Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
ZIMBABWE has joined the global community in commemorating World Migratory Bird Day 2026, with the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) calling for increased protection of migratory bird species and their habitats.
This year’s commemorations are being held under the theme, “Every Bird Counts – Your Observations Matter!”.
In a statement, Zimparks public relations manager Mr Luckmore Safuli said the day is observed annually on the second Saturday of May to raise awareness on the importance of migratory birds and the need to safeguard biodiversity.
“Observed annually on the second Saturday of May, World Migratory Bird Day highlights the critical importance of migratory birds, the habitats they depend on, and the shared responsibility of governments, communities and citizens in safeguarding biodiversity for present and future generations,” he said.
Mr Safuli said the 2026 theme underscored the role played by communities and individuals in supporting bird conservation through observations, photography and participation in biodiversity monitoring platforms.
“Every observation strengthens national datasets and supports global efforts to conserve migratory birds,” he said.
Zimbabwe lies along the African-Eurasian Migratory Flyway and hosts a wide range of migratory waterbirds, raptors and terrestrial bird species that rely on wetlands, forests, protected areas and community landscapes during migration and breeding periods.
Mr Safuli said migratory birds were critical in maintaining ecosystem integrity through pollination, seed dispersal and natural pest regulation while also serving as indicators of environmental health.
He said Zimbabwe remained committed to international conservation frameworks, including the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals, the African-Eurasian Waterbird Agreement and the Memorandum of Understanding on the Conservation of Migratory Birds of Prey in Africa and Eurasia.
Mr Safuli said the country continued to prioritise the conservation and sustainable management of wetlands and breeding sites by implementing the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.
He said Zimbabwe was implementing the National Vulture Conservation and Lead Poisoning Mitigation Strategy to address poisoning threats and strengthen monitoring systems for threatened bird species.
Mr Safuli said research and monitoring programmes were also being undertaken in partnership with BirdLife Zimbabwe and local universities to support evidence-based conservation and national reporting obligations.
“As we celebrate World Migratory Bird Day, the message is clear: protecting migratory birds and their habitats today is essential for ecological sustainability, climate resilience, and the preservation of the country’s natural heritage for future generations,” he said.
