The eastern coast of North Sumatra, Indonesia, is one of the most important wintering and stopover grounds for some of the migratory shorebird populations on the East Asian-Australasian flyway. One site is on the east coast of Batubara regency is an important site for Nordmann’s Greenshank, Great Knot, Far Eastern Curlew, Asian Dowitcher, Curlew Sandpiper, Bar-tailed Godwit, and other shorebirds.. However, limited information and knowledge about migratory shorebirds in the area hinder the conservation to tackle the threats to migratory shorebirds, such as hunting. Therefore, the Wild Heritage of Sumatra Foundation (WHIS) which pays attention in-depth study and conservation of migratory shorebirds in the east coast of North Sumatra, especially in Batubara Coastline, conducted education programme to three elementary school students on the east coast of Batubara Regency, i.e UPTD SDN 06 Durian Village and UPTD SDN 18 Lalang Village Medang Deras sub-regency and UPTD SDN 16 Gambus Laut Village, Lima Puluh Pesisir sub-regency, in line with the World Migratory Bird Day.
At least 180 students and 19 teachers from Medang Deras Sub-regency and Lima Puluh Pesisir Sub-regency joined the activities through the event held on 27 – 28 May 2022. The activities included storytelling to “Introduction the migratory shorebirds”, drawing competition for 134 students, photo exhibition and short film screening “Migratory Shorebirds in Batubara coastline”. The event began with an opening speech from WHIS and the head of the elementary school. WHIS conveyed that the purpose of this event was to raise awareness and educate elementary school children and teachers regarding the importance of their location as a stopover for migratory shorebirds in North Sumatra. So, together, we must protect these migratory shorebirds from hunting.
In the future, WHIS will try to carry out similar activities to two other elementary schools, which are also located on the east coast of Batubara Regency. The targeted schools are schools that are included in the landscape plan for the conservation of migratory shorebirds on the east coast of the Batubara regency. These schools are in the villages of Durian, Pematang Nibung, Medang, Lalang, Gambus Laut and Perupuk. The students who took part in this activity were very enthusiastic, they listened and asked questions about migratory shorebirds. This activity was the first time for them, so they were very happy to participate in the whole series of events. They hope that activities like this will be held every year in their schools. It’s hoped that with this initial activity, the young generation on the east coast of Batu Bara Regency can recognize migratory shorebirds and become future conservation cadres.
Watch the video of the WMBD activities by Wild Heritage of Sumatra Foundation (WHIS):
Article prepared by Wild Heritage of Sumatra Foundation (WHIS).