Caring for Coasts : crucial wetlands for waterbirds
One big plan of action to save vultures
Plugging flyways into the energy sector
Caring for Coasts : crucial wetlands for waterbirds
Conserving critical networks of coastal wetlands for migratory waterbirds
Nicola Crockford , Principal Policy Officer , RSPB ( BirdLife in the UK )
Photo Wolfgang Zwanzger
One big plan of action to save vultures
Implementing the Vulture Multi-species Action Plan ( CMS MsAP )
Migratory birds fly a thin line between survival and exhaustion , reliant on crucial coastal wetlands to rest and refuel . But these sites ( and groups of birds ) are under threat like never before : from land claim , pollution , upstream damming , alien invasive species and sea level rise . The re-planning ( in response to climate change ) and conservation of these sites is hampered by the fragmentation of governance of the
Roger Safford , BirdLife ’ s Preventing Extinctions Programme Manager
coastal zone , so we need a coherent international policy framework for coastal conservation . Each flyway ’ s network of coastal IBAs must be urgently protected and restored , and the business sector must be engaged .
Key partner : Ramsar Convention on Wetlands , Convention on Migratory Species ( CMS ), Convention on Biological Diversity ( CBD )
The vultures of Africa and Eurasia are in crisis . These iconic , unsung heroes have extraordinary value as nature ’ s landscape-cleaners , but they face a daunting range of threats – mainly from poisoning – but also collisions and electrocution with energy infrastructure , and loss and degradation of their habitats and food supplies . These threats are deep-rooted and so not easily countered . Moreover ,
these wide-ranging birds encounter the threats over huge areas . The conservation challenge is immense , requiring innovation , collaboration and hard work across entire landscapes . A vital step has been the adoption in 2017 of the CMS MsAP , but it is time to turn this and other plans into further action .
Key partner : Convention on Migratory Species ( CMS )
Plugging flyways into the energy sector
Mainstreaming flyway conservation with wind energy and power-transmission sectors
Charlie Butt , BirdLife ’ s Business & Nature Partnerships Manager ; and Noelle Kumpel , BirdLife ’ s Head of Policy
Photo EcoPrint / Shutterstock
Photo Bildagentur Zoonar GmbH / Shutterstock
While BirdLife supports the transition from dirty fossil fuels to clean renewable energy , inappropriatelyplaced or operated wind turbines and powerlines cause many migratory birds to die by collision or electrocution . The locations of new and existing infrastructure must be carefully considered , with appropriate safeguards and measures integrated into the energy sector . We will explore the associated issues and identify practical solutions for business , governments , conventions , and civil society , in order to accelerate progress towards a solution that works for all .
Key partners : CMS Energy Task Force , Convention on Biological Diversity ( CBD ) apr-jun 2018 • birdlife 23