Feathers in Focus: International Workshop Takes Flight to Strengthen Bird Conservation Across South Asia

Patna: In a concerted effort to bolster bird conservation endeavors in the South Asian region, an International Workshop on Bird Conservation Initiatives in India with a Special Focus on Illegal Hunting, Taking, and Trade of Wild Birds kicked off at Patna on Monday. The three-day event, taking place from February 5 to 7 is jointly organized by the Department of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (DEFCC), Bihar, and the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS).

The inaugural ceremony was presided over by Bandana Preyashi, Secretary, DEFCC, who highlighted Bihar’s commitment to bird conservation. The Secretary emphasized the proactive engagement of the department in bird conservation, pointing out the existence of five bird sanctuaries, one community reserve, and one conservation reserve in Bihar. She underscored the importance of wetlands, covering an expansive 4000 square kilometers, as crucial habitats for migratory birds.

The workshop, Secretary Preyashi stated, aimed to promote collaboration not only among South Asian countries but also among the various states within India. Bird experts from both the country and abroad congregated to identify challenges in the field of bird conservation, with the objective of formulating comprehensive solutions and action plans. She asserted that bird conservation stands as a top priority for the department, with the potential for bird tourism in the state providing opportunities for local employment and income generation.

During the opening ceremony, Secretary Preyashi unveiled “Wings of Sundervan” and the poster for the “Bird Atlas of Bhagalpur.” These releases marked important contributions to the broader cause of bird conservation.

Prabhat Kumar Gupta, PCCF-cum- Chief Wildlife Warden, Bihar, shared notable achievements in the conservation efforts, particularly highlighting the success story of the greater adjutant. Initiated in 2015-16 in Kadwa diara in Bhagalpur district, the project witnessed collaboration between the forest department and NGOs. Gupta noted a gradual increase in the number of greater adjutants, with Kadwa diara earning a place on the international bird map. The establishment of a bird ringing and monitoring station in Bhagalpur in 2020, with support from the BNHS, has facilitated ongoing research and extension activities.

Sajid Sultan, Assistant Inspector General of Forests, National Tiger Conservation Authority of India, provided insights into bird conservation initiatives and High-Altitude Management Systems in the Ladakh landscape. He also outlined the Black-necked crane conservation program in Ladakh.

Representatives from neighboring countries also contributed to the discourse. Allama Shibli Sadik from the Bangladesh forest department stressed the need for mutual cooperation in bird conservation, emphasizing that birds transcend international boundaries. Tshering Peldon from the Bhutan forest department labeled the international workshop as a crucial milestone in the field of bird conservation.

The first day of the workshop saw intensive discussions on bird conservation initiatives. The agenda for the second day includes deliberations on illegal poaching, taking, and trade of birds, along with measures for prevention. Renowned bird experts from various countries, including Santalal Gajmer from Bhutan, Mohan Bikram Shrestha from Nepal, Artyom Khrokov from Kazakhstan, Gayomini Panagoda from Sri Lanka, Saumitra Das Gupta, former ADG, wildlife, Government of India, Bharat Jyoti, Former Director, Indra Gandhi National Forest Academy, Rajesh Kumar, APCCF, West Bengal, Gitanjali Kanwar from Punjab, and Dr. Dhananjai Mohan, PCCF, Uttarakhand, shared insights on Conservation Initiatives at National and Flyway Level.