IFEZ Journal

The EAAFP Supports Transboundary Migratory Bird Movements through International Cooperation 

The East Asian-Australasian Flyway (EAAF) is one of the world’s largest migratory flyways, supporting millions of waterbirds, including many endangered species. It stretches from the Russian Far East and Alaska, going southward through East Asia and Southeast Asia and moving on to Australia and New Zealand to encompass a total of 22 countries. Up to 70 million migratory birds travel along these vast routes every year, and close cooperation among the countries located along the migratory flyways is essential to protect such birds as they migrate across national borders. The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands is an international treaty that was adopted in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran, to protect wetlands worldwide. The EAAFP was adopted as a Ramsar Regional Initiative in 2005, and the partnership was officially launched in 2006. Currently, 42 partners are actively involved in the EAAFP including 18 national governments. The partnership is working to create a network of critical habitats that enable a range of stakeholders located along migratory flyways across countries and oceans to engage in sustainable conservation activities. Wetlands and mudflats along the flyways are very important, as they provide food and shelter for migratory birds and are also closely linked to local livelihoods.

Strengthening International Cooperation through a Network of 156 Protected Sites 

The East Asian-Australasian Flyway (EAAF) overlaps with regions that account for about 25-30% of the global GDP. This means that many critical migratory habitats are directly affected by industrialization and urbanization. In particular, the region around the Yellow Sea is a vital habitat for four species of migratory birds, including the critically endangered Spoon-billed Sandpiper. To ensure the survival of migratory birds that rely on specific tidal areas, it is important to preserve the ecosystems in these areas. Balanced policies need to be established for these areas where the pressures of development and the need for ecological conservation coexist. The EAAFP works in partnership to effectively coordinate and collaborate on complicated challenges that are difficult for a single organization to address. It coordinates policy differences among countries and carries out a range of activities to conserve migratory birds in sustainable ways. The EAAFP currently manages the Flyway Site Network, which includes 156 sites, many of which are also Ramsar sites. EAAFP activities include organizing working groups and task forces to bring together experts from around the world, conducting the “World Migratory Bird Day” campaign, offering grants to support on-the-ground conservation efforts, and supporting critical research using satellite tracking and global citizen science projects. Protecting migratory birds is about more than just protecting species; it is about protecting the global environment. The EAAFP is working to create a sustainable future where humans and migratory birds can coexist in harmony while remaining flexible and responsive to changing conditions through ongoing monitoring.

INTERVIEW

"Be true to yourself 

and to your values"

Ms. Jennifer George  |  Chief Executive of the EAAFP

  Q. Congratulations on being named one of the 2025 Women Changemakers. 

What does it mean to be a “Changemaker”?

A. It is part of an initiative launched by the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands to recognize 

the valuable contributions of women in science, governance, and communities. 

Women play a vital role in conserving wetlands and biodiversity around the world. 

Women who have contributed to international cooperation, wetland conservation, and the wise use of wetlands are honored as Changemakers. 

In my case, I believe I was recognized for my leadership as a female chief executive for an organization 

deeply involved in wetland conservation and for the global influence of the EAAFP.

 Q. What made you decide to become a part of the EAAFP?

A. The Bar-tailed Godwit starts its migration from a small town in my home

country of New Zealand and breeds in northern Alaska before returning to the same place it left. 

When I found that I could follow the birds’ 30,000-kilometer journey online in real time via satellite trackers, I was really impressed. 

I was in awe of the volunteers who so movingly communicated the data they had collected. 

My desire to be a part of this story naturally led me to my current position. 

The EAAFP’s works are also significant in that they are not only about protecting migratory birds but also about the people who make their livelihoods in such areas.

 Q. What are some of the most challenging or rewarding experiences you have had in your journey so far?

A. The biggest challenge is taking on a leadership role in the post-COVID-19 pandemic era. 

After going through the process of rebuilding our organization and network, 

my team and I, as well as community members across the flyways, are now making great strides together. 

The EAAFP’s first scientific symposium with the Flyway University Alliance in Beijing last October was an eloquent testimony

that young researchers and local communities have a meaningful voice in conservation efforts for the future.

 Q. What’s your life motto and how does it connect to your operations and planning at the EAAFP?

A. “Be true to yourself and your values.” 

Two values that are important to me are “generosity” and “reciprocity”—a sense of giving and receiving through mutual exchange.

I’d like to connect people across borders and encourage the younger generation to dream bigger and better for the future. 

In particular, the biennial Meeting of Partners, which discusses cooperation and support among EAAFP member countries, 

will be held for the 12th time this November. I will work with my great team to ensure that we are prepared to make the event a success 

and to achieve our common goals based on partnership.