AEWA, together with the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) and other partner organizations, is launching the first World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) on the weekend of 8/9 April 2006. To help make this a truly global initiative we would like to ask you to take part in this upcoming event. We are therefore appealing to all stakeholders to engage in activities to help highlight that on this weekend and from this year onward, people throughout the world will be concentrating on the phenomenon of bird migration.

At a time when migratory birds are being unfairly portrayed solely as the harbingers of death and disease, they need our support more than ever! World Migratory Bird Day is the first worldwide initiative to raise awareness, to educate and to inspire about the need to protect migratory birds and their habitats.

This year the WMBD will be launched with a special event called “WINGS” taking place at the edge of the Great Rift Valley in Laikipia, Kenya. It will be an artistic and cultural show reflecting the wonders of bird migration, hosted by the well-known author, nature conservationist and future CMS Ambassador Ms Kuki Gallmann. WINGS will be attended by a wide variety of local and international guests, bird experts and the media.

A number of these experts will also be attending the “Scientific Seminar on Avian Influenza, the Environment and Migratory Birds” directly following the WMBD event on 10/11 April at UNEP Headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya. The Seminar will give leading scientists, decision makers and other stakeholders a platform to review and discuss the latest scientific studies concerning the spread of Avian Influenza and its impact on wild birds and the wider environment.

While WINGS and the Scientific Seminar will be taking place in Kenya, the goal and vision of WMBD is to make it a truly global event. In order for WMBD to become a commemorative event throughout the world we are strongly counting on the support and contributions of conservation-minded individuals, Government agencies and NGOs alike. All stakeholders are therefore encouraged to hold WMBD-specific events and activities on the second weekend of April this year, and to register and advertise these on the WMBD Web site.

By linking existing bird related activities such as birdwatching excursions, exhibitions, lectures or film screenings to WMBD on 8/9 April you will be making a valuable contribution towards helping to ensure the success of WMBD.

Supporting the World Migratory Bird Day with your own activities and registering these on the WMBD Web site is a great opportunity to share your contribution and to tie into the global efforts being made to conserve migratory birds.

Migratory birds need our support – register now!