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World Wetlands Day 2024: Wetlands and Human Wellbeing
Each year on 2 February, we celebrate World Wetlands Day to mark the adoption of the Ramsar Convention…
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The First Mangrove CEPA International Symposium in Shenzhen, China committed stronger cooperation and support to CEPA for wetland.
© Young Pai On the morning of July 6, the First Mangrove CEPA International Symposium in China, also the CEPA Sub-forum on Wetland Education for 2023 China Nature Education Conference was held in Futian, Shenzhen, where new cooperation on wetland education and commitment to promoting CEPA on wetland conservation were confirmed. The symposium was supervised by the Wetland Management Department of the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, the Chinese Society of Forestry, the Forestry Administration of Guangdong Province, and the Shenzhen Municipal Planning and Natural Resources Bureau, hosted by Futian District Government and organized by Water Authority of Futian District, the Education Bureau of Futian District, Futian Mangrove Center and Mangrove Foundation (MCF). Ms. Jennifer George, Chief Executive of the EAAFP Secretariat, was invited to give a recorded remark at the opening ceremony. The Chinese Society of Forestry and the Government of Futian District jointly signed a Memorandum of Cooperation on Wetland Education at the meeting. The symposium was also determined that the CEPA International Symposium will be held annually in Futian District as a regular sub-forum of the China Nature Education Conference. Jennifer George, Chief Executive of EAAFP delivered opening remarks © Mangrove Foundation The first 16 "Mangrove Wetland Education Promotion Ambassadors" and 8 "Mangrove Wetland Education Partners" （Vanke Foundation, Ming Foundation, Aleshan Foundation, Zero Waste Society， Shenzhen Birding Society, Blue Ocean Environment Protection Society, Friends of Park Centre, MCF ）(please add their organization names?) were announced at the conference. They came from the education, enterprises, media, arts, and culture sectors, and local environmental NGOs. The keynote speeches of the conference focused on the development of wetland education and invited experts, scholars, and practitioners from domestic and international wetland reserves and professional organizations to discuss the outreach and routes of wetland conservation and public awareness. Representatives including Mr. Connor Walsh, International Engagement Officer of Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, Ms. Yang Shufen, Director of Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve of Singapore, Yamme Leung, Director, Education, of WWF (HK) shared cases of international excellent wetland education centers. In the afternoon session, interactive discussions in parallel sub-forums were carried out around four modules: wetland education and formal education, public communication capacity for Spoon-billed Sandpiper conservation, citizen science for wetland conservation, and social participation for wetland conservation. Read more (in Chinese): 【视频】首届中国红树林湿地教育CEPA国际研讨会在深圳福田举办_腾讯新闻 (qq.com) 专家齐聚福田！直击首届中国红树林湿地教育盛会现场_腾讯新闻 (qq.com) 绿美广东丨支持国际红树林中心建设 中国湿地教育CEPA国际研讨会落户深圳福田|广东省|深圳市|福田区|湿地公约|生态系统|生物多样性_网易订阅 (163.com) 首批红树林湿地教育共建单位在深揭晓_深圳新闻网 (sznews.com)
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2023 Incheon International Education Forum : Policies and Practices on Climate Change Education in North-East Asia
©UNESCAP As Climate Change is an emerging global issue in the past decade, its impacts cannot be addressed without the participation of all generations. In particular, young people will be mostly taking the risk and consequences of Climate Change for the longest duration. Therefore, it is crucial to provide high-quality climate change education by strengthening the capacity of educators and empowering youth in the efforts to tackle climate change. In light of this, the Incheon Metropolitan City Office of Education and the UN ESCAP Subregional Office for East and North-East Asia jointly organized the "2023 Incheon International Education Forum" on May 30-31, 2023, in Incheon, Republic of Korea. The forum centered around the theme of "Policies and Practices on Climate Change Education in North-East Asia." The forum aimed to promote the exchange of knowledge and experiences, focusing on climate change education (CCE) in the East and Northeast Asia region. It aimed to discuss how stakeholders can collaborate to provide effective climate education to the youth. Over 50 participants from the education sector, including school teachers and students, as well as international and local organizations, joined the forum, which consisted of six sessions. The forum began with an opening ceremony featuring remarks by Ms. Miyoung Lee, President of the Incheon East Asia Global Education Institute, Mr. Ganbold Baasanjav, Head of the East and North-East Asia Office, UNESCAP, and Mr. Chungsik Sin, Chairperson of the Education Committee, Incheon Metropolitan Council. Two keynote speeches were delivered by Mr. Seonghoon Do, Superintendent of the Incheon Metropolitan City Office of Education, and Mr. Henry Gonzalez, Executive Director a.i. of the Green