10 November 2025
13:00 – 14:00
Location TBC
Lead Organiser/s Hanns Seidel Foundation Korea
Co-organiser/s Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), International Crane Foundation (ICF), WWF-Hong Kong, Wetlands International
Flyways around the world demonstrate varying degrees and models of institutional cooperation for the conservation of migratory birds.
The East Asian-Australasian Flyway (EAAF) is notable for its inclusive, multi-stakeholder partnership model, bringing together national governments, international NGOs, intergovernmental organizations, and other key actors. In contrast, the Central Asian Flyway (CAF) remains in the early stages of developing a coordinated institutional framework. Ongoing discussions are focused on establishing a dedicated coordination unit under the Initiative for the CAF (CAFI).
To address this institutional gap, the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) and the Government of India are collaborating to create a structured mechanism that enhances cooperation among CAF Range States. Building on the CAFI established during CMS COP14 in 2024, current efforts are focused on advancing CAFI by fostering regional consensus on migratory bird ranges and promoting coordinated conservation strategies across the flyway.
This side event presents a timely opportunity to review progress and shape the path forward. It builds on the momentum generated since the Hanns Seidel Foundation/EAAFP Conference, held in November 2022 in Songdo, Incheon, and incorporates insights from a series of virtual masterclasses conducted in 2023, alongside ongoing multi-stakeholder dialogues along the flyway. The event will provide the latest updates on proposed institutional arrangements for the CAFI and explore potential synergies with the EAAF framework.
Alignment with the EAAFP Strategic Plan (2019–2028)
In line with the EAAFP Strategic Plan 2019-2028, especially Objective 5 – Develop, especially for priority species and habitats, flyway-wide approaches to enhance the conservation status of migratory waterbirds. This event seeks to promote flyway-wide coherence, information exchange, and capacity building as critical steps toward effective flyway governance. Participants will explore options to align CAFI with the strategic priorities and governance innovations that have shaped success in the EAAF.