Today, the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) marks a significant milestone - its 30th Anniversary. On 16 June 1995, negotiators representing 54 governments signed the “Final Act” in The Hague, the Netherlands that led to the birth of this landmark treaty, dedicated to conserving migratory waterbirds and their habitats along the African-Eurasian Flyway.

On the second annual commemoration of World Migratory Bird Day 2024 on 12 October, the international campaign, organized by a network of global partners, calls for urgent and sustained action to protect both migratory birds and the insects they depend on for survival. This year’s theme, “Protect Insects, Protect Birds”, emphasizes the critical role insects play in the lifecycle of many migratory birds and draws attention to the alarming global decline in insect populations.

World Migratory Bird Day 2023 is here, focusing on the theme "Water: Sustaining Bird Life." On October 14th, people and organizations all over the world will come together to raise awareness and take action. Water is essential to the survival of migratory birds. From breeding to resting, and refueling during migration and wintering, migratory birds rely on lakes, rivers, ponds, coastal wetlands, and even moisture found in seeds, flowers, and mist. But water is under threat. Climate change, pollution, and increasing human demand for water are endangering vital ecosystems and the availability of clean water – for birds and people alike.

Water and its importance to migratory birds – and the increasing threats to both water quality and quantity -  is the focus of this year’s World Migratory Bird Day, a global campaign that aims to raise awareness of migratory birds and the need for international cooperation to conserve them. Activities to mark the campaign will be held globally on two peak days in May and October under the theme “Water: Sustaining Bird Life”.