Birds, the Best Ambassadors of Biodiversity

When was the last time you saw a bird?  Perhaps this morning while you were exercising outside, or yesterday during a stroll through a park. If you are on holiday, you have probably seen one in a forest, village square, in the countryside, flying low over the ocean at the beach, skimming rivers or other bodies of water. It makes no difference if it's winter in the Southern Hemisphere or  Summer in the Northern Hemisphere,  daytime or night, on a busy city street, in a moor, jungle, or desert. Birds are everywhere! For that reason, Audubon believes that birds should take center stage at the next COP16 to be held in Cali.

Birds are found in almost every ecosystem on the planet. Their continuous presence is a warning and a reminder to take action. Birds do not only elicit joy and admiration. They are excellent indicators of an ecosystem's health, making them unparalleled umbrella species. On the other hand, the absence or decline of bird populations points to the degradation and disappearance of our natural world. This has increasingly been the case for decades. The reason? - climate change, habitat loss, pollution, invasive species, pesticides, and pollutants, among other factors.

We are well aware that biodiversity and the conservation of our natural resources are the basis for our growth and survival as a species. Healthy ecosystems provide invaluable services, such as storm protection and water regulation. Nevertheless, we are losing our biodiversity and ecosystems at an alarming rate. How do we reverse this trend and ensure a sustainable future for everyone? One option is to turn to birds for a solution. By protecting birds we also preserve our ecosystems.

Birds can be our guides and ambassadors in this collective effort towards a more sustainable future. A study by Audubon shows how the most important areas for conservation of migratory, endemic and globally endangered birds in Colombia overlap key water regulation sites by 85% and sites that are vulnerable or highly vulnerable to climate change by 42%.

Mangroves, corals, and seagrasses are not only a refuge for various species and the home of fisheries, but also act as natural barriers against storms and tsunamis. Studies have shown that marine ecosystems can reduce wave energy on shores by 95%. More effective protection of river basins improves water quality and regulates water flow, so vital for human life and agriculture. Four of the world´s five major cities could improve water quality and regulation by harnessing the power of nature. One out of every six of these cities can also save resources by investing in river basin conservation rather than only investing in more treatment plants or grey infrastructure.

The annual financial gap associated with managing natural resources and mitigating the future effects of climate change is estimated to range from $598 and $824 billion. Financial resources are earmarked and business cases exist to justify why biodiversity conservation should be internalised in decision-making. Based on my experience at Audubon, I can honestly say that we possess the tools, methodologies, citizen engagement, and insight into rural science to spur this movement. We are also counting on the unrivaled convening power of birds.

Recent studies show that birding is on the rise in the Americas with more than 96 million birdwatchers in the United States alone. We have an opportunity to connect these euphoric birders and make the necessary policy and investment changes for that purpose. That, indeed, reflects the power of birds.

What I am referring to, here, is galvanizing civil society to create local, national, and global movements, and call on our governments to make this a priority investment. Colombia, home to nearly 2000 bird species, is truly, a country of birds. The National Bird Conservation Strategy ENCA2030 facilitated by Audubon, RNOA, and the Humboldt Institute with support from the Colombian Ministry of Environment is an inspirational example of how society can organize itself to protect its natural resources. The strategy encompasses more than 2,000 people from diverse socio-economic backgrounds as well as the environmental, academic, public, private, regional, autonomous, and corporate sectors. The objective is the conservation and sustainable management of key habitats for birds, nature, and local communities.

Birdwatchers, civil society, and businesses must coordinate efforts and work together to address climate change adaptation and mitigation. They must collaborate with governments to effectively implement ENCA as well as other conservation initiatives. Birds can serve as our guides and ambassadors in this collective effort towards a more sustainable future.

Audubon and its local and hemispheric partners look to the next COP and beyond as an opportunity to demonstrate how birds connect us to the needs of nature and humanity. The time to act together is now. We must endeavor to protect our birds and biodiversity and ensure the well-being of local communities and us all.

Originally published in El Espectador newspaper, June 27, 2024.