WWF as international NGO with 10 years of work experience in Amur River Basin suggested the following draft Vision that reflects the spirit of conservation efforts in this region.
WWF Vision for the Amur/Heilong Ecoregional Complex in 2050:
• The natural Amur/Heilong River ecosystem is biologically rich, and is valued by the human population and countries for its natural qualities and processes, which are considered essential for long-term human survival. Sustainable management of the viable river ecosystem is linked to long-term regional strategies of social-economic development. The Amur/Heilong serves as a powerful symbol of cooperation between peoples of the basin, and international environmental programs are major vehicles of such cooperation.
• The Amur/Heilong River remains free-flowing and ecological processes function naturally, and Russia, China, and Mongolia collaborate on in Integrated Management Program for the basin. Broad of stakeholders pursue their diverse interests through support for IRBM and value their own participation in its formation and further development. Authorities and stakeholders effectively participate in comprehensive assessments of all major development projects and their impacts on the river ecosystem and future of sustainable development in the Amur/Heilong ecoregion.
• A system of protected areas, linked by the Amur/Heilong Green Belt established and internationally managed by Russia, China and Mongolia supports unique stop-over areas for millions of waterfowl along the Northeast Asian Flyway. 30% of remaining wetlands, 20% of broadleaf and 10% of boreal forests are preserved in various types of protected areas, connected by corridors and stepping stones. Vast areas receive management regimes retaining their biodiversity value. A Green Belt of conservation areas expands from Onon to Nikolaevsk-on-Amur, and from Mudanjiang to Khabarovsk.
• Healthy fish populations and secure spawning areas in the Amur/Heilong River Basin are restored and guaranteed in future by sustainable fishing practices, state enforcement of ecologically sound fishing quotas, water conservation, and reduced pollution from large industries. Indigenous people of the basin have secured access to this resource on which their traditional lifestyles depend.
© Flying flock of migrating Red-crowned cranes is the symbol of life of Amur-Heilong River basin. © Yuri Bersenev / WWF Russia
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© Amur-Heilong River remains free-flowing and requires sustainable development. Amur River at Gorin River mouth, Russia. © Yuri Darman / WWF Russia