservation Society of Thailand
- Language
- English
- Keywords
- mangroves, migratory birds, East Asian-Australasian Flyway, coastal ecosystems, biodiversity, wetland conservation
This webinar, held in observance of World Mangrove Day 2026, explores the ecological importance of mangroves, wetlands, mudflats, and coastal habitats for biodiversity conservation along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway. Opening remarks from representatives of the East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership and the ASEAN Flyway Network highlighted the significance of regional cooperation and shared responsibility in safeguarding coastal ecosystems. Presentations examined the interconnected role of mangroves, wetlands, and migratory bird habitats, with Indonesia presented as a major global center for mangrove conservation. According to the webinar, Indonesia contains 3.45 million hectares of mangroves, representing 23% of the global mangrove total, distributed across more than 17,000 islands. Speakers emphasized that mangroves provide four key functions: blue carbon storage, coastal protection, biodiversity support, and livelihood benefits for coastal communities. The webinar also discussed the importance of conserving entire wetland systems rather than isolated sites, recognizing their role as ecological networks that support migratory species across national boundaries. The webinar presented examples of site-based conservation and community engagement from Indonesia and Thailand. Indonesia showcased conservation measures that include eight Ramsar Sites covering more than 1.37 million hectares, key Flyway Network Sites, and collaborative management approaches supporting biodiversity conservation. A case study from Pantai Cemara in Jambi Province highlighted a 2,200-hectare coastal site that supports tens of thousands of migratory shorebirds. Presentations from Thailand featured Bangpu Nature Education Center, where approximately 300 bird species have been recorded, and Pak Thale Nature Reserve, where monitoring data since 2020 indicate that 30% of recorded shorebird species are classified as Critically Endangered, Endangered, or Vulnerable. Speakers also discussed environmental education, volunteer programmes, habitat management, local livelihood initiatives, and youth engagement activities. During the discussion session, presenters emphasized that mangroves and mudflats perform different but complementary ecological functions and that effective conservation requires the protection and restoration of the right ecosystem in the right place. Access the webinar recording to learn more about integrated approaches to mangrove, wetland, and migratory bird conservation. |
- 2: Promoted science and knowledge-based terrestrial, inland water, and coastal and marine ecosystems restoration
- 3: Strengthened governance and management of ASEAN Heritage Parks contributing to 30% of global target for protecting marine and terrestrial areas by 2030
- 4: Improved species conservation, protected area management systems and wildlife enforcement
- 6: Improved management, control, and prevention of invasive alien species (IAS)
- 8: Enhanced understanding of nature-based solutions and/or ecosystem-based approaches and their contributions to climate change
- 21: Ensured that biodiversity data, information, and knowledge are accurate and updated, communicated, and accessible to target stakeholders
KM GBF Targets:
- TARGET 2: Restore 30% of all Degraded Ecosystems
- TARGET 3: Conserve 30% of Land, Waters and Seas
- TARGET 4: Halt Species Extinction, Protect Genetic Diversity, and Manage Human-Wildlife Conflicts
- TARGET 6: Reduce the Introduction of Invasive Alien Species by 50% and Minimize Their Impact
- TARGET 8: Minimise the Impacts of Climate Change on Biodiversity and Build Resilience
- TARGET 21: Ensure That Knowledge Is Available and Accessible To Guide Biodiversity Action
