International Waterbird Census _ millions of waterbirds counted
Dakar-Fann,
Senegal, 15 January 2009 - Wetlands International Africa
has announced the start of the 42nd International Waterbird
Census (IWC) – a monitoring initiative to count millions
of waterbirds around the world.The Census, which is coordinated by Wetlands International, covers the collection and analyses of waterbirds in Africa, Asia, Europe and South America. Each year, 15,000 volunteers count between 30-40 million waterbirds in over 100 countries using a standardised method, which makes it easy to compare the gained census data. This year, the counting is planned to take place on 17-18 January.
The IWC is a valuable source of information, making it possible to monitor changes in waterbird numbers and distribution, to improve knowledge of little-known waterbird species and wetland sites, to identify and monitor sites that qualify as Wetlands of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, to provide information on the conservation status of waterbirds species and to increase awareness of the importance of waterbirds and their wetland habitats at local, national and international level.
The monitoring data collected during the IWC is incorporated into the AEWA Conservation Status Report on Migratory Waterbirds (CSR). One of the main results of CSR in 2008 revealed that 41 % of the 522 migratory waterbird populations on the routes across Africa and Eurasia are declining and that conservation measures are urgently required.
At the end of last year the AEWA Secretariat received a small grant from the Government of Germany for the support of IWC in Africa, which was transferred to Wetlands International.
The data collected through IWC are indispensable for Multilateral Environmental Agreements such as the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands and AEWA. Unfortunately no sustainable funding has been secured for this important work, which depends on the 15,000 volunteers that will be collecting the data in the coming days. These dedicated bird enthusiasts play an extremely important role and their effort is, as always, highly appreciated.
For more information please visit: