World Migratory Bird Day 2014 will take place on the weekend of 10-11 May 2014. Please save these dates in your calendars!

World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) is a global initiative devoted to celebrating migratory birds and for promoting their conservation worldwide. World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) was initiated in 2006 by the Secretariat of the African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbird Agreement (AEWA) in collaboration with the Secretariat of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS). It is an annual awareness-raising campaign highlighting protection of migratory birds and their habitats. On the second weekend each May, people around the world take action and organise public events such as bird festival, education programmes and birdwatching excursions to celebrate World Migratory Bird Day. In 2013, over 350 separate awareness-raising events were held in 88 countries to mark World Migratory Bird Day 2013.

The theme for 2014 will be linked to the topic of tourism and migratory birds, focusing on the global bird – and wildlife watching industry and sustainable tourism as a vehicle to conserve migratory birds and their habitats. It is planned to work closely with the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in promoting the “Destination Flyways” Project which focuses on the protection of migratory birds and their habitats and the creation of sustainable livelihoods for local communities through the development of innovative tourism products along the world’s major flyways.

Individuals and dedicated organisations around the world will be using World Migratory Bird Day to draw attention to migratory birds and the need to conserve them, through activities such as bird festivals and bird watching trips, public discussions, exhibitions, presentations, bird rallies and other educational and public events. The WMBD posters and press material will soon available. For more details, contract either wmbd@eaaflyway.net or contact@worldmigratorybirdday.org