The Eurasian Hoopoe's diet consists mostly of insects, so safeguarding insect populations is essential for its survival. © Canva.com
PRESS RELEASE
World Migratory Bird Day 2024 Campaign Spotlights Importance of Insects for Migratory Birds and Calls for Global Action to Address this Emerging Threat
BONN/BOULDER/INCHEON, 8 October 2024 – 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.
The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) –a biodiversity treaty of the United Nations and one of the main partners behind the World Migratory Bird Day campaign– prepared the first study of its kind on insect decline and its relevance for migratory species, which it presented at its Fourteenth Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP14) in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. Insect Decline and its Threat to Migratory Insectivorous Animal Populations found that insect decline is contributing to population losses of many migratory insectivorous (insect-eating) species, particularly those which rely on them as their main source of food. Insects are essential to the survival of not just migratory birds worldwide, but also bats and fish. Their decline could also have indirect effects by altering ecosystem functions and the habitats therein –such as changing vegetation, which in turn may provide less cover for ground-breeding species, or supply less insect-pollinated fruits for frugivorous (fruit-eating) birds.
“Despite variations in magnitude across ecosystems and regions, scientific evidence revealed that without doubt, we face an insect decline on a global scale. This can be measured for example as the losses in total insect biomass or species richness over time,” said Dr David Ott from the German Leibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity Change (LIB) and one of the authors of the report. “To deal with the effects of insect decline, we need to understand that species are part of complex, interconnected communities, and that biodiversity is essential for ecosystems to work properly and provide services to humans. The causes of insect decline are also not separate, but a mix of several connected factors,” he continued.
Key findings of the CMS report include:
A 2020 study published in Science magazine indicates that we are losing approximately 9 per cent of the world's terrestrial insect population every decade. Insectivorous migratory birds such as swallows, raptors and waterbirds rely on insects and their larvae as essential food sources during their often-long migrations, breeding periods, and when feeding their young. Many birds also time their migrations to align with peaks in insect abundance. As insect populations (estimated to be two-thirds of all terrestrial species) decrease, these birds face reduced food availability, impacting their ability to survive and reproduce. Beyond their role as a food source and their contributions to maintaining healthy ecosystems, the first-ever State of the World's Migratory Species report published earlier this year, also emphasized the intrinsic value of insects, underscoring the urgent need to halt their decline.
To address the decrease of insect populations, the CMS report on insect decline recommends:
World Migratory Bird Day is an international educational and awareness-raising campaign that promotes conservation efforts for migratory birds and their journeys across borders.
The campaign is organized and coordinated by a global network of partners whose work focuses on the conservation of migratory birds across the world’s various flyways: The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA), the East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP) and Environment for the Americas (EFTA).
Celebrated on two days each year (in both May and October) to reflect the cyclical nature of bird migration and the varying peak migration periods in the northern and southern hemispheres, World Migratory Bird Day triggers hundreds of educational events around the world, united by their common goal of raising awareness and advocating for international bird protection.
Each year the campaign features a central theme, prompts action, and coordinates global efforts to safeguard migratory birds and their habitats.
Some examples of actions being encouraged through this year’s campaign include:
“The alarming decline of insect populations is not just an isolated environmental issue—it is a cascading crisis that affects migratory birds, bats, and entire ecosystems. Without further research, as well as swift, coordinated global action to protect insects and their habitats, we risk losing vital species that are critical to maintaining ecological balance. The stakes are high, and this year’s World Migratory Bird Day serves as a crucial reminder of our shared responsibility to address this growing threat.”
- Amy Fraenkel, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS)
“For most migratory birds, insects are crucial for their survival and for their breeding success. One of the main reasons for the decline of insect populations and subsequently the decline of migratory birds is the intensive use of pesticides. Among the affected birds are the Northern Bald Ibis and the Sociable Lapwing – both AEWA endangered species featured on the global World Migratory Bird Day poster this year. The decline in insects and birds is linked to the decline in biodiversity and is part of the triple planetary crisis which also includes climate change and pollution. By protecting insects, we protect our migratory birds and the global biodiversity.”
- Jacques Trouvilliez, Executive Secretary of the African-Eurasian Waterbird Agreement (AEWA)
“Migratory shorebirds have synchronized their breeding season with the boom of insects in the Arctic. Once out of their eggs the chicks grow quickly on the insect feast. With insects declining due to the climate crisis and other factors, protecting insects is a crucial step toward protecting the birds that depend on them for survival. As the time approaches for their migration from their breeding and feasting sites, and in celebration of World Migratory Bird Day, let’s protect these young birds’ energy source— insects— to ensure their successful first migration so they survive into fully grown shorebirds.”
- Jennifer George, Chief Executive at the East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP)
"On this World Migratory Bird Day, we celebrate the connection between our migratory birds and the insects they rely on. From Cliff Swallows catching insects to hummingbirds feeding them to their young, it's clear that insects are necessary for the survival of many bird species. We invite you to join us in the mission to 'Protect Insects to Protect Birds'. Let’s advocate, educate, and unite our voices to champion the preservation of wildlife and habitats! By protecting insects, we not only protect migratory birds, but we strengthen the connections that bind us across borders."
- Susan Bonfield, Executive Director of Environment for the Americas (EFTA)
Notes to Editors:
Report Link: Insect Decline and its Threat to Migratory Insectivorous Animal Populations
About World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD):
World Migratory Bird Day is an annual awareness-raising campaign highlighting the need for the conservation of migratory birds and their habitats. Through education, public engagement, and joint activities across borders, it promotes international cooperation, inspiration and action to conserve both birds and their environments.
On 12 October 2024, events to celebrate World Migratory Bird Day, the phenomenon of bird migration and the connections between birds and insects, will take place across the world’s flyways.
The campaign is organized by the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), the African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbird Agreement (AEWA), Environment for the Americas (EFTA), and the East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP).
For more information about World Migratory Bird Day, including event listings, a downloadable multilingual poster, the winners of the 2024 Photo Contest, and ways to get involved, please visit www.worldmigratorybirdday.org.
About the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS)
An environmental treaty of the United Nations, the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) provides a global platform for the conservation and sustainable use of migratory animals and their habitats. This unique treaty brings governments and wildlife experts together to address the conservation needs of terrestrial, aquatic, and avian migratory species and their habitats around the world. Since the Convention's entry into force in 1979, its membership has grown to include 133 Parties from Africa, Central and South America, Asia, Europe and Oceania.
Learn more at www.cms.int
About the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA)
The Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) is an inter-governmental treaty dedicated to the conservation of migratory waterbirds that migrate along the African-Eurasian Flyway. The Agreement covers 255 species of birds ecologically dependent on wetlands for at least part of their annual cycle. A total of 84 countries and the European Union have signed the environmental treaty, which has a geographic range covering 119 countries across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia, Greenland, and the Canadian Archipelago.
Learn more at www.unep-aewa.org
About Environment for the Americas (EFTA)
Environment for the Americas connects people to nature and birds through research, education, and outreach. At the heart of our efforts lies the coordination of World Migratory Bird Day across the Americas, an initiative that engages people of all ages in the protection of our shared migratory birds. This work has also led to the development of our internship programs, which provide unique opportunities for the next generation of researchers, conservationists, and natural resource professionals. Through these programs, we are empowering young people to make a tangible difference for the environment. EFTA’s efforts have also spurred international collaborations for bird conservation and facilitated changes across borders that ensure a future where migratory birds are protected and celebrated.
Learn more at www.environmentamericas.org
About the East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP)
The EAAFP is international Partnership established in 2006 to provide a framework to promote dialogue, cooperation, and collaboration to conserve migratory waterbirds and their habitats in the East Asian–Australasian Flyway. It is also a Ramsar Regional Initiative. A unique element of the Partnership is its mission to build a chain of internationally important sites for these birds as they migrate across the 22 countries of the Flyway. These countries have the greatest species density on earth yet have highest number of vulnerable migratory birds. Our 40 Partners work together across borders to make a difference for them.For more information, visit www.eaaflyway.net
Related Links
World Migratory Bird Day Website: www.worldmigratorybirdday.org
Press and Social Media Kit: www.worldmigratorybirdday.org/2024/wmbd-2024-press-media/
Statements from UN and non-UN partners: https://www.worldmigratorybirdday.org/2024/statements-mark-world-migratory-bird-day-2024
World Migratory Bird Day Global Event Map: www.worldmigratorybirdday.org/events-map
World Migratory Bird Day Event Finder: World Migratory Bird Day: Schedule
Social Media
Facebook: WorldMigratoryBirdDay
Instagram: @worldmigratorybirdday
X: @WMBD
Hashtags: #WorldMigratoryBirdDay #WMBD2024 #ProtectInsectsProtectBirds
For more information and expert interviews, please contact:
Florian Keil, Information Officer / Coordinator of the World Migratory Bird Day Campaign at the CMS and AEWA Secretariats, Tel: +49 (0) 228 8152451, press@cms.int
Susan Bonfield, Executive Director at Environment for the Americas, Tel: +001 970-393-1183, sbonfield@environmentamericas.org
Minjae Baek, Communications Officer at the East Asian-Australasian Partnership, Tel: +82 32 458 6504, communication@eaaflyway.net
Last updated on 08 October 2024