International webinar highlighting the urgency of wetland habitats and the role of migratory birds in ecosystem health

– By Amira (Mimi) Rahman, Dean G. Ganko, and Ana G. Alcantara

A group of conservationists from around the globe gather to explore migratory birds and wetland ecosystems in the East Asian-Australasian Flyway.

On February 2^nd, 2025, conservationists, researchers, and wildlife enthusiasts from across the globe convened virtually for an international webinar exploring the East Asian-Australasian Flyway (EAAF)—one of the world’s most critical migratory routes for birds. Hosted by the Locally-led East Asian Flyway Acoustics (LEAFA) Program, the event provided a platform for leading experts to discuss the importance of wetlands, the challenges faced by migratory bird populations, and the collaborative efforts needed to protect these fragile ecosystems.

With participants from 16 countries across three continents, the event underscored the growing global concern for migratory birds, whose habitats continue to shrink due to urban expansion, industrial development, and climate change. The discussion aimed not only at raising awareness about these emerging issues but also on inspiring new conservation initiatives in regions spanning the EAAF.

Who Joined the Conversation?

The webinar attracted a diverse mix of professionals and students, with most attendees affiliated with universities, research institutes, NGOs, and government agencies. However, the strongest engagement came from students, who comprised 44% of attendees—a promising sign for the future of conservation. Other attendees included lecturers and academic professionals (14%), administrators and management personnel (9%), researchers (7%), environmental professionals (4%), and government sector representatives (4%). The remaining 18% worked in various other fields.

A Gathering of Global Minds

Despite 255 registrants, only 131 attendees joined the session via Zoom, demonstrating strong engagement in the topic. While the webinar was also advertised on social media, no viewers tuned in through Facebook, highlighting the need for stronger outreach efforts on digital platforms. Geographically, the highest participation came from Asia, where the Philippines (71 attendees), Malaysia (25), and Indonesia (13) led the way. Other attendees hailed from Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, the United States, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Hungary, Mongolia, and Nepal—a testament to the webinar’s wide-reaching impact.

Urgent Calls for Greater Conservation Action

Throughout the event, speakers addressed the critical role wetlands play in supporting migratory bird populations and the escalating threats posed by habitat destruction. The Q&A session became a focal point for discussion, with 14 compelling questions covering topics such as:

• The role of indigenous communities in wetland conservation
• How climate change is altering migration patterns along the EAAF
• What individuals can do to contribute to conservation efforts

Despite the rich discussion, there was one challenge—low response rates in the post-webinar feedback survey. Of the 131 attendees, only 24 participants provided feedback. However, their responses were overwhelmingly positive, with 100% rating the session 4 or 5 out of 5 for content quality.

Key Takeaways and Feedback from the Session

• Extend the webinar duration to allow for deeper discussion.
• Improve access to presentation materials and compile unanswered questions into an online resource.
• Consider hosting future sessions on weekdays instead of weekends to maximize participation.
• Enhance outreach through social media and collaborate with universities to attract more students.
• Introduce more interactive elements, such as pre-submitted questions, to facilitate a dynamic discussion.
• Address technical issues, including audio clarity and connectivity, for smoother future sessions.

By the end of the event, 85 e-certificates were issued to attendees who requested them.

Turning Awareness into Action

Beyond knowledge-sharing, the webinar also served as a catalyst for conservation action. Many attendees expressed interest in volunteering for the LEAFA program, eager to contribute to on-the-ground conservation efforts.

The largest number of new volunteers came from:

• The Philippines (17 volunteers)
• Indonesia (13 volunteers)
• Malaysia (6 volunteers)

With growing interest from young conservationists and professionals alike, the LEAFA team is now exploring ways to further engage volunteers, particularly in wetland restoration projects, bird monitoring initiatives, and community outreach programs.