On 9 May people around the world will celebrate World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD). Experts recently published this article about the worrying condition of seabirds, in which it says that the UICN has added to the list of endangered seabird species in Spain. It is still extremely concerned about the Balearic shearwater (Puffinus mauretanicus), which is “critically endangered”.

Conservation of migratory birds is a difficult task because they pass through different continents and countries on their journeys throughout the year. That is why it is so difficult to implement international regulations to protect them. To be able to ensure their conservation, we need to know where they nest and breed, where they spend the winter, which routes they use for migration and where they stop to rest during their travels.

One of the main threats affecting migratory birds is their dependence on cereal crops: industrial farming uses early varieties of cereal, and chicks do not have time to fully develop before this is harvested. Another significant problem is ingestion of plastic waste.

Migratory birds connect us and we have to be connected to protect them.

Education is essential to be able to explain the importance of protecting these birds and the biodiversity they need to live. Because of their long journeys, migratory birds pass through different ecosystems. These are complex systems which are built up over long periods, and they are particularly sensitive to changes.

Ecosystems have a very delicate balance with the climate, and rapid changes can damage them, leading to the extinction of animal and plant species.

Biodiversity is a source of evolution of the planet, and helps to maintain the natural balance of the Earth. That is why Educaclima is inviting you to browse through our resources and to use them in the classroom to explore the subjects of nature and biodiversity.

Also, thanks to our ‘Docuservation’ resources, we invite you to do our home-based activity ‘Ecosystems of the world‘, where children aged between 12 and 18 will learn about natural ecosystems and landscapes.

The more we know about nature, biodiversity and its complexity, the more we will understand, love and want to protect it.