Bonn, 1 December 2022 - We are pleased to announce that next year’s World Migratory Bird Day campaign will focus on the topic of water and its importance for migratory birds.

Water is fundamental to life on our planet. The vast majority of migratory birds rely on aquatic ecosystems during their life cycles. Inland and coastal wetlands, rivers, lakes, streams, marshes, and ponds are all vital for feeding, drinking, or nesting, and also as places to rest and refuel during their long journeys.

Unfortunately, aquatic ecosystems are becoming increasingly threatened around the world and so are the migratory birds that depend on them. The increasing human demand for water, as well as pollution and climate change, are having a direct impact on the availability of clean water and the conservation status of many migratory birds.

Next year’s World Migratory Bird Day campaign will highlight the importance of water for migratory birds and identify key actions for protecting water resources and aquatic ecosystems.

The two peak days of World Migratory Bird Day 2023 will be 13 May and 14 October, reflecting the cyclical nature of bird migration with varying migration periods in the northern and southern hemispheres.

World Migratory Bird Day Website