This collection brings together seven issue briefs from the UNDP-GEF Flyway Conservation Network, highlighting practical approaches to protecting migratory birds and the wetlands they depend on. Spanning coastal, estuarine, plateau and alpine wetland landscapes, the case studies show how nature-based solutions, bird-friendly agriculture, habitat management, circular use of marine debris, community engagement and transboundary cooperation can strengthen biodiversity conservation while supporting local livelihoods and long-term ecosystem resilience.

The collection includes:

• Case 1: Promoting Co-benefits on Nature and Community through Bird-Friendly Rice Farming in Liaoning Liaohe River Estuary National Nature Reserve

  The case study that presents a bird-friendly rice farming model in Panjin City, Liaoning Province, using rice-crab co-culture to reduce the negative impacts of traditional agriculture on migratory waterbirds while supporting wetland-friendly livelihoods and farmer income.

• Case 2: Balancing Wetland, Black-necked Crane, and Community Livelihoods through Sustainable Management Plan in Yunnan Dashanbao Black-necked Crane National Nature Reserve

  The brief focuses on Dashanbao’s plateau wetlands, where Black-necked Crane conservation, habitat restoration and community livelihoods are treated as interconnected priorities through a sustainable management plan.

• Case 3: Engaging Government, NGO, Community, and Enterprise into Wetland Conservation and Development in Chongming Dongtan National Nature Reserve

  The case study showcases a multi-stakeholder model for wetland conservation in Chongming Dongtan, combining government coordination, NGO engagement, community participation and enterprise support to address marine debris, improve waterbird habitats and promote public awareness.

• Case 4: Leveraging Nature-based Solutions (NbS) to Restore and Sustain Coastal Salt Marsh in the Yellow River Delta National Nature Reserve

  The brief highlights the restoration of degraded Suaeda salsa coastal salt marshes through microtopography construction, a nature-based approach that supports seed retention, water regulation and long-term marsh recovery in the Yellow River Delta.

• Case 5: Sustainable Water and Vegetation Management to Restore and Maintain Saunders's Gull Breeding Habitat in Liaohe River Estuary National Nature Reserve

  The case study focuses on Saunders's Gull breeding habitat in the Liaohe River Estuary, showing how seawater infusion, vegetation management and continuous monitoring can help maintain suitable nesting conditions for this endangered species.

• Case 6: Innovative Ecological Floating Island Approach to Enhance Waterbird Breeding Success in Chongming Dongtan National Nature Reserve

  This case study introduces ecological floating islands made with selected marine debris materials, providing safer nesting and resting sites for waterbirds while reducing risks from flooding and terrestrial predators.

• Case 7: Strengthening the Black-necked Crane Conservation Network for Collaborative Conservation of Global Endangered Migratory Species

  This brief presents the Black-necked Crane Conservation Network as a collaborative platform connecting scientists, protected area managers, communities and government agencies across China, Bhutan, India, Nepal and beyond to support coordinated conservation along the Central Asian Flyway.