A global day to raise awareness of the need to better protect migratory birds was held under the theme of ‘Their Future is our Future’ on 10 May.

World Migratory Bird Day is organised the Convention on Migratory Species and the African-Eurasian Waterbird Agreement supported by UN Environment.

Habitat loss and fragmentation, as well as pollution and illegal killing are major threats to migratory birds. As they travel across distant flyways and use different habitats, they are exposed to many threats.

This year, seven flagship species represent many others that migrate along different flyways facing various threats during their life cycle.

Habitat loss and unsustainable hunting in particular affect birds across the world. The flagship species showcase these threats and what we can do.

Educational groups, conservationists and the general public joined the global celebrations on 10 May, organizing bird walks, lectures, exhibitions and bird-watchings, to highlight the need for a sustainable future for migratory birds.

Over the last eleven years, about 2,000 events dedicated to the Day have been organised in more than 135 countries.

This year’s theme emphasized the interdependence between people and nature and how we share the same planet and the same kind of limited resources. By addressing the topic ‘Sustainable Development for Wildlife and People,’ World Migratory Bird Day wants to show to which extent bird conservation is also crucial for the future of humankind.

We hope we can bring people together from all over the world to ensure a sustainable future for migratory birds. Together we can make a difference.

For more information please write to veronika.lenarz@cms.int