Overview of the Outcomes of the Migratory Bird Bilateral Meetings held between Japan, Australia, China, and the Republic of Korea

     The Bilateral Meeting on Migratory Bird Agreement between Japan and Australia under the Japan-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (Note 1), the Bilateral Meeting on Migratory Bird Agreement between Japan and China under the Japan-China Migratory Bird Agreement (Note 1), the Bilateral Meeting on Migratory Bird between Japan and the Republic of Korea under the Japan-Republic of Korea Environment Cooperation Agreement (Note 2), as well as the Plenary Meeting of the four countries, have been held approximately every two years, with the host rotating among the four countries.
     At the meetings, the four countries shared the latest information on the protection of migratory birds, endangered bird species, and their habitats, and discussed the joint research projects and other bilateral collaborative efforts underway.
     Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, in-person meetings had been suspended since 2018. Following an online meeting in 2022, this is the first in-person meeting in seven years.

October 21 am 　Plenary Meeting of Japan, Australia, China, and the Republic of Korea
                        pm    19th Bilateral Meeting on Migratory Bird Agreement between Japan and China
October 22 am     21st Bilateral Meeting on Migratory Bird Agreement between Japan and Australia
                        pm     16th Bilateral Meeting on Migratory Bird Cooperation between Japan and the Republic of Korea

Dongying, Shandong Province, China

(1) Plenary Meeting of Japan, Australia, China, and the Republic of Korea
The four countries reported on migratory bird conservation measures implemented since the previous meeting, new research findings, as well as conservation status and activities related to migratory birds. Japan reported on survey results from the Monitoring Site 1000 project and measures against highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).
 
Australia announced its intention to host the next meeting in 2027.
 
(2) The 19th Bilateral Meeting on Migratory Bird Agreement between Japan and China
  1) Research and joint projects under the Japan-China Migratory Birds Agreement
Japan and China exchanged information, including the current conservation status and efforts for the Saunders’s Gull and shorebirds. Japan also reported on the status and trends of terrestrial birds, outlining planned cooperation and surveys in Asia based on international discussions.
 
  2) Others
The two countries exchanged reports and information on the habitat status of cranes and the occurrence of HPAI.
 
(3) The 21st Bilateral Meeting on Migratory Bird Agreement between Japan and Australia
  1) Research and joint projects under the Japan-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement
Australia reported on the current status of the Little Tern, the formulation of a national recovery plan, and the development of light pollution guidelines. Japan reported on the conservation of the White-throated needletail, results from the Monitoring Site 1000 project (seabirds), and the occurrence of HPAI in Japan.
 
Additionally, information was exchanged regarding matters of interest for the 12th Partners Meeting of the East Asia-Australasia Flyway Partnership, scheduled to be held in Cebu, Philippines, in November 2025.
 
  2) Work Plan for the next meeting
Both countries confirmed the shared commitment to continue exchanging information and collaborating on the protection of species such as the Little Tern, White-throated Needletail, and shorebirds, as well as on bird sensitivity maps and HPAI.
 
(4) 16th Bilateral Meeting between Japan and the Republic of Korea
   1) Joint Research and Projects
Japan reported on the status and trends of terrestrial birds, including planned cooperation and surveys in Asia based on international discussions. Japan and the Republic of Korea shared information on the conservation status of the Saunders’s Gull and the Black-faced Spoonbill, as well as the occurrence of HPAI.
 
  2) Others
The two countries exchanged information, including the current conservation status and efforts for cranes, geese, and ducks. Regarding HPAI, both countries confirmed the establishment of a liaison point to facilitate rapid information exchange, and the Republic of Korea proposed holding a workshop.
 
Furthermore, both countries confirmed the status of the respective preparations for signing the Japan-Republic of Korea Migratory Birds Agreement.
 
(Note 1)
The following agreements have been concluded between Japan and Australia, and between Japan and China.
〇 Japan-Australia Migratory Birds Agreement (Official title: “Agreement between the Government of Japan and the Government of Australia for the Protection of Migratory Birds and Birds in Danger of Extinction, and their Environment”: entered into force on April 30, 1981)
〇Japan-China Migratory Birds Agreement (Official title: “Agreement between the Government of Japan and the Government of the People's Republic of China for the Protection of Migratory Birds and their Environment”: entered into force on June 8, 1981)
 
(Note 2)
The official title is the “Agreement between the Government of Japan and the Government of the Republic of Korea on Cooperation in the Field of Environmental Protection” (entered into force on June 29, 1993). This agreement was concluded with the aim of strengthening cooperation between the two countries in the field of environmental protection. Regarding migratory bird conservation, provisions include the exchange of information on migratory bird protection and joint surveys of migratory bird habitats and migration patterns.