EAAFP Delegates with Young Leaders for the Future
On 13 December 2025, the EAAFP Secretariat participated in the 2025 Getbol, Korean Tidal Flats Young Leaders Forum, held under the theme “How Not to Lose Our Getbol, Korean Tidal Flats.” The forum, held in Suncheon, was organised in cooperation with the Getbol World Heritage Promotion Team of Korea and the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, reflecting their shared efforts towards the inscription, conservation, and long-term management of Korean tidal flats as a World Heritage property.
The two-day forum brought together young participants from across Korea to take part in expert-led learning and capacity-building activities, helping to strengthen their commitment to environmental stewardship and youth-led action for tidal flat conservation.
At the forum, Jennifer George, Chief Executive of the EAAFP Secretariat, and Minjae Baek, Communications Officer, delivered a thematic lecture on the conservation of migratory waterbirds in the Yellow Sea tidal flats. The lecture highlighted the critical role that tidal flats play in supporting migratory waterbirds along the East Asian–Australasian Flyway. This was followed by an interactive session in which participants exchanged ideas and perspectives with Jennifer George and Yoon Lee, Deputy Chief of the Secretariat.
After the interactive session, the EAAFP delegates visited Suncheon Bay [EAAF079], an EAAFP Flyway Network Site. During the visit, Ms Sunmi Hwang, the Site Manager, introduced the wetland restoration process of the Suncheon Bay area, explaining it within its social and cultural context.
Ms Hwang, the Site Manager of Suncheon Bay, outlined the background of the site and the city’s ongoing efforts to sustain habitats that support migratory waterbirds and local communities.
Notably, former parking areas within the site have been restored to wetlands, and the site office itself is located within the wetland, enabling close and continuous engagement with local residents. This restoration approach has also contributed to the creation of local employment opportunities, supporting community livelihoods alongside conservation efforts. Through active communication with the community, Suncheon Bay demonstrates a model of conservation built together with local stakeholders. Visitors to the site can also borrow binoculars to observe the rich natural environment and migratory birds of Suncheon Bay.
Restored wetlands in Suncheon Bay
More than 8,000 Hooded Cranes and over 10,000 ducks were observed feeding in the wetlands, alongside people strolling and enjoying the natural surroundings. This harmonious landscape is the result of ongoing efforts, dialogue, and collaboration between the city, local communities, and experts. All stakeholders have worked together to find ways to support migratory waterbirds, their habitats, and local communities alike.
The site visit provided a tangible example of how these local conservation efforts contribute to the broader significance of tidal flats for migratory waterbirds along the flyway.
Tidal flats are indispensable habitats for migratory waterbirds, providing essential feeding and resting areas during their long-distance journeys. At the 12th Meeting of the Partners (MOP12), the EAAFP reaffirmed their importance by adopting Decision Paper DD.17 on the EAAFP Initiative on Tidal Flats. This initiative aims to bring together partners, experts, and site managers to strengthen the protection, sustainable management, and restoration of tidal flats, while also supporting associated coastal habitats along the flyway.
Over 8,000 Hooded Cranes
In this context, the Young Leaders Forum served not only as a learning platform but also as a space to highlight ongoing international efforts for tidal flat conservation. Beyond knowledge exchange, the forum also emphasised the role of youth in shaping the future of conservation. Through the forum, the EAAFP Secretariat had the opportunity to connect with inspiring young leaders who bring fresh perspectives and strong potential to future conservation efforts. We look forward to a future shaped by these young changemakers as they take active roles in protecting our shared planet.
🎥 A related video on the conservation story of Suncheon Bay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-WOjUW89oc
