Central Asian Flyway Masterclass 2025
Virtual Masterclass on the Central Asian Flyway Initiative
On June 18, 2025, the Hanns Seidel Foundation Korea hosted a Virtual Masterclass Webinar titled “Cooperation to Enhance the Central Asian Flyway (CAF) Initiative”. Participants from CAF range countries such as India, Uzbekistan, Mongolia, and Bhutan joined the event. The focus was on the protection of migratory birds along the CAF. Topics included the work of the Secretariat of the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), the conservation of the Great Bustard in Uzbekistan, the role of civil society in the Flyway Initiative, and possible next steps for regional cooperation.
Tillmann Schneider (Avian Species Team, CMS Secretariat) delivered the special presentation on the CMS’s role and current activities. He highlighted the various roles of the Convention as well as the importance of collaboration with other conventions and multilateral frameworks. The CAF Initiative was emphasized as particularly significant, covering numerous countries and species and holding the potential to become a key ecological tool in Asia.
Oleg Kashkarov (Topic: “Great Bustard Conservation in Uzbekistan: New Protected Area and Action Plan”) reported on the progress and challenges of protecting the Great Bustard in Uzbekistan. He underscored the importance of the project, which enabled the country to establish its first national action plan based on extensive scientific research. Additionally, a key biodiversity area was created where large numbers of Great Bustards overwinter. Initial steps were also taken to designate a new protected area.
Ramesh Kumar (Topic: “Suggestions for the Central Asian Flyway Initiative – Perspectives from Non-governmental Organizations”) highlighted the work and role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs). NGOs play a crucial role in creating ecological linkages, identifying and filling knowledge gaps, and formulating, advocating for, and implementing national action plans, particularly where governmental capacity is limited.
Dr. Bernhard Seliger (Topic: “Next Steps for Collaboration along the Central Asian Flyway”) presented the activities of the Hanns Seidel Foundation within the framework of the Flyway Initiative. These included conferences, congresses, small-scale projects, and workshops and seminars serving as platforms for knowledge exchange and capacity building along the CAF. Such events also raise awareness of the Central Asian Flyway Initiative among broader audiences. A special highlight was the announcement of an upcoming hybrid event on October 14, to which all participants were warmly invited. Further information about a planned international conference in Almaty will follow shortly.
By the conclusion of the event, participants had explored collaborative approaches to enhance the sustainability and scalability of conservation initiatives along the CAF.
