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Background

The Masked Finfoot is one of Asia’s rarest large waterbird and was only recently uplisted on the IUCN Red List to Critically Endangered. Its most significant populations occur in the Bangladesh Sundarbans and is now the focus of extensive conservation action, while there is little data on breeding populations known until recently in northern Myanmar and Cambodia. To scale up conservation activities for the species, a resolution at MOP11 called for the establishment of a task force for the Masked Finfoot, and the development of a programme of work for the species across range states. This session aims to expand the membership of the EAAFP Masked Finfoot Task Force, while reviewing proposed actions and activities for the conservation of the species.

Objectives

1. Update on the conservation status of the Masked Finfoot across all key range states
2. Review proposed activities and actions on the draft programme of work for the Masked Finfoot
3. Expand and engage stakeholders, especially governments of range states

Tentative Programme