Taiwan and Thailand Discuss Salt Pan Wetland Conservation

Participants at the Taiwan-Thailand Salt Pan Wetland Conservation Introductory Meeting

By Scott Pursner

On September 8, 2023, the Taiwan-Thailand Salt Pan Wetland Conservation Introductory Meeting was held online. It brought together members of the Chiku and Jiangjun Salt Pan Wetland Restoration Alliance*, the Bird Conservation Society of Thailand, TWBF partner organizations, and the Taiwan Biodiversity Research Institute. This event was held as part of an effort for the organizations to better understand the conservation situation facing birds in Taiwan and Thailand. It also presented a great opportunity to kick off a conversation on future potential collaboration on salt pan wetland conservation. The session was the result of talks between TWBF Director of International Affairs Scott Pursner and the Bird Conservation Society of Thailand's Executive Director Khwankhao Sinhaseni and Education and Outreach Officer Pinyalak Satachaiwisit.

The meeting was hosted by Mr. Pursner who welcomed everyone and set the tone for the event. He mentioned that salt pan wetlands are very important habitats for migratory waterbirds, especially in Taiwan and Thailand. He also noted that in the region, it was only these two countries doing salt pan wetlands land adoption. For this reason, it was extremely important that the organizations participating that day learn from one another and support each other's efforts.

After his introductions, words of greeting were shared by Dr. Fang Woei-horng of the TWBF on behalf of TWBF president Chang Rui-lin, as well as the TWBF's partners, executive board, and alliance members. Next BCST president Dr. Petch Manopowitr shared how he hoped that through this meeting participants could learn more about each other's countries and find areas of collaboration for the future.

As the purpose of the online seminar was to share information on the conservation situation of wild birds as well as the experiences and challenges surrounding salt pan wetland conservation, presentations followed this format. On behalf of Taiwan, first Mr. Pursner introduced Taiwan and its avifauna. Then Dr. Lin Ruey-shing of TBRI introduced the threats to salt pan wetlands in Taiwan and efforts to conserve them over the last few years. He also discussed how his government organization worked with bird societies like the Kaohsiung Wild Bird Society and the alliance to do conserve these important wetland habitats.

TBRI's Dr. Lin Ruey-shing presented about salt pan wetlands in Taiwan

During the Taiwan section Q & A Session, members of BCST asked about the price of salt from Taiwan's salt pans. This was an interesting question as all of Taiwan's salt pans stopped commercial production by the early 2000s due to financial competition from cheaper sources from abroad. This meant the areas are no longer producing salt. However, there is at least one salt pan in Budai Salt Pan Wetlands. It is more of a historical and cultural site used to show how salt was cultivated in the past.

Next, the BCST presented. First, Dr. Petch introduced the avifauna of Thailand and the conservation work undertaken by the BCST. Then Executive Director Sinhaseni shared the story and current conservation situation at the Pak Thale Nature Reserve. Though the group officially adopted 8 ha there in 2020, they have had a relationship with the site and community for over 20 years. It is one of the most important wintering sites for the critically endangered Spoonbilled Sandpiper and the globally threatened Nordmann's Greenshank.

The BCST's Executive Director Khwankhao Sinhaseni presented about Pak Thale Nature Park

Although the current conditions of the salt pans in the two places are different, many things were quite similar. This included goals and conservation efforts as well as working with the local community to develop relationships which will improve livelihoods and achieve conservation success. By the end of the session, everyone agreed that they hoped these conversations could develop into not just an ongoing dialogue regarding salt pan wetland conservation, but a closer friendship as well.

* Chiku and Jiangjun Salt Pan Wetland Restoration Alliance members: Taiwan Wild Bird Federation, Taiwan Black-faced Spoonbill Conservation Association, the Wild Bird Society of Tainan, Wetlands Taiwan, The Society of Wilderness, The Taiwan Environmental & Planning Association