Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day in Uganda

The following activities are being proposed for NatureUganda’s participation: 1. Press Release and Panel discussion; a panel discussion / press briefing will be organized by NatureUganda, where print and electronic media will be invited. The panel discussion / press briefing will be followed by a press release. The release will announce the launch of the World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) on the weekend of 8/9 April 2006, and also release some information about the Bird Flu (Avian Flu). The press release and panel discussion will be jointly done together with partner organization and the National Task Force on Bird Flu. The Panel will comprise representatives from NatureUganda, Uganda Wildlife Authority, Wetlands Inspection Division, National Environment Management Authority and National Task Force on Bird Flu. A lot has been said about the bird flu but no information so far has been provided to the general public. This will therefore be a good time to publicize such information. The information about bird flu can be received from the National Task Force on Bird Flu (or picked from the Internet) and made available to the general public. This will also give publicity to NatureUganda, not only as one of the NGO’s / institutions involved in Bird flu monitoring, but also NatureUganda as an NGO. 2. Printing and disseminating information about World Migratory Bird Day; Bird FluNatureUganda in conjuction with the National Task Force on Bird Flu will print A3 size low cost material (black and white) about the World Migratory Bird Day and Bird Flu. The printed flyers will be distributed by volunteers to communities where migratory birds roost. 3. Film Show on Migratory Birds and a Short Talk on Avian; InfluenzaNatureUganda will organize a public talk on Avian Influenza. The talk will be delivered by a member of the National Task Force on Bird Flu in Uganda. The short talk will be followed by a free film show on bird migration. 4. Printing T-Shirts and writing articles for Print and Electronic mediaTo publicize the day, NatureUganda will print t-shirts which it will be given away to members and participants during the occasion. T-shirts give a long-lasting publicity impression. 5. Nature Walk at Lutembe; BayNatureUganda organises monthly nature walks for its membership. A nature walk to celebrate this day will be organized at Lutembe Bay which is one of the roosting sites for the bird migrants. Notable migrants that have been recorded here include: White-winged Black Terns and Gull-billed terns among others.