World Migratory Bird Day — is an environmental campaign aimed at increasing people's knowledge of migratory birds, their habitats and routes of movement. It has a global reach and is an effective tool to help raise awareness among the world's inhabitants about the threats faced by migratory birds, their environmental significance and the need for international cooperation to preserve them.
This international date was originally celebrated in May, and since 2018 has been held twice a year — on the second Saturday in May and October.
The historical prerequisite for the establishment of the Day was the International Convention for the Protection of Birds, signed in 1906. Russia acceded to the Convention in 1927.
World Migratory Bird Day is held under the auspices of the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) and the African-Asian Agreement on Migratory Birds (AEVA). Both of these international agreements are part of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
The purpose of the holiday is to draw public attention to global environmental changes that destroy the ecosystems of the range (winter and summer) of migratory birds, as well as to return the natural conditions familiar to species of migratory birds for breeding, flying, and hatching eggs. Globally, one in eight bird species is endangered, according to the United Nations Environment Programme.
The numerous public events of the Day, among which the most common are — bird festivals, educational and educational programs, bird watching under the guidance of specialists, — excursions call for the preservation of habitats of migrating birds around the world. Every year they are dedicated to a specific topic.
Day Motto «Migrating Birds and People — Together Through Time» seeks to highlight the inextricable connection between people and birds.
As you know, man has admired migratory birds since time immemorial. Man observed birds at all times of the year, recorded changes in their habitat, and tried to find use for birds in his economic activities. Evidence of this is provided by numerous legends, tales, and records found in almost all inhabited corners of the planet.
Egyptian mythology depicting gods with bird elements, Nazca monuments found in Peru confirm the strong influence of migratory birds on ancient civilizations. And in modern times, there are communities that depend on migrating birds for livelihood.
Bird migration, as a phenomenon, is also a key indicator of biodiversity, ecosystem health, and climate change. Thanks to the activities of migrating birds, the balance of the ecosystem as a whole is maintained — for example, some plants are pollinated by just such birds.
About 1,800 of the 11,000 bird species travel vast distances every year. There are many dangers lying in wait for them all the way. Habitat loss associated with changes in agricultural management and global warming, as well as increased poaching, are leading to a decline in migratory bird populations. There are many countries along their migration route –, so problems can only be solved together.