American Flyways

The Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network (WHSRN) began in 1985 when scientists discovered that if just one wetland "stop over" was degraded - an entire shorebird species could be wiped out. Landowners with sites that meet certain criteria are encouraged to join the "network" to conserve these critically important habitats . There are three levels of site participation- certified sites, dedicated sites and secured sites, which afford different levels of voluntary and sometimes statutory protection.
The goals of the network are to:

• Ensure that the Network's conservation actions are based on the best available biological information;
• Implement shorebird conservation action at network sites throughout the Americas; and,
• Create and maintain informed, empowered, and interconnected communities and partners at network sites.

The North American Waterfowl Management Plan (NAWMP)
1986 is an international action plan to conserve migratory birds in Canada, the United States and Mexico. The plan was initially designed to address waterfowl, but has been broadened to include all migratory species using wetlands. NAWMP is a partnership of federal, provincial/state and municipal governments, non-government organisations (NGOs), private companies and many volunteers, all working towards achieving better wetland habitat for the benefit of migratory birds, other wetland-associating species and people. To date there are 12 Joint Ventures (co-operative partnerships) in the United States and three in Canada.

The plan's goal is to:

• Return waterfowl populations to their 1970's levels by conserving wetland and upland habitat; and,
• Advance waterfowl conservation and make substantial contributions towards the conservation of all wetland-associated species.

African-Eurasian Flyway

The agreement provides for co-ordinated and concerted actions by the range states, as described in an Action Plan. The key issues addressed include species and habitat conservation, management of human activities, research and monitoring, and education and information.
For more information on AEWA see: http://www.unep-wcmc.org  

European Flyways

Special Protection Areas and Special Areas for Conservation together form a network of protected sites across the European Union (EU) called 'Natura 200'. They were introduced to implement the Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (the Bern Convention). Natura 2000 is a network of protected sites within Europe which represent areas of the highest value for natural habitats and species of plants and animals which are rare, endangered or vulnerable in the European Community.
For more information on Natura 2000 see: http://europa.eu.int/scadplus/leg/en/lvb/l28076.htm

Special Protection Areas (SPAs)
SPAs are strictly protected sites classified in accordance with Article 4 of the EC Directive on the conservation of wild birds (79/409/EEC), also known as the Birds Directive, which came into force in 1979. It requires member States to identify areas to be given special protection for rare or vulnerable species, for regularly occurring migratory species and for the protection of wetlands, especially wetlands of international importance. Member States have to avoid any significant pollution, disturbance or deterioration of these designated sites.

Special Areas for Conservation (SACs)
A European directive created in 1992 on the Conservation of Natural Habitats. Member States are required to identify and designate areas of land as SACs based on their importance for wildlife other than birds. Compared with other designations SACs tend to be large, often covering a number of separate but related sites, and sometimes include areas of developed land. Unlike other designations, SACs can stretch beyond the low tide mark into the marine environment. 

East Asian-Australasian Flyway

The East Asian-Australasian Shorebird Site Network
The East Asian - Australasian shorebird site network was developed as part of the Asian-Pacific Migratory Waterbird Conservation Strategy to link habitat that is internationally important for shorebirds along the flyway.

The network is a network of both sites and people. Managers of sites are encouraged to establish a local advisory or liaison group and develop management plans. Such activities help to gain support for the management of these sites for conservation. The network helps site owners, managers, local people and participating organisations to gain international recognition and support for their site and their conservation efforts. For more information see:www.deh.gov.au/biodiversity/migratory/waterbirds/infosrn1.html

The Asian-Pacific Migratory Waterbird Conservation Strategy: 2001-2005
The strategy aims to provide an international framework for the conservation of migratory waterbirds and their habitats in the Asia-Pacific region into the 21st century.

The Strategy outlines eight key elements to promote the conservation of migratory waterbirds and their habitats:

• Action plans for species-groups and globally threatened species.
• Effectively managed networks of sites that are internationally important for migratory waterbirds.
• Raised awareness of waterbirds and their link to wetland values and functions throughout the region and at all levels.
• Increased capacity of government agencies and non-government organisations to implement conservation actions for migratory waterbirds.
• An enhanced knowledge base and increased information exchange for the sound management of migratory waterbirds and their habitats.
• Harmonised national and state policies and legislation as a foundation for the conservation of migratory waterbirds and their habitats.
• Enhanced organisational relationships at all levels to increase cooperation and deliver greater conservation benefits.
• Adequate planning and resources to implement the Strategy.