BirdLife International, a global partnership of 123 nature groups, held an online seminar on Jan 18 on the theme of "Asian Migratory Birds Conservation and Mist Net Governance".
Representatives from the Public Interest Litigation Procuratorial Department of China's Supreme People's Procuratorate (SPP) were invited to participate in the event, during which they shared the country's experiences and achievements in protecting migratory birds and governing mist nets, a type of bird-catching net.
Addressing the event, one SPP official highlighted China's procuratorial public interest litigation experiences in migratory bird protection and mist net governance, focusing on preventive, systematic approach and collaborative efforts as well as public involvement and digital empowerment.
The official also emphasized China's commitment to fulfilling international conventions, such as the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Convention on Wetlands, as well as its efforts to strengthen protections for migratory birds and other wildlife through legislation, law enforcement and raising the public's awareness.
China's procuratorial authorities are willing to learn from and collaborate with other countries and regions, enhance international exchanges to jointly safeguard the shared resources of migratory birds and other wildlife, and promote harmonious coexistence between man and nature, the official added.
During the seminar, Mou Qi and Ding Shu from the Public Interest Litigation Procuratorial Department of the SPP spoke on bird protection efforts in the Chinese regions of Zhejiang, Guizhou, Hebei and Henan, citing specific examples of procuratorial work in this area.
Since the Wildlife Protection Law, which explicitly bans the use of clapnets as a hunting tool, came into effect on May 1, 2023, the SPP has coordinated efforts both online and offline in Beijing, Shanghai, Shandong, Fujian, Ningxia, Tianjin, and other regions to crack down on illegal activities related to the production, sale and use of the net.
Chinese procuratorial authorities have urged major internet platforms in the country to enhance management by launching the "Green Internet Program". Under the program, users will be redirected to a page explaining laws and regulations, the status of endangered animals, and wildlife conservation efforts when searching keywords like "clapnet" on e-commerce and social platforms. The initiative aims to enhance consumer compliance awareness and prevent law breaking activities.
Representatives from bird protection organizations in Vietnam, Thailand, China, the United Kingdom, and other countries discussed the threats faced by local bird species as a result of mist net hunting, as well as their responses and challenges therein.
The public interest litigation cases presented by Chinese prosecutors garnered attention and praise from meeting participants, who said that "these are very creative and outstanding cases. Chinese procuratorial authorities play a crucial role in bird protection."
