The Wajiro Tidal Flat located in the eastern part of Hakata Bay is one of Japan’s important stopovers for migratory birds. Its designation as a national wild bird sanctuary is set to expire this October, but the Ministry of the Environment has announced it will extend the designation by 10 years. The added measures by the Ministry are seen as a precursor to designation as a Special Protection Area—a requirement for registration under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. According to the Ministry, the Wajiro Tidal Flat is a vital stopover for 149 different types of migratory bird including the engendered black-faced spoonbill. This is one reason why the Ministry upgraded the tidal flat from a prefectural wild bird sanctuary to a national one 10 years ago. In addition to extending Wajiro’s current designation, the Ministry will also expand the sanctuary zone to include the mouth of the Tataragawa River. If the tidal flat is eventually registered under the Ramsar Convention, it would become the 47th such wetland in Japan and the 5th in Kyushu. Source: Nishinippon Shimbun, Apr. 11
