WORLD MIGRATORY BIRD DAY 2023

WORLD MIGRATORY BIRD DAY 2023

Did you know that Qatar gets hundreds of pink flamingos migrating to the coastal areas of Al Khor and Al Thakira every year? Better known for its desert landscapes, Qatar is also a constant to some truly unbelievable marine and bird wildlife migrations. 

Thanks to the initiatives taken by the Ministry of Municipality and Environment to provide suitable habitation to the migratory animals, Qatar has grown to be a permanent destination for over 300 types of migratory bird species alone. 

World Migratory Bird Day is a bi-annual celebration, drawing attention to the plight of migratory birds around the world. Marked twice a year during May and October to coincide with the bird migration seasons, the day aims to make people aware of the threats faced by migratory birds, their ecological importance, and the need for international cooperation to conserve them. 

Water: Sustaining Bird Life
In 2023, World Migratory Bird Day will be celebrated on May 13 in the spring and October 14 in fall. The conservation theme this year is Water: Sustaining Bird Life, and focuses on the importance of water to migratory birds.

Qatar’s long coastline provides a good living place for some types of birds, in spite of its desert climate. The migratory birds that stopover to the country include the Bee Eater, Greater Flamingo, Kestrel, Plover, Lark and a variety of water birds.

Migratory birds rely on water and its associated habitats, such as wetlands and mangroves, for migration, breeding, and wintering. The 2023 theme centered around water is a crucial opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to the conservation and sustainable management of water resources for both people and nature. In doing so, we can help protect the ecosystems and migratory birds that depend on them for survival.

The Government of Qatar has paid particular attention over the recent years to the preservation of the environment in line with its National Vision 2030. From ‘green areas’ to natural reserves, the country has made provisions to allow the migrating birds to stay for a longer time, and find essential elements such as food, water, shelter when they pass by Qatar.

One such example of an environmental project in the country is the Al Kharaana Lagoon- a serene and peaceful home to some of the most exotic wildlife habitats in the country. Once a part of a water treatment facility, the area provides a green rest stop with clean water for migratory bird flocks, and is the best example of an environmental project in the country apart from a number of other natural reserves and protected areas.