WORLD MIGRATORY BIRD DAY

Miscellaneous

It is observed annually on 12^th October.
Aim: To promote conservation efforts for migratory birds and their journeys across borders.
Focus Areas:
- Education and public engagement.
- Joint activities across borders.
- Promoting international cooperation for bird conservation.
Theme 2024: “Protect Insects, Protect Birds”
- It emphasises the critical role insects play in the lifecycle of many migratory birds and draws attention to the alarming global decline in insect populations.

CONVENTION ON MIGRATORY SPECIES (CMS)

It is an Intergovernmental treaty under the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), commonly known as the Bonn Convention.
It establishes a legal framework for global conservation measures.
It also Includes legally binding Agreements and less formal Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs).
Signed: 1979
In Force Since: 1983
Parties: As of 1 March 2022, 133 Parties, including India since 1983.
Aim: To conserve terrestrial, marine, and avian migratory species throughout their range.
Appendices
- Appendix I: Lists 'Threatened Migratory Species.'
- Appendix II: Lists 'Migratory Species requiring international cooperation.'

INDIA AND CMS

MoUs Signed:
- Siberian Cranes: 1998 (non-legally binding)
- Marine Turtles: 2007 (non-legally binding)
- Dugongs: 2008 (non-legally binding)
- Raptors: 2016 (non-legally binding)
Biodiversity Contribution: India accounts for 2.4% of the world’s land area and approximately 8% of global biodiversity.
Migratory Species Shelter: Provides temporary shelter to various migratory species, including:
- Amur Falcons
- Bar-headed Geese
- Black-necked Cranes
- Marine Turtles
- Dugongs
- Humpback Whales