2–6 September 2024, Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Singapore
OPENING SPEECH
DR. THERESA MUNDITA S. LIM
Executive Director
ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity
- Ms. Hwang Yu-Ning, CEO of the National Parks Board – Singapore,
- Ms. Jennifer Jane George, Chief Executive of East Asian–Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP) Secretariat, and Mr. Suh Seung Oh, Director of Ramsar Regional Center – East Asia,
- Dr. Taej Mundkur, and other bird experts, ASEAN Flyway Network national focal points and site managers, participants from the ASEAN Member States,
- Ladies and gentlemen, good morning from the Philippines!
- It is my pleasure to open this regional training workshop on migratory waterbird and wetland management. While I am only joining you online, I am very happy that you are all able to be part of the in-person sessions there at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve.
- The successful online sessions we had a few weeks ago (19-23 August) offered the essential theoretical foundation for managing wetlands as well as monitoring and conserving migratory waterbirds. Global and regional initiatives, practical tools, and methods for effective monitoring, and the importance of maintaining connectivity across migratory flyways were also discussed through case studies and expert-led sessions that gave a glimpse into real-world challenges, such as wetland management and the impact of bird flu on waterbirds.
- For the next five days, you will be “translating thoughts into action” by applying what you have learned through hands-on training, discussions, and site visits. This should also prepare future trainers, conservation practitioners, and flyway site managers with the necessary skills and tools for the national capacity-building workshops that will subsequently be held at the national level.
- The ACB recognises the importance of continuing stakeholder capacity development initiatives to ensure that we are able to sustain the successes that we have achieved. This is vital so that our efforts and hard work for protecting migratory birds and their habitats in our region are not wasted, in addition, this even provides opportunities for us to build on these and achieve more together.
- Before I end, allow me to thank the National Parks Board of Singapore and acknowledge the support we receive from the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund for working with us at the ACB in the second phase of the Improving Biodiversity Conservation of Wetlands and Migratory Waterbirds in the ASEAN Region (AFN Phase II).
- Thank you, and I wish you a productive training workshop ahead.