Climate Fund. The first session, titled "Policies on Climate Change Education," focused on researchers from China, Japan, Mongolia, and South Korea sharing the current status of Climate Change Education in their respective countries. In the second session, titled "Student-friendly Climate Curriculum and Programs," presenters from China, Mongolia, and South Korea emphasized the importance of developing curricula on climate change-related subjects. They discussed the situation of CCE programs in schools from the perspectives of NGOs and researchers, evaluating and sharing gaps in CCE. The last session of Day 1 was dedicated to "Capacity Building for Educators." Presenters from WWF-China, UNESCO (ACCU), and the Incheon Metropolitan City Office of Education shared their programs aimed at equipping and training educators on CCE. They also discussed strategies for building collaboration and networks for CCE or environmental education in the region. On Day 2, the fourth session, titled "Climate Education Activities at a City and/or Community Level," commenced with a series of five presentations highlighting educational activities for young people both inside and outside of school. The speakers represented diverse backgrounds, ranging from NGOs like the Climate Change Center and Youth Origin Education in China to local schools in Japan and South Korea. Ms. Vivian Fu, Senior Communication Officer of the EAAFP Secretariat, also shared insights on linking Climate Change Education (CCE) to wetlands and advocated for leveraging existing educational facilities at these sites to enhance CCE. Vivian Fu, Senior Communication Officer of the EAAFP Secretariat, presenting about the links of conservation of wetland and migratory waterbirds with Climate Change Education (CCE) ©UNESCAP Session 5 focused on Global Developments in Climate Change Education, featuring panelists such as Ms. Won Jung Byun from UNESCO Headquarters, Mr. George Zedginidze, Head of Knowledge Management at the Green Climate Fund, Mr. Mozaharul Alam, Regional Coordinator for Climate Action at UNEP Asia and the Pacific Office, and Ms. Elly Herliani from the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization. They discussed ways and mechanisms through which their organizations could incorporate CCE activities and synergize strategies and resources. Following that, a special session titled "Voices of the Youth" was held, during which five students from middle and high schools in Incheon presented their activities, including studying birds and plants at wetlands and conducting awareness-raising activities at schools and local communities. All participants were deeply impressed by the work and enthusiasm demonstrated by these students. The students also actively participated in the final session, an interactive discussion on future (sub-)regional cooperation in climate change education, alongside all the participants. The presenter from NGO Youth Origin Education (left) and student presenters (right) ©UNESCAP For more information on the event and presentations, please visit: https://unescap.org/events/2023/2023-incheon-international-education-forum-policies-and-practices-climate-change
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Engaging Events Raise Awareness on Migratory Birds and Conservation in Kushtia, Bangladesh
In an effort to raise awareness among the urban population of Kushtia town in Bangladesh about migratory birds and their conservation, a vibrant "Migratory Bird Fair" was organized at the No. 6 Primary School Compound on 20th May, 2023. Preceding the fair, a campaign was conducted in five schools to engage students and encourage their participation in the event. The fair and subsequent community awareness program successfully educated and inspired participants, fostering a sense of responsibility toward the protection of migratory species and their habitats. School campaign before the fair ©️ Kichir-Michir Near 640 participants joined the events. The campaign targeted students from The Old Kushtia High School, Kushtia Mission School, Merit Model School, GK High School, and No. 6 Primary School. Students from grades 1 to 8 were informed about migratory birds, the significance of World Migratory Bird Day, and the theme of 2023. They were also invited to submit their artworks on the theme of "Water: Sustaining Bird Life." The fair organizers set up banners in all five schools to invite the community to participate. Judges selecting top best artworks before the fair ©️ Kichir-Michir Over 150 students eagerly submitted their artworks, out of which 25 were selected for exhibition, with the top three receiving special recognition. The fair itself was a visual treat, featuring an attractive photo-frame adorned with important migratory bird species. A spotting scope placed within the frame allowed visitors to observe small bird idols placed at a distance, demonstrating the joy of birdwatching. Additionally, 100 migratory bird photos, bird magazines, and birdcalls added up to the immersive experience. Birds being demonstrated to visitors ©️ Kichir-Michir Bird magazines for reading ©️ Kichir-Michir Migratory Bird Photo-frame with a spotting scope ©️ Kichir-Michir The fair commenced with a rally featuring larger-than-life creations of