World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) was initiated in 2006 as an annual awareness-raising campaign aimed at people living in all the major flyways that highlights the ecological importance of migratory birds and calls for their global conservation through international cooperation. It was established by the Secretariat of the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (UNEP-AEWA) in collaboration with the Secretariat of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) now Environment for the Americas (EFTA) as well. WMBD is now celebrated twice a year, on the Second Saturday in May and in October. In 2020, WMBD will be held on 9 May and 10 October.

This year the theme of World Migratory Bird Day is “Birds Connect Our World” and was chosen to highlight 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.

EAAFP Small Grant for World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD)

The EAAFP Small Grant for World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) has been established to provide financial support to EAAFP Partners and collaborators from EAAFP Task Forces and Working Groups who plan to organize public events and/or conservation action-oriented workshops at national or local levels through participating in the World Migratory Bird Day. Check the previous projects [here].

Eligibility criteria

EAAFP Partners who plan to organize an event to celebrate World Migratory Bird Day 2020 in Partner countries included in the DAC list of ODA Recipients are our priority to support. (If you are not sure, please see the list of EAAFP Partners, and DAC list of ODA Recipients). If you are not the country focal point of EAAFP, please consult and plan with EAAFP focal point of your country before you apply.

Please note that this grant is to initiate a WMBD event, not to cover the costs for the existing WMBD event expenses. Applications with similar contents (location, target participants etc.) from the previous years may not be accepted.

Application deadline

The deadline for application is 31 March 2020.  Please submit an application to Ms. Vivian Fu, Communication Officer via email (Word or PDF document) at communication@eaaflyway.net and wmbd@eaaflyway.net.

Application details and application form can be downloaded here: [EAAFP 2020 WMBD small grant form]

Important notice

Due to the situation of the pandemic coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak worldwide, we highly recommend partners and applicants follow their countries’ guideline to minimize the risk of spreading coronavirus. This issue will be taken into account when reviewing the proposals. The EAAFP Secretariat would encourage the use of on-line platforms for celebrating World Migratory Bird Day this May. We look forward to receiving creative proposals for virtual activities to celebrate World Migratory Bird Day!