Tuesday, 3 November 2015

Minister encouraged by moves towards bird protection

Wednesday, 28 October 2015, 2:08 pm
Press Release: New Zealand Government
Hon Maggie Barry
Minister of Conservation
28 October 2015

Minister encouraged by moves towards migratory bird protection with China
Conservation Minister Maggie Barry says progress on red knot protection in China is a significant step towards safeguarding the bird’s migration routes.

On a visit to the Pukorokoro-Miranda Shorebird Centre in Thames today, Ms Barry met with Chinese Ambassador Wang Lutong to discuss his work to secure protection for vital migratory bird wetland habitats in China’s Bohai Bay.

“The red knots which visit Miranda each year form an ancient and tangible link between New Zealand and China,” Ms Barry says. “They rely on wetlands in Bohai Bay as a refuelling stop on their way from the North Island to breeding grounds in Siberia – a 30,000km round trip.”

Ambassador Wang has worked with authorities in Hebei Province to gain protection for a significant habitat for red knots and shorebirds, covering more than 3000 hectares, with other extensive wetland sites under consideration.



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