Panama Hosts Annual Meeting of WHSRN Hemispheric Council

WHSRNews: 25 February 2010

During their site visit to the Upper Bay of Panama, Council members experienced first-hand the proximity of this important resource to the country’s capital and most populated urban center, Panama City. / © Karl Kaufmann

The WHSRN Hemispheric Council and the Waterbird Conservation Council were able to coordinate their annual meetings again to accommodate colleagues who serve on both councils. The meetings were held consecutively during the first week of February, in Panama City, with a joint site visit midweek by the two councils to the Upper Bay of Panama—a WHSRN Site of Hemispheric Importance, Ramsar Wetland of International Importance, and a National Protected Area. Highlights of the WHSRN Council meeting will be compiled and distributed in the next issue of WHSRNews.

In the meantime, we would like to recognize the tremendous efforts and energy of our local hosts, Panama Audubon Society and Ramsar’s Regional Wetlands Center (Ramsar-CREHO, by its Spanish acronym). Our thanks especially to the leaders of these two groups, Rosabel Miró and Rosa Montañez, respectively. We are also grateful to Waterbird Council coordinator Jennifer Wheeler (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) and to Xico Vega (Manomet/WHSRN) for helping to coordinate the array of logistics involved for each council. Special thanks to Ms. Bea Roy, member of Manomet’s Board of Trustees, for her generous hospitality in inviting both councils’ members to her apartment in the city for a reception on the building’s 51st floor!

During the WHSRN Council meeting, Rob Clay (BirdLife International) gave a special presentation on the hemispheric importance of Panama Bay to migratory shorebirds. / © Karl Kaufmann

At this time we would also like to acknowledge the significant leadership and contributions of Marshall Jones as WHSRN Council Chair. This January marked the close of his 3-year term. We are grateful for the strategic and sound guidance that his breadth of experience in wildlife conservation and governing brought to the Council and the work of WHSRN. Thank you, and best wishes to you, Marshall!

Last but not least, we want to recognize our long-time WHSRN partner and valued colleague, Ian Davidson, Executive Director of Nature Canada. Ian agreed to serve as Interim Chair prior to the annual meeting, with the possibility of continuing on as Chair for the full 3-year term. Thank you, Ian, for your dedication and leadership.

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