Message from Convention on Migratory Species and Agreement on the African-Eurasian Waterbirds
This year, the theme of World Migratory Bird Day is “Birds Connect Our World” highlighting the importance of conserving and restoring the ecological connectivity and integrity of ecosystems that support the natural movements of migratory birds and that are essential for their survival and well-being.
“2020’s theme of “Birds Connect Our World” could not be more fitting. The current global pandemic highlights the interconnectedness of our world. Migratory birds need to be able to travel along their seasonal paths, which can span thousands of miles, crossing national boundaries. They need critical stop-over sites to help them on their way. All of us can help them by taking actions in our own communities – to reduce threats such as the loss of natural habitat, illegal killing, poisoning, or collisions with man-made objects, and to protect and restore areas that they rely on. Together we can make sure that birds continue their journeys, and that birds continue to connect all of us around the world. “
Amy Fraenkel, Executive Secretary, Convention on Migratory Species
Connectivity is essential for migratory species and describes the necessary movement of species and the flow of natural processes that sustain life on Earth. Connectivity is a necessity for biodiversity and sustainability and is set to play an important role in future planning at both national and international scales. Migratory birds connect countries and their conservation requires cooperation and understanding between countries and across national boundaries.
Ecologically connected networks of habitats for wintering, as stop-over, staging and breeding sites are critical for the survival of migratory birds. The loss or degradation of these vital stop-over sites can have potentially devastating effects for migratory bird populations. Other threats, such as poisoning, unsustainable use, collisions with man-made objects and climate change also negatively impact migratory birds around the world.
“Birds connect the world, but they also connect us. Let us celebrate World Migratory Bird Day carried on the wings of these fabulous travellers. Let us connect online to discover their lifecycle all over the flyways and implement actions to protect them. Each of us can do something for these migratory birds, each of us can reconnect with nature and find serenity.”
Jacques Trouvilliez, Executive Secretary, Agreement on the African-Eurasian Waterbirds
World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) highlights the ongoing need for the conservation of migratory birds and their habitats. Every year, people around the world take action and organize public events to celebrate WMBD. The second peak day for international celebrations is now right around the corner and will be celebrated globally on 10 October 2020.
On the first peak day of World Migratory Bird Day in May 2020, people flocked online to celebrate and raise awareness for these global travellers as a result of global efforts to contain the spread of the corona virus. A great example of this happened in the EAAF, where a Virtual Fun Day hosted four amazing groups of artists who provided music, visual arts, story telling and a flying adventure with migratory birds, about the stories of the Flyway. In the Americas, the main WMBD partner Environment for the Americas hosted a series of fascinating virtual events on their new online platform BirdDayLive, which included live talks by experts, videos, quizzes, book readings and more! We can’t wait to see the new creative ideas in October!
To find out more about what you can do to help migratory birds and how you can participate in World Migratory Bird Day, please visit the WMBD website. Please also remember to register your events with us!
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