- Migratory avian species visiting Chilika originate from regions situated beyond the Himalayas in Northern Eurasia, encompassing areas such as Siberia, Kazakhstan, and remote parts of Russia.
- In the preceding winter, a noteworthy influx of birds was observed, with a total of 1,131,929 individuals representing 184 different species making a visit to Chilika.
- Among them, 1,093,049 were migratory birds belonging to 105 species, while the remaining 38,859 were resident birds from 79 species.
- In contrast to the previous year, when the initial group of migratory birds was noted in the second week of October, with temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius, this year witnessed an earlier arrival.
- The migratory birds made their appearance in the first week of October, at a time when temperatures in the region and its surroundings ranged between 33°C and 35°C.
ABOUT THE PLAN
- Launched to be executed between 2018 and 2023, the National Action Plan for the Conservation of Migratory Birds aims to address the decline in population and ensure the protection of their habitats.
- The overarching objective is to reduce the decline in the population of migratory birds, with a specific short-term goal to halt the decline by the year 2027.
- The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change is tasked with the implementation of this plan, and the Ministry plans to release a status report on the implementation every two years.
COMPONENTS OF THE PLAN
To realize its objectives, the plan is organized into six interconnected components:
- Species Conservation: This component centers on safeguarding migratory birds and their populations. Actions include identifying and mapping critical habitats, advocating for community-based conservation efforts, and mitigating threats posed by activities like hunting and poaching.
- Habitat Conservation and Sustainable Management: This component is dedicated to the conservation and sustainable management of vital habitats, encompassing wetlands, forests, and grasslands. The aim is to ensure the longevity of these habitats and provide support for migratory bird populations.
- Communication and Outreach: Focusing on spreading awareness, this component aims to highlight the significance of migratory birds and their habitats. It targets various stakeholders, including policymakers, communities, and the general public.
- Capacity Development: This component seeks to enhance the capabilities of diverse stakeholders, such as government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and local communities. The goal is to enable effective implementation of the identified actions outlined in the plan.
- Research and Knowledge Base Development: Emphasizing a better understanding of migratory birds and their conservation requirements, this component prioritizes research and monitoring activities.
- International Cooperation: This component centers on fostering collaboration among countries along the Central Asian Flyway. The objective is to encourage joint efforts in conserving migratory birds and their habitats through international cooperation.
OBJECTIVES OF THE PLAN
The National Action Plan for the Conservation of Migratory Birds (2018-2023) outlines several objectives, aiming:
- Addressing Challenges: Alleviate pressure on critical habitats and migratory routes by tackling challenges confronting migratory birds. These challenges encompass habitat loss, degradation, and fragmentation, along with issues like hunting, poaching, pollution, and the impacts of climate change.
- Population Reversal: Halt the decline of migratory bird populations and reverse this trend by the year 2027.
- Sustainability of Habitats: Ensure the sustainability of habitats and migratory routes, preventing threats and preserving them for future generations.
- Trans-boundary Cooperation: Promote collaboration among countries along the Central Asian Flyway, fostering trans-boundary cooperation for the conservation of migratory birds and their habitats.
- Database Enhancement: Improve the database on migratory birds and their habitats, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of their conservation needs through enhanced research and monitoring efforts.
FAQs – National Action Plan for Conservation of Migratory Birds
1. What is the significance of migratory birds at Chilika, and where do they come from?
A: Migratory birds at Chilika come from regions beyond the Himalayas in Northern Eurasia, including Siberia, Kazakhstan, and remote areas of Russia. In the last winter, over a million birds of 184 different species visited Chilika.
2. How many migratory birds visited Chilika in the last winter, and what were the temperature conditions during their arrival this year?
A: In the last winter, 1,131,929 birds of 184 species visited Chilika. This year, migratory birds arrived even earlier, in the first week of October, with temperatures ranging between 33°C and 35°C.
3. What is the National Action Plan for the Conservation of Migratory Birds (2018-2023), and what are its objectives?
A: The National Action Plan aims to reduce the population decline of migratory birds and secure their habitats. The short-term goal is to stop the decline by 2027. Objectives include addressing challenges, ensuring habitat sustainability, and promoting trans-boundary cooperation.
4. Who is responsible for implementing the National Action Plan, and how often is the plan’s status reported?
A: The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change is responsible for plan implementation. A status report on the plan’s implementation is released by the Ministry every two years.
5. What are the six components of the National Action Plan, and how do they contribute to its objectives?
A: The six components include Species Conservation, Habitat Conservation and Sustainable Management, Communication and Outreach, Capacity Development, Research and Knowledge Base Development, and International Cooperation. They collectively focus on species protection, habitat management, awareness, stakeholder capacity building, research, and global collaboration.
6. What specific actions are covered under Species Conservation in the National Action Plan?
A: Species Conservation involves actions such as identifying critical habitats, promoting community-based conservation, and mitigating threats like hunting and poaching to safeguard migratory birds and their populations.
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