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On their epic journeys spanning thousands of kilometres, migratory birds connect the continents, cultures and people along their migration routes. World Migratory Bird Day 2012, with the theme "Migratory birds and people - together through time", highlighted the incredible relationship between migratory birds and people.
Humanity's fascination with migratory birds is evident in the symbolism throughout history in many ancient cultural legends. For example, in Egypt the ancient falcon headed god Horus and in Peru the Nazca line monuments are testaments to migratory birds' strong influences on past cultures. Also, many groups and cultures continue to rely economically on migratory birds for their livelihoods, for example through subsistence and the growing global ecotourism industry. Further, the phenomenon of bird migration is crucial to the web of life, as migrating birds act as indicators of biodiversity, ecosystem health and climate change. Migratory birds also provide essential ecological benefits and services, such as pollination, to the ecosystems we rely on to survive.
Considering the cultural, social, historic, economic and spiritual connections we have with birds, it becomes clear that migratory birds and people are inseparably connected in many different ways and on many different levels. However, many human activities including excessive land use and unsustainable hunting, as well as the impacts of climate change, fishing by-catch and pollution now gravely threaten migratory bird populations around the world.
A record breaking number of events celebrated WMBD 2012, with more than 250 registered events in 81 countries and territories.
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