2007-05-12 |
U.N. Campaign highlights "Migratory Birds in a changing climate"

Bonn, 12-13 May 2007 -- A series of events will take place around the world this weekend to highlight the impacts of climate change on migratory birds.
Over one hundred separate events in more than 48 countries will transmit the message of the 2007 World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) to local communities and across the globe. ( WORLD MIGRATORY BIRD DAY (WMBD) )

"The message of World Migratory Bird Day is that we need to act faster to mitigate the effects of climate change on birds and our ecosystems!" said Mr. Robert Hepworth, the Executive Secretary of the global Convention on Migratory Species (CMS).

The World Migratory Bird Day is being organised by the African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbird Agreement (AEWA) and the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) – two Bonn-based wildlife treaties administered by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

"We started WMBD with the aim to reach out to local communities worldwide; to provide them with an opportunity to raise awareness on migratory birds, and to promote local and international action towards their conservation", said Mr. Bert Lenten, the Executive Secretary of AEWA and initiator of the World Migratory Bird Day campaign.

Referring to this year’s World Migratory Bird Day theme, Dr. Mike Rands, Chief Executive of BirdLife International said that: "there is overwhelming evidence that our planet’s climate is changing, disrupting vital ecosystems and the key services they provide for us all. For migratory birds, all of which are dependent on a multitude of habitats, climate change is of immense concern."

"The ecological effects of a changing climate will have significant consequences for the conservation of migratory waterbirds. As they undertake their annual migrations, these birds use sites in many countries. Changes to any of these may jeopardise their ability to complete their migration. The implications of climate change on waterbirds needs urgent attention." stated David Stroud a Senior Ornithologist at the UK Joint Nature Conservation Committee.

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