WMBD 2020: NCF Promotes Birds Conservation
Birds conservation was the key highlight as the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) marked World Migratory Birds Day (WMBD) 2020.
The WMBD 2020 event with the theme “Birds connect our worlds” was commemorated via a webinar to draw global attention to birds conservation, especially migratory birds.
WMBD 2020 was an awareness-raising campaign highlighting the need for birds conservation particularly migratory birds and their habitats. The day aimed at drawing attention to the threats faced by migratory birds, their ecological importance, and the need for national cooperation to conserve them.
Dr. Joseph Onoja, Director of Technical Programmes, NCF revealed that WMBD 2020 offered ample opportunity on the need to raise awareness about bird conservative especially migratory birds and the importance of having them around.
He said “bird watching is a great way to connect with nature. It is even therapeutic. Unlike in humans, the males of birds are more attractive than the females.”
He believes that bird watching impacts hugely on the ecotourism of Kenya, Uganda, South Africa among others, therefore, if Nigeria would embrace and explore this revenue generating aspect of the environment, it will boost the ecotourism industry for the nation.
“Maintenance of natural habitats is a major criterion for attracting more migratory birds into the country” He added.
While espousing the theme of the event, he highlighted some of the importance of birds conservation, birds watching and urged individuals to imbibe the culture.
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He said “Why should you be involved in bird watching is because it is a great way to connect with nature; It helps to keep in touch with the awe and mystery of the natural world; It is a good way to exercise and feel good about yourself; all around the world, birdwatchers form the largest group of ecotourists; and through bird conservation, we can keep track of changing seasons.”
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He emphasized that migratory birds are beneficial to us and the planet’s ecosystems because they provide critical services such as seed dispersal, pollination, pest control, cultural value, nature’s clean-up crew, helps research and more.
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A session of quiz also featured in the event and emerged winners to be rewarded handsomely. Participants were drawn majorly from the education, media, environment and religion sectors.
The Day is celebrated bi-annually on the second Saturday in May and in October to emphasize the importance of birds conservative and benefits.
