12 - 13 May: World Migratory Bird Day - "Migratory birds and people - together through time"

This year's 2012 theme for World Migratory Bird Day is "Migratory birds and people - together through time" and raises awareness about the cultural, social, historic and economic connections people around the world have with migratory birds.

It is clear that migratory birds and people are inseparably connected in many different ways and on many different levels. However, many human activities including excessive land use and unsustainable hunting, as well as the impacts of climate change, fishing by-catch and pollution now gravely threaten migratory bird populations around the world.

World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD)* strives towards preserving the cultural ties we have with migratory birds and the vital economic and environmental benefits they sustain. It is important to ensure these cultural, economic and environmental bonds are conserved for future generations.

Join others around the world and take part in World Migratory Bird Day on 12 - 13 May 2012 by organizing bird-watching** events, educational programmes, lectures, art exhibitions and other public events.

* World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) was initiated in 2006 and is an annual awareness-raising campaign highlighting the need for the protection of migratory birds and their habitats. On the second weekend each May, people around the world take action and organise public events such as bird festivals, education programmes and birdwatching excursions to celebrate World Migratory Bird Day.

For more information about this year's theme, and to register an event visit us at: www.worldmigratorybirdday.org

** Bird-watching can help boost ecotourism industry, says UN environment agency Bird-watching, a popular hobby around the world, can present significant economic opportunities for countries through sustainable tourism, the United Nations environment agency said today, stressing that States should increase efforts to support this growing industry.
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=41970&;Cr=tourism&Cr1=