Spoon-billed Sandpiper, Masked Finfoot, Black-tailed Godwit, Whiskered Tern, and Gray-headed Lapwing, along with a banner. Following the rally, the event was inaugurated by guests, accompanied by a captivating performance of a song on Bangladesh's birds by a talented fourth-grade student. The guests and organizers delivered speeches emphasizing the importance of migratory birds, World Migratory Bird Day, local migratory bird species, and conservation efforts. Rally ©️ Kichir-Michir During the fair, two individuals from an adjacent village who contributed to bird conservation efforts were honored, along with the invited guests. The top 25 participating students were also rewarded, with special prizes for the top three artworks. The fair attracted approximately 558 visitors throughout the day, creating a platform for community engagement and education. Migratory Bird Fair inauguration program ©️ Kichir-Michir Prize being given to a student for artwork ©️ Kichir-Michir In continuation of the initiative, a community awareness program was organized on May 27, 2023, targeting the grass-cutters of Char Bhabanipur, Pabna. The program aimed to educate the community on the importance of protecting grass patches and discouraging harmful activities like hunting. The event included the placement of a signboard, discussions with influential community members, and the distribution of T-shirts and posters. Setting up signboard, and demonstrating and distributing posters ©️ Kichir-Michir Community awareness program ©️ Kichir-Michir Through these events, Kichir-Michir successfully educated and raised awareness among participants about migratory birds and their conservation. By instilling a sense of responsibility, the initiative strives to reduce hunting, habitat destruction, and other detrimental activities. The efforts of Kichir-Michir and the collaboration with local schools and organizations exemplify the power of community involvement in protecting these majestic avian travelers and preserving their habitats. Participants with t-shirts and posters ©️ Kichir-Michir Overall, these events served as a testament to the significance of World Migratory Bird Day and its role in fostering knowledge, appreciation, and action for the conservation of migratory birds in Kushtia, Bangladesh. The project was funded through the 2023 EAAFP WMBD Small Grant Fund. View the report, Click here. Article prepared by Kichir-Michir
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World Migratory Bird Day 2023 Celebrated in Aceh, Indonesia, for students with special needs “Everyone Can Protect Birds”
World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) 2023 was celebrated in Aceh, Indonesia with great enthusiasm and a series of engaging activities organized by the Pusat Riset Konservasi Gajah dan Biodiversitas Hutan (PKGB) at Syiah Kuala University. The aim of the event was to raise awareness and involve over 8-participants, including teachers, and students with special needs, in the conservation of migratory birds and their habitats. ©️ PKBG-USK The event kicked off with a seminar on 25th May 2023, with the theme "Water: Sustaining Bird Life." The seminar, held in collaboration with the Research Center for Elephant Conservation and Forest Biodiversity (PKGB) and the Pembina Aceh Province State SLB, featured two sessions. In the first session, Mrs. Maria Ulva, an expert in practicing children with special needs, introduced different bird species using hand puppets as visual aids. This method proved effective in engaging students with special needs and helping them understand and appreciate birds. ©️ PKBG-USK Dr. Abdullah, the head of the Research Center for Elephant Conservation and Forest Biodiversity, led the second session. He discussed small activities that individuals can undertake to protect the environment, such as avoiding smoking, littering, and consuming wild birds. The session also included an introduction to various migratory bird species found in Aceh Province through audiovisual presentations. One of the highlights of the celebration was the application of inclusive education methods. This approach aimed to provide equal educational opportunities to all students, including those with special needs, by incorporating migratory bird conservation materials into the curriculum. Teachers played a crucial role in adapting the learning materials and techniques to suit the needs of students with different limitations. The efforts resulted in an inclusive learning environment where all students could actively participate and understand the importance of bird conservation. ©️ PKBG-USK The event also featured a Migratory Bird Festival, during which students and parents received souvenirs and learning aids to support their education. Teachers and committee members who demonstrated exceptional skills in explaining the materials to students were also recognized with souvenirs. As a symbolic gesture, birds were released by the students and teachers to promote the idea of birds thriving in their natural habitats rather than being confined in cages. ©️ PKBG-USK The outcomes of the World Migratory Bird Day 2023 event were significant. Students with special needs gained knowledge about birds, conservation, and environmental preservation. Teachers