In celebration of the World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) 2024, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Bicol spearheaded a Migratory Bird Identification and Communication, Education and Public Awareness (CEPA) campaign on October 11, 2024 at the Cabusao Wetlands Critical Habitat (CWCH), Cabusao, Camarines Sur.
With the theme, “Protect Insects, Protect Birds,” this year’s celebration sought to widen awareness on the intricate relationship between birds and insects, shedding light on the challenges faced by both and advocating for measures to address threats and mitigate the decline in their populations.
A total of sixty-six (66) individuals from the local government unit (LGU) of Cabusao and barangay LGUs of Barcelonita, Biong, and Pandan, and key officials and personnel from the DENR V Regional Office, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) Camarines Sur and Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Sipocot participated in the activity.
During the bird species identification and CEPA campaign, participants were taught to identify and safely handle endangered species of migratory birds in accordance with Republic Act (R.A.) No. 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act of 2001. The activities aim to enable participants to contribute to efficient data collection efforts and play a proactive role in biodiversity conservation.
Officially celebrated on the 2nd Saturday of May and October, the WMBD stands as a global bird conservation education campaign, which was initiated by the Environment for the Americas (EFTA), the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) and the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA). It is an annual campaign that raises awareness about the challenges faced by migratory birds, their ecological significance, and the importance of conserving their habitats.
(Source: DENR Bicol)