The United Nations (UN)’s (backed campaign) World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) is annually observed across the globe on 2 occasions each year (2nd Saturday in May and in October) to raise awareness of migratory birds and issues related to their conservation.
World Migratory Bird Day 2022 was observed on 14th May & 8th October 2022
- World Migratory Bird Day 2021 was observed on 8th May & 9th October 2021
- World Migratory Bird Day 2023 will be observed on 13th May & 14th October 2023.
Theme
- The theme of World Migratory Bird Day 2022 is “ Light Pollution ”.
- The Campaign Strategy of World Migratory Bird Day 2022 is “Dim the Lights for Birds at Night!”
Background:
i. The idea of WMBD was conceived in the United States of America in 1993.
ii. WMBD is initiated by a collaborative partnership among 2 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)
- The day was initiated in 2005 on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the AEWA, which was held in Africa, Europe, and parts of Asia.
iii. The 1st ever WMBD was launched by AEWA and CMS on the weekend of 8-9 April 2006. Since then the event has been attended by a total of 118 Countries.
Note:
World Migratory Bird Day is celebrated on the 2nd Saturday of October (Central and South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean) and on the 2nd Saturday of May (the United States and Canada).
Why May & October?
The 2 peak days (WMBD) each year celebrates in recognition of the cyclical nature of bird migration and the different peak times of migration along the world’s flyways.
Impact of Light Pollution on Birds:
i. Light pollution can change birds’ behaviours like migration patterns, foraging behaviours and vocal communication, which affects their activity levels and their energy expenditures.
ii. Artificial light at night can impact the timing of migration and other seasonal behaviours influenced by the disruption of birds’ biological clocks.
iii. According to CMS Resolution 13.05, “light pollution refers to artificial light that alters the natural patterns of light and dark in ecosystems”.
iv. Recently, more than 80% of the world’s population lives under a “lit sky”, a figure closer to 99% in Europe and North America
Note: The amount of artificial light on the earth’s surface is increasing by at least 2 per cent each year and could be much greater.
The Campaign of WMBD 2022:
The 2022 campaign is actively supported by the East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP) Secretariat, BirdLife International and a growing number of other dedicated organizations.
- The campaign will highlight the actions that can be taken by a wider range of actors including individuals to reduce light pollution.
About the United Nations:
Secretary-General- António Guterres
Headquarters- New York, United States
Establishment- 1945
