South Africa is joining global World Migratory Bird Day celebrations, highlighting how everyday bird observations can support conservation, biodiversity protection and scientific research efforts.
South Africa is joining countries around the world in commemorating World Migratory Bird Day 2026 under the theme: “Every Bird Counts: Your Observations Matter.”
This year’s campaign places a strong focus on community science, also known as citizen science, and the role ordinary people can play in helping protect migratory birds and their habitats through everyday observations and monitoring.
From wetlands and protected areas to urban neighbourhoods and rural landscapes, bird sightings recorded by members of the public contribute valuable information to national and global conservation efforts. These observations help scientists and environmental organisations track migration routes, breeding success, population trends and habitat changes.
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment says the initiative also highlights the close relationship between biodiversity conservation, local livelihoods, culture, traditional knowledge and community participation.
As one of the world’s megadiverse countries, South Africa is home to exceptional biodiversity across terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems. The country also participates in multiple international environmental agreements aimed at protecting migratory species and conserving critical habitats.
Migratory birds continue to face increasing threats globally, including habitat loss, pollution, climate change and other human-driven pressures affecting ecosystems along migratory routes. Reliable scientific data therefore remains critical in shaping effective conservation responses.
One example of community-linked conservation highlighted this year is the work being undertaken through BirdLife South Africa programmes such as the Empowering People Programme and the White-winged Flufftail Conservation Project. These initiatives demonstrate how conservation can also support education, skills development, avitourism and local economic opportunities.
The Ntsikeni Nature Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal is among the key conservation areas highlighted during the campaign. The reserve supports important wetland ecosystems and serves as habitat for several threatened and rare bird species, including the critically endangered White-winged Flufftail.
This year’s observance follows the 15th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals held in Brazil earlier this year, where countries adopted the Pantanal Declaration emphasising the importance of science, traditional knowledge and community participation in conservation.
South Africa says it will continue promoting a whole-of-society approach to biodiversity conservation, with a focus on ecosystem restoration, wetland protection and stronger involvement of local communities, women and youth.
World Migratory Bird Day will be commemorated internationally on 9 May and again on 10 October 2026, reflecting migration cycles across both hemispheres and reinforcing the importance of continuous conservation action throughout the year.
