At A Glance

The Response

The project will support the incorporation of wetland biodiversity conservation into the development planning and programmes of the Anqing municipal government. The project will create conditions for wetland users to take joint actions that reduce negative impacts on wetland biodiversity while supporting local income generation. At the municipal level, biodiversity measures will be included in annual government work plans for various economic sectors. Wetland biodiversity indicators will be included as a basis for criteria used to assess the annual performance of local government agencies. At the county level, various approaches to community based integrated conservation and development will be demonstrated.

Project Focus

Ø  To integrate wetland biodiversity considerations into annual work plans of local agencies, and biodiversity indicators into performance appraisal；
Ø  To create an inter-agency wetland conservation mechanism and improve capacity of key staff；
Ø  To promote public participation in wetland management；
Ø  To implement development and protection plans which promote conservation and sustainable livelihoods；

Cooperating Agency

Anqing Municipal Government

Partners

1. Wetlands International
2. Academy of Forest Inventory and Planning, State Forestry Administration

The Challenge

Anqing Municipality, in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, in Anhui Province, has rich wetland biodiversity resources, and the local government is committed to biodiversity conservation as an integral part of sustainable wetland management. Currently, however, it lacks the knowledge and practices to effectively undertake this commitment. Aqua cultural production single species (e.g. crabs) in the wetlands pose an increasing threat to ecosystems and the government seeks sustainable approaches that can combine biodiversity conservation with sustainable livelihoods for communities living around the wetlands.