Ghana to commemorate World Migratory Birds Day at Ada

Accra, May 11, GNA – Ghana is to join the international community to commemorate 2012 World Migratory Bird Day, with an educational talk and birds watching for school children on May 17, 2012 at Ada in the Greater Accra Region.

The event, which is in being organised by the Ghana Forestry Commission (GFC), in collaboration with Friends of Ramsar Sites, a non-governmental organization, is aimed at educating school children and the general public on the importance of migratory birds to development.

A statement signed by Nana Kofi Adu-Nsiah, GFC Executive Director, copied to Ghana News Agency (GNA) on Thursday in Accra, said the celebration would promote the relationship between migratory birds and people.

He said migratory birds over the years had been a key indicator of environmental change and a source of motivation for people all over the world.

This year's celebration, which falls on May, 12 to 13, would be on the theme: “Migratory birds and people-together through time”.

Nana Adu-Nsiah said artists and other professionals usually use birds in their paintings, stories, music, and even fashion, "due to their colourful feathers, sweet songs and their ability to fly across the globe."

He said many countries had decorated their national flags with birds, showing the powerful symbolism of national pride and strength.

Nana Adu-Nsiah said meat and eggs of birds also serve as rich protein and nutrients for people .

He said migratory birds were especially vulnerable because of their reliance on habitats as sites for feeding and breeding during their journey.

Nana Adu-Nsiah, said human activities such as excessive land use, hunting, pollution, and impact of climate change endangered the population of birds globally.

“To be able to continually benefit from our important relationships with migratory birds, we must be more conscious about how our actions might affect them,” he said.

Nana Adu-Nsiah said protecting and caring for birds would ensure that future generations benefit and enjoy the important connection between migratory birds and humans.

GNA