Looking out to sea, a wall of shorebirds rises from the shallow, muddy surface. Together, the birds move gracefully like a flock. There are few places in East Asia where you can see so many migratory shorebirds accumulated in one place. These are the Yellow Sea and Gulf of Bohai Migratory Bird Sanctuaries in China, recently designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Dr. Ding Li Yong, regional coordinator for flyways in Asia, recounts a recent visit to the same sites: “I was able to stop at the estuary of the Dandong Yalu River a few years ago and was impressed by the huge congregations of migratory shorebirds that swarmed around it. I don’t forget to easily see about 50,000 giant knots! »
On July 26, 2024, five of those ordinary migratory bird reserves were designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This prestigious popularity highlights the critical importance of those wetland habitats for migratory birds on the East Asian-Australasian Flyway (EAAF).
Every spring and autumn, millions of birds migrate along the EAAF from northern Russia, across the Asian continent, to Australia and New Zealand. Birds such as the endangered Spoonbill Wagtail and Siberian Crane and the Far Eastern Curlew, in danger of extinction, frequent these Yellow Sea wetlands to rest and refuel for their long journeys.
Along the migratory route, vast wetlands such as intertidal plains and marshes are disappearing. Progression and sea level rise are compressing wetlands at both ends. This makes it difficult for the birds to find food and rest throughout their journey. Designated sites along the Yellow Sea will help ensure that species can reach their destinations safely.
BirdLife International warmly welcomes the directory of these sites for migratory waterbirds. In collaboration with the Asian Development Bank and the East Asia-Australasian Flyways Association, BirdLife has worked to raise the profile of conservation control of these sites as key Regional Flyways Initiative (RFI) sites. This initiative aims to protect ecologically connected wetlands across the continent, which are vital for birds and people, with cutting-edge funding and conservation techniques.
In addition to feeding millions of migratory birds, the diverse wetlands around the Yellow Sea are incredibly valuable to humans. Research on the Yellow Sea scenario in 2023, compiled with BirdLife International, highlights this price tag: “The intertidal wetlands of the Yellow Sea have immense value to human communities, providing billions of dollars annually in ecosystem services, including blue carbon sequestration and stabilization. One of the most densely populated coastal areas in the world facing the effects of storms and rising sea levels. “
These five newly inscribed Migratory Bird Sanctuaries constitute the expansion of Phase II of the existing World Heritage Sites of the Yellow Sea and Gulf of Bohai (Phase I), which were inscribed in 2019. This ongoing effort demonstrates the Chinese government’s commitment to wetlands vital to migratory birds. and the communities that live around them.
BirdLife recognises this timely contribution to China’s long-term plans for its wetland ecosystems,
“The designation of five new World Heritage sites is excellent news for migratory birds, as it will improve their visibility and protection. What’s more, these sites will contribute to the fight against climate change, as they will sequester more carbon, while also offering essential facilities for people. Congratulations to China and all those who have worked so hard to achieve those designations, reinforcing the importance of the Yellow Sea for the entire East Asia-Australasian flyway. – Martin Harper, Executive Director, BirdLife International
“The Yellow Sea coastal wetlands are at the center of the East Asian-Australasian Flyway (EAAF). So it is good news that China continues to take measures to protect coastal wetlands that are of utmost importance for birds and animals. humans. While there is still much work to be done to protect the future of migratory shorebirds in the EAAF, this is a first step forward that will no doubt motivate others to follow after all, migratory birds that use the Sea. “Amarillo constitute a shared community. herbal heritage and, with that, comes a shared duty to protect them and the places they need” – Terry Townshend, Paulson Institute Fellow and BirdLife International Global Advisory Group member.