Statement by Mr. Mikaël Poutiers on World Migratory Bird Day 2024

The celebration of the World Migratory Bird Day on 12 October 2024 emphasises the critical role insects play in the survival of migratory bird species. These birds rely on the abundance of insects, as one of their primary food sources, to sustain their energy needs, especially during breeding and migration periods. The availability of insects in various habitats along their migration routes is essential, as it directly impacts their health, reproductive success and overall survival. Conserving insect populations is therefore vital to ensuring the well-being of migratory birds throughout their entire lifecycle.

Migratory species are unique in that their habitats encompass the entire length of their migration routes. The health of these habitats is therefore vital for their survival. The Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (Bern Convention) specifically addresses this relevant matter by stipulating the protection of important areas along migration routes, as outlined in Article 4.3: “The Contracting Parties undertake to give special attention to the protection of areas that are of importance for the migratory species specified in Appendices II and III and which are appropriately situated in relation to migration routes, as wintering, staging, feeding, breeding or moulting areas”.

Additionally, the Bern Convention directly tackles the danger of illegal killing, trapping, and trading of birds, particularly in the Mediterranean region. This problem has been regularly addressed at the Standing Committee meetings over the past twenty years. The Bern Convention is working closely with the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) Intergovernmental Task Force on Illegal Killing, Taking, and Trade of Migratory Birds in the Mediterranean (MIKT) to combat these illegal activities, currently within the Rome Strategic Plan 2020-2030: Eradicating Illegal Killing, Taking and Trade in Wild Birds in Europe and the Mediterranean region. Both Conventions organise periodically their joint meetings, monitor developments in various countries and support them in implementing the Strategy. An IKB Scoreboard has been established to track and evaluate progress in combating these illegal activities.

Protecting migratory birds, by their nature, requires international cooperation. The Bern Convention encourages states to exchange knowledge and expertise on conservation efforts. For migratory birds, cooperation between northern and southern countries is essential to ensure species' survival. Notably, the Convention is open for signatures and ratifications beyond the Council of Europe’s member States, including African countries where many migratory birds spend part of their lifecycle. Currently, Morocco, Tunisia, Burkina Faso, and Senegal are the sole African countries which are parties to the Convention. Others countries are more than welcome to join the Bern Convention.

On the occasion of the world day, let’s stand together to better protect migratory birds!