World Migratory Bird Day 2024: History, Theme, and Significance
The World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) is an annual awareness-raising campaign aimed at highlighting the importance of conserving migratory birds and their habitats. This program has a global reach and is an effective tool for raising global awareness about the threats faced by migratory birds, their ecological importance, and the need for international cooperation to conserve them.
Around the world, people organize public events such as bird festivals, education programs, exhibitions, and bird-watching excursions to celebrate WMBD. These activities can also take place at any time of the year since countries or regions observe the peak of migration at different times, but the main days for the international celebrations fall on the second Saturday in May and in October.
History of World Migratory Bird Day
The first World Migratory Bird Day was celebrated in 2006 by the Secretariat of the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) in collaboration with the Secretariat of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS). Since then, WMBD has been celebrated annually and has grown in popularity as more countries, organizations, and individuals join the campaign each year.
During the CMS COP12 in Manila, Environment for the Americas (EFTA), CMS, and AEWA announced an innovative partnership uniting two of the world’s largest bird education campaigns – the International Migratory Bird Day (IMBD) and the World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD). From 2018, the new joint campaign carries the name “World Migratory Bird Day” and is celebrated twice a year, on the second Saturday in May and in October, making it possible to organize events in countries around the world during peak bird migration times.
The theme of World Migratory Bird Day 2024
The theme for World Migratory Bird Day 2024 is “Protect Insects, Protect Birds.” This theme emphasizes the crucial role insects play as a food source for migratory birds and highlights the threats posed by declining insect populations due to factors like intensive agriculture, urban development, and pesticide use. The campaign aims to raise awareness about the importance of protecting insects to ensure the survival and well-being of migratory birds.
“Water and its importance for migratory birds” will be the focus of the World Migratory Bird Day 2022 campaign. Globally, artificial light is increasing by at least 2 percent every year, which adversely affects many bird species.
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Significance of World Migratory Bird Day
WMBD aims to ensure a healthy bird population and protect the breeding, non-breeding, and stopover habitats of migratory birds. WMBD’s ecological importance lies in its importance. We need them to maintain ecological balance and biodiversity.
Ecological connectivity and integrity must be restored to boost migratory birds’ natural movements. Birds are ambassadors of nature, and these factors play a crucial role in their survival and well-being.
FAQs about World Migratory Bird Day
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about World Migratory Bird Day:
What is World Migratory Bird Day?
World Migratory Bird Day is an international day of awareness and action, celebrated twice a year (on the second Saturday of May and the second Saturday of October) to highlight the importance of migratory birds and the need for their conservation.
When is World Migratory Bird Day celebrated in 2024?
In 2024, it will be celebrated on May 11 (spring) and October 12 (fall).
What is the theme for World Migratory Bird Day 2024?
The theme for 2024 is “Protect Insects, Protect Birds.” This theme emphasizes the crucial role insects play as a food source for migratory birds and the threats posed by declining insect populations.
Why is the theme “Protect Insects, Protect Birds” important?
Insects are essential sources of energy for many migratory bird species, especially during their long journeys. Declining insect populations due to factors like intensive agriculture, urban development, and pesticide use threaten bird survival and well-being.
How can I participate in World Migratory Bird Day?
You can participate by organizing or attending events, sharing information on social media, supporting bird conservation organizations, and engaging in activities that promote insect and bird conservation.
What is the significance of World Migratory Bird Day?
The day raises awareness about the challenges migratory birds face, promotes conservation efforts, and encourages international cooperation to protect these vital species and their habitats.
Who organizes World Migratory Bird Day?
It is organized by the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) and the African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbird Agreement (AEWA).
What are some common threats to migratory birds?
Common threats include habitat loss, climate change, pollution, and the decline of insect populations, which are crucial for their survival.
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