Egypt has reaffirmed the importance of protecting migratory birds and preserving their natural migration routes as the country marked World Migratory Bird Day, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Local Development and Environment.
This year’s event is being held under the slogan “Every bird counts… your observation matters,” with activities focused on raising environmental awareness and encouraging public participation in monitoring and documenting migratory birds.
Minister of Local Development and Environment Manal Awad said Egypt represents one of the world’s most important migration corridors due to its strategic geographic location linking Europe and Africa. Millions of birds pass through the country annually during seasonal migration periods, she noted.
Awad added that Egypt’s coastal areas and wetlands serve as vital resting and feeding stations for migratory birds, underscoring the importance of nature reserves in protecting these habitats and supporting biodiversity conservation.
She highlighted several key sites for migratory birds, including the Zaranik, Ashtoum El-Gamil, and Burullus reserves along the Mediterranean coast, in addition to Ras Mohammed and the northern Red Sea islands.
According to the minister, the government is continuing efforts through its nature protection sector to monitor migratory birds, reduce environmental threats, support scientific research, and strengthen public awareness regarding biodiversity preservation.
Awad also pointed to the winter migratory bird census project, implemented in cooperation with the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency (EEAA) and the Nature Conservation Egypt association, which provides scientific data on bird populations and species diversity.
The ministry said its conservation efforts include issuing annual hunting regulations and conducting campaigns to remove illegal bird-catching nets from protected areas. Approximately 18 kilometres of illegal nets have been removed from the Ashtoum El-Gamil and Burullus reserves.
Wildlife rescue centres are also continuing rehabilitation programmes for injured birds, including great white pelicans and various birds of prey.
The ministry called on citizens and nature enthusiasts to document and share bird sightings, noting that such observations provide valuable data that support scientific research and conservation initiatives.
World Migratory Bird Day is observed twice annually, in May and October, to coincide with spring and autumn migration seasons and to promote global awareness of the importance of protecting migratory birds and their habitats.