The Sanjiang Plain at Heilongjian Province of China and Middle Amur Plain at Khabarovskii and Evreiskaya Provinces of Russia. Amur Wetlands Global 200 ecoregion. Amur meadow steppe ecoregion – eastern part.
Wetlands of international importance which serves as the nesting area for more than 169 nesting birds, including IUCN 1 category species such as Red-crowned crane (5% of World number) and Oriental white stork (10% of World population). The important stopover for migratory birds on North East Asia flyway (2-3 millions of migrants). The freshwater ecosystems with highest in North Asia biodiversity (130 species of fish, including many species of salmon and sturgeon) and the last breeding habitats for Chinese soft-shell turtle. The only wildness corridor for many other species between Russia and China across Amur and Ussuri Rivers.
The Tarabarivy islands on the confluence of Amur and Ussuru rivers are threatened with a fast future development. The rapid agricultural development of Sanjian Plain in China leads to converting of last wetlands and forested areas to the rural landscape. The human-made fires lead to degradation of ecosystems and de-forestration of area. The over-harvest of fish leads to extirpation of valuable species of salmon and sturgeon.
Develop the Econet as the system of nature protected areas connected by the buffer zone and ecological corridors:
- connect the Bolshekhekhcirskii nature reserve, Khekhcire wildlife refuge and adjacent Monument of Natures as the system of nature protected areas – 110,000 ha;
- establish the Podkhorenok wetland refuge in Khabarovskii Province – 15,000 ha;
- establish the Crane and Stork wildlife refuge in Evreyskaya Province – 20,000 ha;
- support the Zabelovskii complex refuge as a cluster of Bastak zapovednik in Evreyskaya Province ;
- support the Bachadao, Honghe and Sanjiang nature reserves in Heilongjian Province;
- Launch the ecological corridor along the Russian-China border as the buffer zone;
- include the established wetlands reserves to the North East Asia Crane, Anatidae and Waders Networks;
- establish the protected zones on turtle breeding beaches and sturgeon spawning sites;
- sign the Russia-China agreement on establishment of trans-boundary nature reserve network including Bolshehetsirsky;Bastak, Sanjiang, Bachadao, Honghe and other Pas of Amur Meadow-steppe ecoregion.
- provide the infrastructure support for newly established nature protected areas.
Implement the conservation actions for Oriental white stork, Chinese soft-shell turtle and Kaluga sturgeon:
- elaborate the Trans-boundary Conservation Action Plans;
- implement the species conservation strategy to the daily economic activity of local communities;
- elaborate and implement the program of artificial nesting of stork;
- support the fire-fighting brigades;
- involve the boundary guards to control on poaching along the border;
- Increase the public awareness and local community involvement in making decision:
Boats of local fishermen. Sanjiang NNR. (Photo by Tom Dahmer)