[Talk] Saving Asia’s Threatened Riverine Birds

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Open to the Public

Riverine birds are among the most imperilled species globally, given the rapid loss of riparian wetland habitat all across the region’s major rivers. Two of Asia’s most threatened species are the Masked Finfoot, a striking inhabitant of forested wetlands and mangroves, and the Indian Skimmer, a unique waterbird of riparian wetlands such as sandbanks. Both are the only representatives of their respective families in Tropical Asia. At this seminar, Sayam Chowdhury and Parveen Shaikh, leading experts on waterbird conservation in our region, highlight the conservation challenges facing these two species. Drawing on more than 10 years of work in the field on the river systems of Bangladesh, India and elsewhere in the region, the talks will highlight ongoing efforts on the ground to protect these remarkable species and the river ecosystems they depend on, and broader lessons on how riverine wetlands can be more effectively protected.

Speakers: Sayam U. Chowdhury and Parveen Shaikh

Sayam U. Chowdhury is a conservation biologist and postdoctoral researcher at the University of Cambridge, specialising in migratory birds and coastal wetlands in Asia. His research focuses on understanding biodiversity loss and developing science-based conservation solutions. Sayam is the founder of SCOPE Foundation, a leading bird conservation NGO in Bangladesh, and which is currently leading projects for the conservation of Masked Finfoot, Indian Skimmer, among other threatened species in the region. He currently also coordinates the East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP) Spoon-billed Sandpiper Task Force.

Parveen Shaikh is Scientist and Head of the Riverine Bird Conservation Programme at the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), Mumbai. In 2016 she initiated research on the Endangered Indian Skimmer in the National Chambal Sanctuary, supported by the Conservation Leadership Programme and BirdLife International. Parveen went on to develop the “Helping Skimmer Skim” conservation programme, including the community-led “Guardians of the Skimmer” initiative. A recipient of the Whitley Award 2026, she is now expanding this model across key river systems in northern India to protect Indian Skimmers and other sandbar-nesting birds.

Maximum No. of Participants:
30 pax

Closing Date
12 November 2026, Thursday

Note:
•⁠ ⁠Registration is on a first-come-first-serve basis.
•⁠ ⁠Registration will close once the maximum number of participants is reached, or on closing date.
•⁠ ⁠Only confirmed participants will be contacted by email, after the closing date.