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Conservation
Photo credit: John and Jemi
The wetlands along the coasts of East and Southeast Asia are crucial stop-over and wintering habitats for tens of millions of waterbirds from hundreds of species. These birds rely on these wetlands to rest, feed, and replenish their energy reserves during their 13,000 km journey from the Arctic Circle to Australia. The East-Asian Australasian Flyway (EAAF) hosts the greatest number and diversity of birds, including many threatened species, like the Black-faced Spoonbill.
Photo credit: Caleb Choi
Vital East and Southeast Asian Wetlands for Migratory Birds
Mai Po and Inner Deep Bay lie at the heart of the EAAF, which extends 13,000 km from the Arctic Circle through East and Southeast Asia to Australia and New Zealand.
The EAAF is home to more than 50 million migratory waterbirds from over 250 different populations.
Each year these birds fly between their breeding and wintering grounds, and rely on a network of wetland way stations to rest and feed before embarking on the next leg of their journey.
Photo credit: Angus Lau
The Black-faced Spoonbill
The Black-faced Spoonbill is only found in East Asia and, with an estimated world population of just 6,162 individuals, is classified as a globally ‘endangered’ species under the IUCN’s Red List. Each year only 30 or so pairs are known to breed.
With such a small global population, Black-faced Spoonbill is inherently vulnerable to extinction. Its survival is strongly dependant upon the continued preservation and security of their main breeding grounds, availability of unpolluted coastal wetlands abundant with food in their known wintering range, and avoidance of potentially deadly diseases or infections.
On average, 20% of the global Black-faced Spoonbill population in any given year can be found wintering in Hong Kong.
Photo credit: Leung Wai Ki
Mai Po Nature Reserve
Wetlands provide essential ecosystem services vital for the survival of humans and other species. They also act as natural defences, protecting communities from climate change-induced disasters. The remaining coastal wetlands in Hong Kong—Mai Po will be crucial for future bird habitats, supporting EAAF migrations, and buffering against sea level rise and storm surges.
WWF-Hong Kong aims to ensure the reserve’s resilience to climate change and manages Mai Po Nature Reserve as a key staging and wintering ground for migratory waterbirds and threatened indigenous biodiversity. The reserve also demonstrates the traditional gei wai practice and serves as a regional hub for wetland conservation knowledge and awareness.
‘We are committed to developing innovative strategies for a climate adaptation plan for the Mai Po Inner Deep Bay Ramsar site, ensuring its future conservation. This concert not only raises awareness but also generates crucial funding to support our ongoing efforts to protect this vital habitat.’
- Kenny Chan, Development Director, WWF Hong Kong.
Stay Informed
Support WWF’s Conservation Efforts
Enhance your concert experience by joining a tour to the Mai Po Nature Reserve.
Support WWF's vital conservation work and help maintain the wetlands, ensuring a safe habitat for the endangered Black-faced Spoonbills and other wildlife.
Photo credit: Neil Fifer