Bonn, 8 May 2015 – all the preparations over the last weeks and months are coming to fruition with World Migratory Bird Day being celebrated across the globe over the coming weekend.

We have a series of statements – one video from Bradnee Chambers, Executive Secretary of CMS and another from Jacques Trouvilliez, Executive Secretary of AEWA to mark World Migratory Bird Day 2015 and we received many fantastic statements in support of this year’s campaign and theme.   

Hundreds of amazing events to mark WMBD in all corners of the globe have been registered on the WMBD website and a great many WMBD supporters found here in Bonn are now looking forward to attending the special WMBD Benefit Concert “Angels and Demons” where the "Corale Lirica San Rocco" from Bologna will be performing arias from famous operas.  The money raised will go the conservation of the critically endangered Siberian Crane. 

There are press releases from UNEP (available here in a number of languages) and a news article from CMS and AEWA in English, French and Spanish, together with a fact sheet about migratory birds and energy installations, reflecting the theme of this year’s campaign: Energy – make it bird-friendly!  There are also some FAQs aimed primarily at the press and these are available in English, French and Spanish.  An Op-Ed (opposite the editorial) article, written by Jacques Trouvilliez and BirdLife International's Chief Executive, Patricia Zurita, has also been published by the Inter Press Service News Agency; the article "Renewable Enertgy - How to Make it More Bird-Friendly" can be read here.  Jacques Trouviller's interview (in French) with UN Radio can be heard here.

There is also still time to enter our first ever WMBD Video Competition.  The closing date is 18 May (please note the extended deadline!) and there are three prizes to be won – €1,500 for the best entry and €1,000 and €500 for second and third place respectively.  Details of the competition can be found here.

We wish all WMBD event participants - wherever you may be in this world – a wonderful, inspirational and fun time at your events!

Happy World Migratory Bird Day!

The WMBD Team at the UNEP/CMS and UNEP/AEWA Secretariats