Relevance:
A survey conducted as part of the Asian Waterbird Census (AWC) 2023 shows the populations of some migratory waterbirds, especially duck species visiting the Alappuzha region of Kerala are falling.
Key Highlights:
- Duck species like Northern Shoveler, Common teal and Eurasian wigeon, sighted in the previous surveys, were totally missing this time around.
- Climate change has affected the number of birds visiting the region.
About Asian Waterbird Census:
- AWC, an annual event, is a citizen science programme supporting conservation and management of wetlands and waterbirds.
- AWC is part of the global International Waterbird Census (IWC) coordinated by Wetlands International.
- AWC in India –
- It was initiated in the Indian subcontinent in 1987.
- In India, AWC is jointly coordinated by the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) and Wetlands International.
- BNHS –
- It is a non-governmental organization engaged in conservation of biodiversity research.
- Designated as a Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (SIRO) by Department of Science & Technology.
- Contributions of AWC –
- Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), also known as Bonn Convention, provides a global platform for conservation of migratory animals and their habitats.
- Implementation of East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership Initiative (EAAFP) and Central Asian Flyway (CAF) Action Plan.
- EAAFP is an informal and voluntary initiative, to protect migratory waterbirds.
- CAF covers area of Eurasia between Arctic and Indian Oceans and associated island chains. Geographically it covers 30 countries of North, Central and South Asia and Trans-Caucasus.
- BirdLife International’s Important Bird Area Programme.
- IUCN/BirdLife International’s Global Species Programme (Red List).
- Wetlands International’s Waterbird Population Estimates programme
With reference to a conservation organization called ‘Wetlands International’, which of the following statements is/are correct? (2014)
- It is an intergovernmental organization formed by the countries which are signatories to the Ramsar Convention.
- It works at the field level to develop and mobilize knowledge and use practical experience to advocate for better policies.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Reference: The Hindu
