Ghana to commemorate World Migratory Birds Day in Ada

Ghana Forestry Commission (GFC) is to join the international community to commemorate 2012 World Migratory Bird Day, with an educational talk and bird watching for school children on May 17, 2012, at Ada in the Greater Accra Region.

The event, which is in being organized by GFC in collaboration with Friends of Ramsar Sites, a non-governmental organization, is aimed at educating school children and the general public on the importance of migratory birds.

A statement signed by Nana Kofi Adu-Nsiah, GFC Executive Director, copied to Ghana News Agency (GNA) on Thursday in Accra, said the celebration would promote the relationship between migratory birds and people.

He said migratory birds over the years have been a key indicator of environmental change and a source of motivation for people all over the world.

This year’s celebration which falls on May 12 to 13 is on theme: “Migratory birds and people-together through time”.

Nana Adu-Nsiah said artists usually use birds in their paintings, stories, music and even fashion due to their colourful feathers, sweet songs and their ability to fly across the globe.

He said many countries have decorated their national flags with birds, showing the powerful symbolism used to show national pride and strength.

Nana Adu-Nsiah, said the meat and eggs of birds also serve rich protein and nutrients for human consumption.

He said migratory birds were especially vulnerable because of their reliance on a number of habitats as sites for feeding and breeding during their journey.

Nana Adu-Nsiah, said human activities such as excessive land use and unsustainable hunting and impact of climate change and pollution, endangers the population of many birds globally.

“To be able to continually benefit from our important relationships with migratory birds, we must be more conscious about how our actions might affect them,” he said.

Nana Adu-Nsiah said protecting and caring for birds would ensure that future generations also benefit and enjoy the important connections between migratory birds and humans.**