(Originally published on 04/21/2015)

On 21 April, representatives from line ministries, academia, research institutions as well as  seven GEF wetland projects came together to mark the second Project Steering Committee (PSC) meeting. The meeting was convened for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)-Global Environment Facility (GEF) Wetland Protected Area System Strengthening for Biodiversity Conservation Programme (MSL Programme), for updating projects implementation progresses, sharing two year work plans, discussing the efficiency and effectiveness in project implementation and sharing best practices and lessons learned.  

As one of the most important environment for human development and sustenance, wetlands possess rich biodiversity. Together with forests and oceans, wetlands are identified as one of the world’s three most important ecosystems. However, human activities such as land conversion, pollution and exploration have caused increasing pressure on the wetlands’ sustainability. Natural wetlands in China have been shrinking in a rapid rate, with a high proportion of wildlife found endangered.

UNDP has worked to increase the national, provincial and local level capacity of the wetland protected area systems and to help incorporate biodiversity conservation into governmental planning for better protection of wetlands. With the State Forestry Administration (SFA), UNDP has implemented the wetland projects at the national level in six provinces, namely Xinjiang Autonomous Region, Anhui, Hubei, Hainan, Heilongjiang and Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.

During the meeting, Dr. John Mackinnon, the Chief Technical Advisor (CTA) of MSL Programme, provided training on the Ecosystem Health Index (EHI), an indicator which can quantify ecosystems’ health and protection. This is a useful tool for project staff as they can keep track of project activities’ and its progress in protecting China’s natural systems. In addition, Mr. Mackinnon provided suggestions on the projects’ database building, climate change adaptation, communications as well as financial planning.

Adding to these discussions, Dr. Ma Chaode, UNDP Programme Manager proposed seven advices to all the project management staff on project implementation and tangible results delivery. He emphasized the importance of aligning projects with national policies and legislation, and stressed coordination and cooperation between projects. Working together and sharing different project experiences during the implementation phases can create synergies, expanding overall programme impact.   

“I think the knowledge, wisdom, time and passion of all people here are valuable inputs for ecosystem conservation, “said Mr. Chaode. “We should try to make the best of it and serve our mother earth. UNDP is willing to continue supporting project implementation and contributing to wetland conservation and sustainable development goals in China.”