Every year, thousands of shorebirds undertake a journey away from the cold climatic conditions that prevail in the north of the American continent, seeking refuge and food that awaits in the wetlands of northwestern Mexico. Like so few others, this migratory phenomenon is captivating, in addition to the fact that the species play a vital role in the health of the receiving ecosystems.
Part of our work for shorebird conservation lies in understanding these habits and obtaining valuable scientific data that allow us to design strategies focused on the conservation of wetlands and other ecosystems they choose along their migratory route.
In Baja California Sur, in collaboration with the UABCS Bird Laboratory, we are carrying out an important conservation effort in sites such as the artificial wetland adjacent to the Municipal Ecopark of Youth and multiple educational activities that bring tools and knowledge to the community that will allow them to become agents of change in their communities. We are promoting the same with our participation in the 1st Shorebird Festival of the Ensenada de La Paz.
In order to generate a forum to socialize on the importance of wetlands and raise awareness about the fundamental role of water for these ecosystems and our community, the festival will present a series of activities including bird identification, educational talks, photographic exhibits and bird watching tours in the Ecopark.
“This is the first festival held in Ensenada de la Paz, and we decided to frame it on World Water Day, largely because of its significance for wetlands. We are looking to create awareness about the relationship between shorebirds and water, as well as to promote citizen ownership of wetland and biodiversity conservation issues,” says Victor Ayala, a bird expert with Pronatura Noroeste and a Coastal Solutions Program grantee.
The first edition of the Shorebird Festival of the Ensenada de La Paz will be held on March 22 and 23, with activities held at the Scenic Forum of the Autonomous University of Baja California Sur and the lagoons of the Ecopark. Making it happen is a shared effort between the Autonomous University of Baja California Sur, through the UABCS Bird Lab, the Coastal Solutions Fellow Program of Cornell University, Fundación Innovaciones Alumbra, Fundación Río Arronte, Pronatura Noroeste and other allies.
Planning to attend? If so, we recommend you first download the free “Guide to Common Birds in the Lagoons of the Ecoparque Municipal de la Juventud”, with which you will learn a little more about the species present in this artificial wetland.
Join the effort to protect and conserve shorebirds and their habitats in northwestern Mexico.
