**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
Milton Keynes, United Kingdom, 6 September 2024 – This year marks the 10th anniversary of World Shorebirds Day, an annual event dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of shorebird conservation and the need to protect critical habitats around the globe. Since its inception, World Shorebirds Day has brought together bird enthusiasts, conservationists, and scientists to participate in the Global Shorebird Counts, a citizen science initiative that plays a crucial role in monitoring the health of shorebird populations.
A Decade of Shorebird Conservation
Over the past decade, World Shorebirds Day has grown from a grassroots effort to a globally recognized event that underscores the importance of shorebird conservation. The celebration, held annually on September 6th, aims to highlight the significance of shorebirds, educate the public about the threats they face, and encourage communities to take action to protect these vital species.
The 10th anniversary of World Shorebirds Day is a milestone that reflects the dedication and passion of volunteers and conservationists worldwide,
– said Gyorgy Szimuly, Founder of World Shorebirds Day.
Shorebirds are indicators of the health of our wetlands, and their declining populations signal that our ecosystems are in trouble. By participating in World Shorebirds Day and the Global Shorebird Counts, people can contribute valuable data that helps us understand these changes and work towards solutions.
Acknowledging Our Key Partners
World Shorebirds Day's success would not have been possible without the support of key organizations that have been with us since the beginning. These include numerous Latin American organizations that have been instrumental in promoting shorebird conservation throughout the region. The Manomet Center for Conservation Sciences and the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network (WHSRN) have provided critical guidance and resources. We also acknowledge the invaluable contributions of Birds Caribbean and several partners of BirdLife International, whose collaboration has greatly expanded the reach and impact of World Shorebirds Day.
We are deeply grateful to our partners who have supported World Shorebirds Day from the outset,
– added Gyorgy Szimuly.
Their unwavering commitment and collaboration have been key in building a global network of shorebird advocates and in driving meaningful conservation actions.
The Global Shorebird Counts: A Citizen Science Initiative
The Global Shorebird Counts, an integral part of World Shorebirds Day, invites people from all walks of life to observe and record shorebird numbers at their local sites. This citizen science project not only provides valuable data on the distribution and abundance of shorebirds but also engages the public in shorebird conservation efforts.
Since the start of World Shorebirds Day, thousands of volunteers from more than 70 countries have participated in the Global Shorebird Counts, contributing millions of observations to databases that inform conservation strategies. These counts have helped to identify critical habitats, track migratory patterns, and understand the impacts of climate change and habitat loss on shorebird populations.
Challenges to Shorebird Conservation
Shorebirds face a myriad of challenges that threaten their survival. Habitat loss, due to coastal development, pollution, and agricultural expansion, remains one of the biggest threats to shorebird populations. Additionally, climate change is altering the timing of migration and breeding, disrupting the delicate balance that shorebirds rely on. Human disturbance, hunting, and invasive species further exacerbate these issues, putting shorebird species at risk of decline.
Shorebirds are some of the most extraordinary travelers on the planet, undertaking long migrations that span continents,
– said Diego Luna Quevedo, Senior Specialist, Policy and Governance Flyways Program, Manomet Conservation Sciences.
Yet, their survival depends on the health of a network of coastal and inland wetlands. As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of World Shorebirds Day, we must renew our commitment to protect these critical habitats and ensure the future of shorebirds for generations to come.
Looking Ahead: The Next 10 Years of World Shorebirds Day
As we look to the future, plans for the next decade of World Shorebirds Day aim to expand its reach and impact. The vision includes transforming the event into a global festival-like celebration, with activities around the world that engage a wider public. These celebrations will include shorebird photography and wildlife art competitions, providing platforms for artists and photographers to showcase their work and raise awareness of shorebird conservation. Additionally, we are exploring the possibility of creating an organizational link to centralize efforts, facilitate greater collaboration between conservation groups, and provide resources for shorebird protection. The goal is to inspire a new generation of shorebird enthusiasts and conservationists while strengthening global shorebird monitoring and habitat preservation efforts.
How to Get Involved
Everyone can participate in World Shorebirds Day and the Global Shorebird Counts. Whether you are a seasoned birdwatcher or a beginner, your observations are valuable. Participants can visit the official World Shorebirds Day website to learn more about local events, find resources on shorebird identification, and access tools to record their sightings.
Join us this September 6th as we celebrate the 10th anniversary of World Shorebirds Day and work together to secure a future for shorebirds. Together, we can make a difference.
About World Shorebirds Day
World Shorebirds Day is an international event dedicated to shorebird conservation and awareness. Celebrated annually on September 6th, it aims to highlight the importance of shorebirds and their habitats, engage the public in birdwatching and conservation activities, and gather data on shorebird populations through the Global Shorebird Counts. For more information, visit https://www.worldshorebirdsday.org.
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**Media Contact:**
Gyorgy Szimuly
World Shorebirds Day
This press release is intended for use by media outlets, conservation organizations, and partners involved in birdwatching and wildlife conservation. All content is free to use with attribution.
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