Development of a Wetland Site and Flyway Network for Conservation of the Siberian Crane and Other Migratory Waterbirds in Asia

The objective of the project is to conserve the network of critical wetlands needed for survival of the Siberian Cranes, other threatened cranes, and numerous water birds that form an important resource for local populations. The project focuses on the conservation of the international network of wetlands upon which this species depends, together with a wide range of other wetland biodiversity. Nearly fifty percent of these wetlands are Ramsar sites. The project area covers the flyways used by populations of Siberian Cranes in western Central Asia and in East Asia targeting key wetland sites located in China, Iran, Kazakhstan and Russia. The project includes the following components: (a) measures for conservation of key flyway wetlands; (b) national measures for conservation of flyway wetlands and migratory waterbirds; and (c) international measures for flyway network development. Site level activities expected are legal protection, management plans, stakeholder participation, capacity building, public awareness and education programs, and alternative livelihood projects.