The Min Jiang estuary in Fujian is an important wintering site for Spoon-billed sandpiper in China. Numbers have varied between 15 and 25 in recent years. Islands off the coast are the main breeding site for the Critically Endangered Chinese Crested Tern. The Endangered Black-faced Spoonbill also overwinter here. It is the other main site in the “Saving Spoony’s Wetlands in China” project. Part of the estuary is a protected area and a multi-million pounds visitor centre is being built with completion by the end of 2011. However, there are still various threats such as pollution, disturbance and spartina increase.
We began our mission here at a meeting with Provincial Government Officials. The development of ecotourism, education and awareness programmes, habitat management were some of the subjects discussed. I’ve referred to Coastal Zone Management quite a lot during this trip. If China adopted a practical approach to CZM, then perhaps some of the special places along its coast may become protected for nature.
Fuzhou was also the location for a training workshop for teachers from the area. The workshop was organised by the Fujian Birdwatching Society and the enthusiasm, commitment and hospitality of their dedicated group of volunteers made for a truly enjoyable and memorable experience. The Society has done quite a lot of work in schools and they have a good relationship with the local Ministry of Education.
A group of thirty-five teachers attended with the full support of the Ministry of Education and their openness to new ideas and information was most encouraging. The team of trainers – Vivian Fu from Hong Kong Birdwatching Society, Yamme Leung from WWF Hong Kong, Simba Chan from BirdLife Asia office and myself put in some long hours of preparation, but were rewarded by a positive wave of enthusiasm from the teachers. To experience the combined teamwork of the trainers and the volunteers from the Fujian Birdwatching Society is part of the rewards of work like this. The ten year old daughter of one of the teachers also attended. If she fulfils her ambition, one day she could be one of China’s top ornithologists. I gave her my last Wildlife Explorers Birdlife magazine; she was thrilled to have an English magazine about birds and other nature. The following day her mother told me she has made her daughter a WEX member. The buzz from a workshop like this helped to compensate for missing my beloved Wigan Rugby League team winning the Cup Final at Wembley.
The second day of the workshop was a field trip to the estuary. The media were at the meeting and the workshop. A TV crew covered both days of the workshop and I’m told my interview was broadcast on the Sunday. Some children came on the field trip and I was pleased to see the TV crew doing a lengthy interview with them. Perhaps decision-makers will listen to enthusiastic children more than they will to conservationists?
Playing the Spoon-billed sandpiper migration game
Learning about food chains
Interview for TV
A more sensible interview for TV
Volunteers from the Fujian Birdwatching Society
The trainers - a great team