World Migratory Bird Day(WMBD), a United Nations(UN)-backed global campaign annually observed across the world on 2 occasions (two peak days each year), the second Saturday of May and October, with an aim to create awareness about the importance of the conservation of migratory birds and their habitats.
World Migratory Bird Day 2022 will be observed on 14th May 2022 and 8th October 2022.
- World Migratory Bird Day 2021 was observed on 8th May 2021 and 9th October 2021.
- World Migratory Bird Day 2023 will be observed on 13th May 2023 and 14th October 2023.
Note: WMBD is the only International day celebrated on 2 peak days to highlight the global phenomenon of bird migration.
The theme of World Migratory Bird day 2022 is “Impact of Light Pollution on Migratory Birds”. The theme focuses on how light pollution alters the birds’ behaviours including migration, foraging and vocal communication.
- The slogan of the World Migratory Bird Day 2022 is “Dim the Lights for Birds at Night!”.
Background:
i.The idea of World Migratory Bird Day(WMBD) was first originated in the United States of America in 1993.
ii.In 2005, on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA), the AEWA Secretariat initiated the Migratory Waterbird Days (MWD) which were held in Africa, Europe and parts of Asia.
iii.The first-ever World Migratory Bird Day was launched by AEWA and the Secretariat of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) on the weekend of 8-9 April 2006
iv.In 2017, Environment for the Americas (EFTA), CMS, AEWA announced an innovative partnership to increase awareness of the plight of migratory birds around the world.
v.This partnership formally united International Migratory Bird Day (IMBD) and World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) and starting from 2018 the joint campaign adopted the single name “World Migratory Bird Day” organised twice a year in May and October.
vi.World Migratory Bird Day, celebrated in both May and October each year, is organized by a collaborative partnership among two UN wildlife treaties – the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) and the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) – and the non-profit organization, Environment for the Americas (EFTA).
WMBD Campaign 2022:
Goals:
- To raise awareness of light pollution and its negative impacts on migratory birds and also highlight the actions that can be taken by a wider range of actors including individuals to reduce light pollution.
- To encourage key decision-makers who have a role in addressing light pollution to initiate a process with a view to adopting measures on light pollution
2-day campaign:
i.The first phase of the campaign in May focuses on creating awareness about the issues of light pollution and its impacts on birds.
ii.The 2nd phase of the campaign in October will build on the campaign in May and promote the best practices in addressing light pollution.
Effects of light pollution on bird migration:
i.Globally, Artificial light is increasing by at least 2.2% per year and it is known to adversely affect many bird species.
ii.Light pollution affects the migratory birds, causing disorientation when they fly at night, leading to collisions with buildings, perturbing their internal clocks, or interfering with their ability to undertake long-distance migrations.
iii.More than 80% of the world’s population lives under a “lit sky”, and the number is 99% in Europe and North America.
