Malaysia is one of the 19 EAAF countries as a destination for migratory birds – Takiyuddin
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is one of the 19 member countries of the East Asian-Australasian Flyway (EAAF) which is a destination for migratory birds to rest, find food and shelter before continuing their journey to other destinations.
Energy and Natural Resources Minister Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan in a statement in conjunction with World Migratory Bird Day here today said that every year, there are more than 50 million migratory bird species that migrate through the EAAF to avoid winter in their home countries.
The East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP) was established on 6 November 2006 to focus on the protection of migratory birds, their habitats and the human communities that depend on them.
“Bako Buntal Bay, Sarawak was recognized as the first Flyway Network Site in Malaysia in 2013,” he said.
He said “Dim the Night Lights for the Birds!” has been chosen as the theme for this year’s celebration to call on the world community to dim unnecessary lights at night to avoid disturbance to migratory birds.
He said bright lights can be confusing and can cause the animal to crash into buildings while flying at night in addition to disrupting the biological rhythm of migratory birds.
“In conjunction with World Migratory Bird Day today, I call on all parties to join forces and intensify efforts in conserving migratory birds.
“The Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (KeTSA) as the national focal point for EAAFP also welcomes state governments that have stopover sites for migratory birds to nominate them as Flyway Network Sites in Malaysia,” he said.
World Migratory Bird Day is celebrated every second Saturday of May and October each year with the aim of raising public awareness of the importance of conserving migratory birds and their ecosystems at the global level.
source – BERNAMA