were educated about the importance of preventing the consumption of wild birds and involving parents in ecosystem conservation efforts. The event fostered a sense of responsibility and appreciation for nature among the younger generation. ©️ PKBG-USK The Pusat Riset Konservasi Gajah dan Biodiversitas Hutan (PKGB) at Syiah Kuala University, along with their partners and sponsors, successfully organized a memorable World Migratory Bird Day celebration. The event showcased the power of inclusive education, creative teaching methods, and community involvement in raising awareness about migratory birds and their habitats. It left a lasting impact on the participants, empowering them to contribute to the conservation of our natural heritage. The project was funded through the 2023 EAAFP WMBD Small Grant Fund. View the report, Click here. Article prepared by Pusat Riset Konservasi Gajah dan Biodiversitas Hutan, Syiah Kuala University
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World Migratory Bird Day 2023: Promoting Conservation Efforts and Local Engagement in Myanmar
The Nature Conservation Society-Myanmar (NCS-Myanmar) successfully organized the World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) event for 2023 on 18th May. The event took place in Koe Tae Su Village near the Gulf of Mottama (GoM) in Myanmar, with a total of 77 participants, including school students, villagers, and local communities. Supported by the East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP), this event aimed to raise awareness about the significance of migratory birds and their habitats, while actively involving the local population in conservation efforts. © Nature Conservation Society-Myanmar The event commenced with an engaging opening ceremony, featuring a speech by the Head of the Local Community, who warmly welcomed the participants to WMBD 2023. The NCS-Myanmar team provided an insightful presentation on the formation of WMBD and its yearly themes, emphasizing the importance of water in sustaining bird life. The audience was captivated by the "Migratory Bird" song in Burmese, created specifically for WMBD 2020, along with other videos highlighting the journey and challenges faced by migratory birds. Following the opening ceremony, the workshop focused on the conservation of migratory birds in the GoM. NCS-Myanmar experts delivered presentations on various topics, including animal migration, the importance of wetlands and water for migratory birds, and the threats they face in the GoM. Participants were educated about the socio-ecological justice required for environmental conservation. They also explored the correlation between their livelihoods and migratory birds through group discussions, covering subjects such as bird hunting, attitudes towards migratory birds, traditional knowledge, local organization activities, and livelihoods and poverty reduction. © Nature Conservation Society-Myanmar One remarkable aspect of the event was the active participation of women, who contributed their valuable perspectives and visions. The attendees already had some knowledge of bird migration in their area from previous events, but this occasion provided them with a deeper understanding of the benefits of establishing conservation zones for birds. They expressed their desire for more conservation zones in the region to mitigate habitat loss and threats to migratory birds. Throughout the event, attendees enjoyed educational presentations, engaging discussions, and inspiring videos on migratory birds. The NCS-Myanmar effectively fostered an atmosphere of learning and enjoyment, ensuring that participants gained a comprehensive understanding of the importance of environmental conservation and habitat preservation for migratory birds. © Nature Conservation Society-Myanmar The World Migratory Bird Day 2023 event in Myanmar, organized by NCS-Myanmar, proved to be a resounding success, as it helped to raise awareness about migratory birds and their habitats among local communities, students, and villagers. By actively involving participants in workshops and discussions, NCS-Myanmar empowered the local population to contribute to the conservation of migratory birds in the GoM. The event highlighted the need for socio-ecological justice and emphasized the crucial role of water in sustaining bird life. It is hoped that such initiatives will continue to be organized, promoting environmental conservation and habitat preservation for migratory birds in their flyways. The project was funded through the 2023 EAAFP WMBD Small Grant Fund. View the report, Click here. Article prepared by Nature Conservation Society-Myanmar
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Aceh Bird Club Celebrates World Migratory Bird Day 2023 with Engaging Activities to Keep Water from Plastic Waste in Indonesia
