Zaribar, Safe Haven for Migratory Birds, Under Threat; 150 Bird Species Identified

Sanandaj – The Zaribar International Wetland, home to more than 150 bird species and where over 13,000 migratory birds have been recorded across 14 water sites in Kurdistan, is one of the province's key ecological assets.

Ambassador Arjan of the Provinces Group: The sound of birds in wetlands and water areas is not the only manifestation of the beauty of nature; It is a sign of the dynamism of the habitat on which the life of different species depends on its health.

Zaribar International Wetland in Kurdistan, with its remarkable diversity of birds, is one of the valuable manifestations of this natural capital; However, the destruction of habitats, climate changes, drying up of wetlands and illegal hunting have turned the protection of this capacity into a serious necessity.

At the same time as the World Day of Migratory Birds, the importance of protecting migratory routes and water habitats has been noticed once again; An issue that, along with the actions of the responsible institutions, requires increasing public awareness and citizen participation. Recording bird sightings, taking care of habitats and avoiding harmful behaviors can make people a part of the nature conservation process.

Zaribar; It hosts the largest variety of birds among the water sites of Kurdistan

Director General of Environmental Protection of Kurdistan, in an interview with Mehr reporter, referring to the importance of the International Day of Migratory Birds, stated: The protection of these species is not possible only with government programs, and it is necessary to accompany people and local communities in the protection of natural habitats.

Referring to the results of the monitoring of migratory birds in the province, Farzad Zandi added: In last year's census, 14 water sites in Kurdistan were investigated and a total of more than 13 thousand pieces of migratory birds were identified in these areas.

The Director General of Environmental Protection of Kurdistan stated that Zaribar International Wetland is one of the most important bird habitats in the province and said: This wetland has the highest diversity of birds by hosting more than 150 different species.

He said: Zaribar, as one of the natural capacities of Kurdistan, in addition to its environmental values, has a special importance in preserving the biodiversity of the region. The presence of different species of birds in this wetland highlights the need to pay attention to habitat conditions and reduce the factors that threaten wildlife.

Protection of migratory birds is not possible without the participation of people

In response to Mehr's reporter's question about the role of people in protecting migratory birds and water habitats, Zandi said: The conscious participation of citizens and local communities can help to better protect nature, along with specialized programs.

He considered the recording of bird observations by citizens as one of the fields of public participation and added: These observations can provide valuable data for the management and monitoring of bird migration routes.

According to the Director General of Environmental Protection of Kurdistan, people's support will be effective when it is accompanied by the recognition of natural values and compliance with the principles of wildlife protection. Observing birds and recording information related to their presence, if done consciously and without disturbing the species, can help to better understand the condition of birds in different habitats.

He clarified: This partnership also provides the context for more communication between local communities and environmental programs; Because the protection of wetlands and natural habitats is not limited to administrative and expert measures and the daily behavior of people is also effective in preserving or destroying these resources.

destruction of habitat and drying up of wetlands; A threat to migratory birds

The Director General of Environmental Protection of Kurdistan called the destruction of habitats, climate change, drying up of wetlands and illegal hunting as the most important threats facing migratory birds and emphasized the need to pay attention to these challenges and stated: Protecting habitats and preventing damage to nature is important for the continued presence of birds and preserving biodiversity.

Zandi stated: Changing habitat conditions can affect birds' access to food sources and suitable places to rest and continue their migration. On the other hand, drying up of wetlands and reducing the quality of aquatic habitats will reduce the capacity of these areas to host different species.

He stated: Illegal hunting is also one of the factors that directly threaten the life of birds. Dealing with these damages, along with monitoring and protective measures, requires public awareness and cooperation of citizens; Especially in areas where natural habitats are linked with the life and activities of local communities.

Every bird is important, every sighting is valuable

Referring to this year's World Migratory Bird Day slogan, "Every bird is important, every sighting is valuable", Zandi considered this message to be a reminder of everyone's responsibility towards nature and said: we must protect the environment and prevent the sky from being empty of the singing and flight of these valuable species.

He continued: This slogan emphasizes the importance of protecting each species as well as the value of information obtained from observing birds. Recording citizens' observations, along with specialized monitoring, can help to complete the data related to the distribution and presence of birds in different habitats.

According to Zandi, World Migratory Bird Day was first named in 2006 with the initiative of the Convention on Migratory Species and the Agreement on the Protection of Migratory Waterbirds in Africa and Eurasia. This international occasion is held with the aim of increasing public awareness about the need to protect the flight paths and sensitive habitats of birds.

The Director General of Environmental Protection of Kurdistan continued: Reducing threats such as pollution, destruction of habitats and climate change is one of the important axes of this global effort. An issue that is especially important in areas with wetlands and valuable water resources, including Kurdistan.

Protection from Zaribar is a responsibility beyond executive bodies

In the end, the Director General of Environmental Protection of Kurdistan, by inviting nature lovers to participate in the protection of protected areas, noted that the protection of this common natural heritage is the guarantor of the health of the ecosystems of the province and the biological balance of the region.

The identification statistics of more than 13,000 pieces of migratory birds in 14 water sites of Kurdistan and the diversity of more than 150 bird species in Zaribar International Wetland show part of the importance of water habitats in the province. Maintaining this capacity requires continuous attention to the state of wetlands, reducing human threats and strengthening the culture of nature protection.

In this direction, awareness and participation of local communities can complement specialized actions; From recording bird sightings to complying with protection rules and refraining from behaviors that disturb the peace of wildlife. Protecting Zaribar and other aquatic habitats of Kurdistan ultimately means protecting a part of the province's natural heritage and preserving the possibility of future generations benefiting from this valuable biodiversity.