World Migratory Birds Day 2015

The event will to take place in the period from 14 - 16 May 2015 in ElHaj abdalla at Gezeira, an area sensitive to the migratory soaring birds; Gezeira embraces giant agricultural schemes, in addition to some important wetlands. These together with irrigation canals form an important habitat for migratory soaring birds. Grid of power lines criss-cross the Gezira scheme, supplying energy to the irrigated schemes as well as heavily populated residential areas. The power lines are relatively old. Recent surveys conducted by members of SWS revealed that many MSB die due to collision with power lines and electrocution. The survey was an attempt to explore opportunities to develop a vehicle project in collaboration with Electricity Transmission Company (ETC). The purpose of the event, therefore, is to draw the attention of ETC about the importance of protecting the migratory soaring birds using the tools developed by the Migratory Soaring Birds Project funded by GEF/UNDP (www.migratorysoaringbirds.undp.birdlife.org) Early contacts will be made with all ETC stations in Gezeira through their headquarter in Khartoum. They will be informed about the event, and their contribution and suggestions will be sought. Specifically, their views about Energy loss due electrocution will be sought and the possibility of using tools developed by the project will be emphasized. The case of Port Sudan Killer Power Line will be emphasized and how the switching off of the power line by ETC had been praised by the International conservation community and that similar solutions are expected or MSB tools be adopted. The event will be done in one day (16 May 2015), although distribution of event's materials to stakeholders may start as from 14 April, The celebration will start by welcome speeches from SWS and Director of El Hag abdalla Station. This will be followed by a presentation from SWS, about mortality of birds due to collision with power lines and electrocution, emphasizing the case of Port Sudan Killer Power Line. Sensitivity map tool and energy guidelines will be introduced, followed by discussion and recommendations to adopt them. Recommendations will be communicated to ETC Director General. An exhibition showing mortality of birds due to power lines will accompany the celebration.