The Aceh Bird Club, in collaboration with the Biology Education Student Association (HIMABIO) at Syiah Kuala University, Ache, Indonesia, recently organized a remarkable series of events to celebrate World Migratory Bird Day 2023. The week-long event, held from 14th to 21st May 2023, aimed to raise awareness about the importance of protecting the environment, migratory birds, and their habitats. With the active participation of students, university students, environmentalists, communities, lecturers, and several related agencies, the event was a resounding success. © Aceh Bird Club The festivities commenced with three engaging competitions: a short video competition, a photography competition, and an essay-writing competition. Open to participants of all ages, these competitions served as platforms to educate the younger generation about the detrimental impact of microplastics on water and its consequences for both humans and migratory birds. The competitions were conducted online, allowing contestants to submit their entries through an online form provided by the committee. A total of 30 contestants participated, showcasing their talent and commitment to environmental conservation. © Aceh Bird Club The winners of the photography competition captured stunning images that conveyed the theme, "Save Water for the Future of Migratory Birds and Humans." Muhammad Al Fatih from UNS clinched the 1st position with his captivating photograph titled "Milik Bersama" (Shared Ownership). Hudzaifah Fahroni from UNJ secured the 2nd position with his compelling image titled "Pengunjung tetap teluk Jakarta" (Visitors of Jakarta Bay), while Haris Akbar Hidayat from IPB won the 3rd position with his evocative photograph titled "Berbagi Ruang" (Sharing Space). Click [here] to see the winning photos! © Aceh Bird Club In the short video competition, Muslim, Gansar, and M. Akbar, all from Syiah Kuala University, emerged as the top three winners. Their videos conveyed powerful messages about the importance of protecting water for migratory birds and the future of humanity. Click [here] to see the winning short videos! © Aceh Bird Club Furthermore, the essay writing competition challenged students to think critically and propose innovative ideas on the topic "Utilization of Technology for Monitoring Waste and Microplastics." Imam Safir Alwan Nurza from UNJ won the 1st position with his essay titled "Decase U-Bot", followed by I Made Egga Adika Saputra from Denpasar in 2nd place and Presty Wulandari from Gorontalo State University in 3rd place. Click [here] to see the winning essays! © Aceh Bird Club The pinnacle of the event was the campaign held at the Peulanggahan village hall in Banda Aceh on 20th May 2023. The campaign featured two expert presenters, Fitrah Asma Ulhusna and Heri Tarmizi, who enlightened the 50 participants about the types and dangers of microplastics to both residents and migratory birds. The event also included interactive sessions, distribution of educational materials, souvenirs, and prizes to recognize outstanding participants. The event concluded with a cleanup activity along the river in the Lampulo area of Banda Aceh on 21st May. Attended by 70 participants, including students, university students, environmentalists, and the local community, this initiative aimed to create awareness about waste disposal and environmental preservation. The activity received extensive media coverage and inspired individuals to protect the environment and dispose of waste responsibly. © Aceh Bird Club © Aceh Bird Club The Aceh Bird Club's celebration of World Migratory Bird Day 2023 successfully fostered environmental consciousness among participants of all ages. By combining competitions, campaigns, and community engagement, the event highlighted the significance of preserving our ecosystems for the benefit of migratory birds and humanity. © Aceh Bird Club The project was funded through the 2023 EAAFP WMBD Small Grant Fund. View the report, Click here. View the event photos on the Flickr Album [here]. Article prepared by Aceh Bird Club
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Discovering local wetlands: the vital habitat of migratory birds in Mongolia
On May 13th, Saraana Nature Conservation Foundation (SNCF) held an event ‘Discovering local wetlands: the vital habitat of migratory birds’ to celebrate 2023 World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD). As the theme of this year is ‘Water: Sustaining Bird Life’, SNCF held an event that is focused on discovering wetlands and migratory birds. © Saraana Nature Conservation Foundation The event aimed to educate and inspire young minds at Bayandelger Soum in Tuv Province about the importance of wetlands and foster a sense of interest in migratory birds. Thirty-five Students and three teachers from Bayandelger Secondary School were our main participants, the first program of the event was a presentation about migratory birds and WMBD by Sarangerel Ichinkhorloo, the head of SNCF. © Saraana Nature Conservation Foundation After the presentation, the students and teachers headed to the Gun-Galuut Nature Conservation Center (GGNCC) at the Gun-Galuut Locally Protected Area (GGLPA). GGNCC is an information, training, and research center, that aims to monitor local biodiversity, especially birds as an umbrella species, and run conservation and educational activities. Moreover, GGLPA is a birding hotspot located 130km far from the capital city, which comprises wetlands such as lakes, river basins, streams, and oases. Its area serves as an important resting, feeding, and breeding habitat for migratory birds, especially threatened species such as White-naped Crane, Siberian Crane, Dalmatian