East Asian‑Australasian Flyway · 2026

Painting the Living Tapestry of the Flyway Together

An international nature journal activity inviting primary and secondary school students to observe wetlands and birds along the East Asian‑Australasian Flyway.

May 8 – Jun 30 Submission Period
Primary — Secondary Eligible Students
A3 / A4 Accepted Formats
Main visual for the 2026 Wetland Bird Nature Journal Activity

Observe, draw, write — and share the beauty of the flyway

Organizers

Jointly organized by the China Wildlife Conservation Association, the Forestry and Grassland Survey and Planning Institute, and the Mangrove Conservation Foundation (MCF).

Theme: Painting the Living Tapestry of the Flyway Together

Eligibility

  • Primary or secondary school students
  • From countries along the East Asian‑Australasian Flyway
  • Participate individually, or through schools, protected areas, or NGOs
Tip: Students should take part with support from parents or teachers.

Four steps to participate

1

Adults learn first

Parents or teachers take the online courses (English subtitles available) to learn nature journaling basics.

2

Go birdwatching

Students visit wetlands or field sites with guidance from parents or teachers to observe birds carefully.

3

Create your journal

Combine drawings and written observations into a nature journal focused on birds and wetlands.

4

Submit by email

Scan your work, fill in the submission sheet, and email the package before June 30, 2026.

What makes a great nature journal

T

Theme alignment

Clear connection between people, wetlands, and birds. Show the living tapestry of the flyway.

V

Visual content

Must include both wetlands and birds as the main visual subjects.

D

Drawing + writing

A lively combination of illustrations and written observation or reflection.

F

Format

A3 (297 × 420 mm) recommended. A4 (210 × 297 mm) also accepted.

Language: Works must be in English, or created in another language and translated into English with teacher assistance.
Fallback for Chinese-language works: If a student first creates the work in Chinese, they may use this WeChat article as a reference before preparing an English version for submission: View article

How to send your work

Email your submission package to:

Subject line: include the name of the submitting school or organization.

Prepare your package:

  1. Number all works in order (1, 2, 3…).
  2. Each number must match the serial number in the submission information sheet.
  3. Rename each image file using only the number — no extra words or symbols.
  4. Put all image files into one folder.
  5. Fill in the submission information sheet so every image matches one record.
  6. Compress the folder together with the completed information sheet.
  7. Send the package to ainiaozhou@mcf.org.cn.
Digital files: Scan or photograph your work evenly lit, flat, with no dark corners. The full page must be visible.

See what last year’s excellent works looked like

2025 Outstanding Nature Journal Album

This album features excellent nature journal works from the 2025 activity. It can help students, parents, and teachers better understand the style, observation quality, and presentation approach encouraged in this program.

Help for international participants

Online courses

Four nature journaling courses with English subtitles are available to help teachers and students get started.

Access courses →

Submission sheet

The email submission information sheet is provided in the same Google Drive folder. Download and fill it in.

Open Drive folder →

English-language works

Works may be created directly in English or translated from another language with teacher support.

Practical tips

Keep one adult coordinator per school or organization to help coordinate communication and submission.

Before you submit

Verify each item before sending your package.

Participant is a primary or secondary school student
Work matches the 2026 flyway theme
Page clearly includes both wetlands and birds
Work is in English or translated with teacher help
File is complete, evenly lit, and clearly scanned
Filename matches the serial number exactly
Information sheet is complete and consistent
Package sent before June 30, 2026

Questions? Reach out to the organizers.


cwc.mcf.org.cn/wetland/