The bird migration season is around. I was invited into a live connection in “China 24” in CGTN to talk about it. I briefly introduced China’s conservation efforts on wetlands and migratory birds, as well as thinking of something that cities and residents can do.
Here is what I said:
Q1: How would you assess China’s achievements in conserving migratory birds?
China has implemented various measures and initiatives to protect migratory birds and their habitats.
Migratory birds used to be elusive and still require much study. Dating back to 2003, WWF initiated the first Coordinated Bird Count in Central & Lower Yangtze, where bird watchers counted the wintering birds in a same time in different areas, one of the earliest attempts to get relatively reliable figures. Over the past twenty years, China carried out various ways of monitoring, annually it implements bird ringing for about 100 thousand individuals and installs satellite trackers on more than 100 species. We witness the increase in both geographic scopes and frequency in monitoring. This is the foundation of protection.
Among migratory birds, waterbirds form the largest flocks. They rely on healthy and well-protected wetlands. Now China has more than 2000 protected areas where wetlands can be found. Among them, 82 were designated as Ramsar sites, namely wetlands of international importance. The large number of protected wetlands form a habitat network for migratory birds.
China working along by itself is not enough, as migratory birds do not need visa to travel around. We see China active in regional flyway networks, for example East Asian – Australasian Flyway Partnership, where joint conservation methods are discussed and implemented. China has several bilateral agreements on protecting migratory birds with Japan, Australia, Korea, etc, and there is now a World Heritage along the Coast of Yellow Sea as sanctuaries for Migratory Birds.
Q2: Collective efforts are required for successful conservation of migratory birds. Tell us, how can cities better mobilize the public to be more involved?
Cities and dwellers can take several measures to better protect migratory birds and their habitats.
As these species rely on urban wetlands, ponds, and water bodies as stopover sites, fine management of these areas is crucial. This can include appropriate design on terrains and vegetation, pollution control and water level management. It also benefits human as these habitats reduce heat island effect.
Reducing light pollution is also a typical thing that cities can do. Artificial lighting from buildings and streetlights can dis-orient migratory birds, especially during nocturnal migration. Cities can use amber-colored lights, and families can turn off unnecessary lights. As a mater of fact, this helps reduce some carbon emission too!
Most importantly, I would encourage our audience to walk out and watch birds, as they are the most visible wildlife in cities. Birdwatching, even just staring at birds foraging along urban streams, is a good start in reconnecting to the nature. When residents are more and more aware of the beauty of birds, cities and NGOs can also provide environment education opportunities, so that people may be more curious about the colorful nature.
I believe many of you might eventually find birdwatching very interesting and enjoyable, like me!