Pelican, etc. © Saraana Nature Conservation Foundation At the GGNCC, SNCF staff and student volunteers shared their knowledge about the GGLPA, wetlands and biodiversity including migratory birds. At the GGNCC building, information on GGLPA and wetlands was shared, also, bird monitoring and ringing equipment were instructed to the participants. At the yurt (Mongolia Ger), the traditional style of Mongolia house, participants had a chance to learn more about bird species with pictures. During the instruction, students were actively responsive to the content and showed their interest in birds. © Saraana Nature Conservation Foundation For further activities, participants walked all together to one of the wetlands at GGLPA, the Ikh Gun Lake. At the Ikh Gun Lake, the SNCF ran three stations each with different themes: Birdwatching, Invertebrates Survey, and Water Survey. At the Birdwatching Station, participants observed birds by the lakes through binoculars and telescopes. They observed more than 10 migratory bird species such as Demoiselle Crane and Pied Avocet. © Saraana Nature Conservation Foundation At Invertebrates and Water Survey stations, participants drew water from the lake and took a deeper observation with magnifiers and pH test papers. They used scoop nets to find invertebrates from the lake to understand the biodiversity of wetlands. Also, they tested the acidity (pH level) of wetlands and compared it with drinking water, understanding the water filtration function of the wetlands. © Saraana Nature Conservation Foundation During the outdoor activities, the wind was strong, but it couldn’t stop students’ curiosity about birds and wetlands. After all, through the presentation and field trip at GGLPA, the participants had a chance to engage themselves to increase their interest and self-motivated to further local birdwatching and conservation activities on migratory birds. Especially, as they acknowledged the nearby place such as GGNCC and Ikh Gun Lake, we believe it would lead the participants to have further engagement too. © Saraana Nature Conservation Foundation Watch the video of the WMBD event: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0OODPdQOgG0 https://www.eaaflyway.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/video-World-Migratory-Bird-Day-2023.mp4 © Saraana Nature Conservation Foundation The project was funded through the 2023 EAAFP WMBD Small Grant Fund. View the report, Click here. Article prepared by Saraana Nature Conservation Foundation
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Successful Public Awareness Campaign Raises Concerns about Poaching of Migratory Birds in Bholagonj, Sylhet Division, Bangladesh
World Migratory Bird Day 2023 © Sylhet Agricultural University The Department of Parasitology at Sylhet Agricultural University recently organized a successful event in commemoration of World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) in Bholagonj, Sylhet Division, Bangladesh. The event, aimed to raise public awareness about the poaching of migratory birds and promote their conservation in the region. On 8th May, 2023, a promotional programme was conducted to generate interest and encourage local participation. The response from the community was overwhelming, indicating a genuine desire to learn more about migratory birds. During the program, over 470 attendees were provided with fundamental knowledge about migratory birds and engaged in discussions. Promotional programme © Sylhet Agricultural University In the days leading up to the main event, dedicated teams were formed to handle different aspects of the program, including to arrange the venue, set up decorations, prepare informative materials, and ensure the availability of transportation and meals for all participants. Banners, leaflets, posters, and other visual aids were designed to convey the importance of migratory bird conservation and the detrimental effects of poaching. To mitigate the risk of inclement weather, the decision was made to hold the event in a local prayer hall with the permission of the local authorities. Main event © Sylhet Agricultural University On May 17, 2023, prominent guests, including mentors, professors, and local authority personnel, joined the event, further highlighting the importance of the cause. Through a series of engaging presentations, speakers shared insights on migratory birds, their habitats, and the grave consequences of poaching. The inclusion of audience participation, question-and-answer sessions, and interactive storytelling made the event informative and captivating. Posters against illegal poaching © Sylhet Agricultural University The event organized by the Department of Parasitology at Sylhet Agricultural University has not only heightened public awareness about the issue of migratory bird poaching but also instilled a sense of responsibility and commitment among the local community. By bringing together various stakeholders, this campaign has taken a significant step toward protecting migratory birds and their habitats in Bholagonj, Sylhet Division, Bangladesh. © Sylhet Agricultural University The project was funded through the 2023 EAAFP WMBD Small Grant Fund. View the report, Click here. Article prepared by Sylhet Agricultural University.
