10 January, Wageningen, The Netherlands – Wetlands International announced the start of the 40th International Waterbird Census (IWC) today – the most comprehensive waterbird census conducted in the world.

The IWC project is an annual census of waterbirds in more than 100 countries and takes place in mid-January each year. Close to 15,000 voluntary expert observers will be counting between 30 million and 40 million waterbirds using a standardized method involving the collection, checking, and importing of national and regional waterbird census data.

The international census is coordinated by Wetlands International – one of the leading global NGOs dedicated to the conservation and wise use of wetlands. Conducted since 1967, the IWC brings together various bird census data sources from around the world to provide a more comprehensive overview as well as a tool for monitoring changes in the numbers of waterbirds and their distribution globally. As such, it is one of the largest harmonised global schemes for the collection of biodiversity data and provides essential inputs for the publication of the triennial report series Waterbird Population Estimates, which summarizes best available information on the status of the world's waterbird populations.

In addition to being a global mechanism to help raise awareness of the importance of waterbirds and their habitats, the IWC also provides a basis for international waterbird and wetland conservation policy. Hence, it is an important guideline for International Environment Agreements such as The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands and AEWA, which, in turn, have supported the project politically and financially each year.

Further Information:

Please visit the Wetlands International website or read the WI Press Release on the IWC 2007 for more information.

AEWA Resolution on "Developing an International Partnership for support of Waterbird Population Assessments" (AEWA RESOLUTION 3.6)