350-24-24 Bird Photo Challenge in South Africa

Randburg, South Africa, 8 October 2009 - Mark Anderson, the Executive Director of BirdLife South Africa and winner of the 2008 AEWA Waterbird Conservation Award, has called upon bird photographers in South Africa to participate in a unique Bird Photo Challenge to promote birding, bird conservation and climate change awareness around the world.

On 24 October 2009 birders with cameras across South Africa will be taking part in the 350-24-24 Bird Photo Challenge — an unprecedented attempt to photograph 350 species of birds within South Africa within 24 hours and post the pictures on the internet by the end of the next day.

The photo challenge is an innovative contribution by the South African birding community to the world’s biggest simultaneous environmental awareness action, 350.org’s International Day of Climate Action on 24 October 2009.

“Since we’re about birds and conservation, and 350.org’s Day of Action is a magnificent opportunity to ride a wave of global environmental concern, we’ve decided to use the opportunity to raise the profile of South Africa’s amazing avifauna.” said Mark Anderson.

“We’re encouraging members of other conservation organisations to join in, and are inviting other countries to set up their own 350-24-24 Bird Photo Challenges.” said Mark Anderson in his announcement to the African birding community.

Further Information:

• Original Announcement made by Mark Anderson to AfricanBirding (8 October 2009)

• 350-24-24 Bird Photo Challenge Website

• 350.org Campaign Website