International meetings are key to the conservation of migratory shorebirds in the East Asian-Australasian Flyway as these are platforms where the operations of international agreements are negotiated, monitored, and moved forward. Attendance at these meetings are of high priority for the Fuller Lab, where we strive to share essential flyway-relevant research, and observe and participate in international governance processes and structures.

Both Micha Jackson and Ed Gallo recently attended two such meetings – (i) the 10^th Meeting of Partners of the East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP) and (ii) an implementation workshop of the Arctic Migratory Bird Initiative, as part of the working group on Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna under the Arctic Council. The meetings were held in Changjiang (Hainan, China) from 3^rd – 14^th of December 2018.

There exist five key outcomes – (i) prioritise conservation on coastal southern China, (ii) improve management of the Smooth Cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora), (iii) address hunting, (iv) establish a science unit as part of the EAAFP secretariat, and (v) endorse an international conservation plan for the Dalmatian Pelican (Pelecanus crispus). Micha also took the opportunity to communicate her findings concerning the use of man-made habitats by migratory shorebirds in east Asia, while Ed shared his research concerning shorebird hunting.

The meetings were great opportunities to strengthen and expand upon professional connections and networks. Micha and Ed thank the organising committees for their great hospitality and fantastic birding field trips to Dongfang Black-faced Spoonbill Nature Reserve and Jianfengling National Nature Reserve.

Ed’s attendance at these meetings was generously supported by the Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna (CAFF) working group under the Arctic Council.