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World Migratory Bird Day 2023 in Yogyakarta, Indonesia: Fostering Awareness for Water and Bird Conservation
World Migratory Bird Day 2023 © Endemic Indonesia Society The World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) 2023 was celebrated with great enthusiasm and success in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The event, organized by the Endemic Indonesia Society, aimed to raise awareness about the importance of water for both birds and people, particularly focusing on the conservation of migratory birds in the Progo River Estuary. R. Arif Alfauzi, S.Si delivering his presentation © Endemic Indonesia Society The activities commenced with a school visit to the local school MTs Darul Ulum Galur Kulon Progo on 13th May, 2023. R. Arif Alfauzi, S.Si., an experienced alumnus of UNY(Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta), delivered a presentation on the conservation of migratory birds in the Progo River estuary. Approximately 38 students, 4 teachers, and 10 university students attended the session, gaining valuable insights into the significance of preserving bird habitats. Birdwatching activity at the Progo River estuary © Endemic Indonesia Society Later in the day, birdwatching activities took place near the Progo River estuary in Bantul. Students from MTs Darul Ulum and around 20 university students participated in this event, guided by members of the Yogyakarta Birdwatchers Society. Divided into groups, the participants had the opportunity to observe and identify various bird species. Despite not being the migration season, they were still able to spot species such as the Common Sandpiper, Javan Plover, and Greater Crested Tern. The presence of journalists during the event led to a media article, further spreading awareness about the conservation efforts. To engage a broader audience, an online photo and article competition was conducted from 11th to 24th May, 2023. Divided into two categories, students and university students, the competition received approximately 30 entries. The submitted works were evaluated, and the winners were announced during the concluding webinar on 27th May. Winner of the photo competition (student division) © Endemic Indonesia Society Winner of the photo competition (university division) © Endemic Indonesia Society Webinar about water and bird conservation in the Progo River © Endemic Indonesia Society The webinar served as the highlight of the WMBD 2023 event. With a theme focused on water and bird conservation in the Progo River, the webinar attracted approximately 80 participants from various backgrounds, where they shared research findings on the dangers of microplastics in the Progo River flow. Throughout the series of activities, the Endemic Indonesia Society recognized the importance of involving the media to raise awareness about migratory bird conservation. It further spread the message beyond the event's immediate participants. Birds found in the Progo River estuary © Endemic Indonesia Society The Progo River estuary holds great significance as a water source for surrounding communities and as a crucial feeding and resting place for migratory birds. The presence of endangered species at the site such as the Great Knot, Nordmann's Greenshank, and Far-eastern Curlew highlights the importance of conservation efforts. However, these birds face numerous threats, including hunting, habitat degradation, and the presence of microplastics in the river flow. The WMBD 2023 activities successfully highlighted these issues and fostered greater awareness and understanding among participants, contributing to the ongoing conservation efforts in Yogyakarta. By organizing educational initiatives and engaging with schools, communities, and decision-makers, the Endemic Indonesia Society and its partners took significant steps toward protecting migratory birds and their habitats. The success of the WMBD 2023 event not only underscored the importance of water for birds and people but also emphasized the need for continued collaboration and action to ensure the long-term survival of these remarkable migratory species in the Progo River estuary. News article 1: EIS and MTS Darul Ulum Kulonprogo Conduct Bird Watching in Muara Progo News article 2: Kali Progo is polluted by microplastics due to trash from baby diapers to mattresses News article 3: Massive sand mining at the mouth of the Progo River threatens the habitat of migratory shorebirds The project was funded through the 2023 EAAFP WMBD Small Grant Fund. View the report, Click here. Article prepared by Endemic Indonesia Society.
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