Frequently Asked Questions

alt

1. What is World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD)?
2. Who organizes WMBD?
3. Who can participate?
4. How can I participate?
5. Are there specific standards or guidelines when it comes to holding an event?
6. Can I download WMBD material on the website?
7. Where can I find the latest news about WMBD?
8. How can I order materials?
9. Can I get in touch with other event organizers?
10. I have ideas and suggestions for improvement for WMBD. How can I share them with you?
11. How can my organization become a partner of WMBD?
12. Where are WMBD events being held?

1. What is World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD)?

WMBD was initiated in 2006 and is an annual awareness-raising campaign highlighting the need for the protection of migratory birds and their habitats. On the second weekend each May, people around the world take action and organize public events such as bird festivals, education programmes and birdwatching excursions to celebrate WMBD. Events are registered on the WMBD website (www.worldmigratorybirdday.org) where they are featured along with the other registered events from around the world.

Read more:
Background information

2. Who organizes WMBD?

The campaign is organized by two international wildlife treaties administered by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) – the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), and the African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbird Agreement (AEWA). WMBD is also supported by a growing number of partners. The main partners behind WMBD are BirdLife International, Wetlands International, the East Asian - Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP) and the International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation (CIC).

3. Who can participate?

Anyone interested in migratory bird conservation is welcome to host a WMBD event to raise awareness about the importance of protecting migratory birds and their habitats. In the past, events have been organized by schools, parks, town halls, education centres, environment ministries and nature reserves. Celebrations have included a variety of events such as birdwatching tours, educational workshops, dramas, festivals, exhibitions, painting competitions and other awareness-raising activities.

4. How can I participate?

Participating in WMBD is easy. Organize an event for migratory birds such as birdwatching tours, educational workshops, dramas, festivals, exhibitions, painting competitions and other awareness-raising activities. We encourage everyone to register their event, so that people around the world can see what you are doing for WMBD. Simply fill in the registration form. The information you provide will be included on the WMBD website once it has been checked by us. We also show registered events on the global WMBD Event Map. Thereby, others can see your event, which helps to stimulate international awareness for your activities.

5. Are there specific guidelines when it comes to holding an event?

There are no specific guidelines – an event can be virtually anything you like! WMBD activities take place in many different places, both indoors and outdoors. Schools, parks, town halls, education centres and nature reserves are all places where events have been hosted in the past. Each year, WMBD event organizers hold birdwatching tours and educational workshops, dramas, festivals, exhibitions, painting competitions and other awareness-raising activities.

6. Can I download WMBD material from the website?

Yes, the WMBD logo, poster, flyer and royalty-free photos can be found on the Press/Materials page of the WMBD website. You can use the materials in various ways such as for PowerPoint presentations, as supporting images in website announcements as well as for reprinting purposes for local, national and regional distribution.

7. Where can I find the latest news about WMBD?

We are happy to share the latest WMBD news with you. Please refer to the press and web coverage page (to be updated soon) on the WMBD website. We also encourage you to join the WMBD community on Facebook and Twitter to receive news, exchange experiences and meet like-minded people from all over the world.

8. How can I order materials?

We are happy to provide you with posters, stickers and postcards of this year's WMBD. Please contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and let us know about the desired items and quantity. Please include your shipping address, phone number and e-mail address.

9. Can I get in touch with other event organizers?

Yes, you can! You can check the WMBD Event Map and Registered Events List find WMBD events near you. You are welcome to contact the organizers for valuable community and networking experiences. It is also a great way to learn what others are doing and to get ideas for your own events.

10. I have ideas and suggestions for improvement for WMBD. How can I share them with you?

Your ideas and suggestions for improving WMBD are always welcome. Please send us you suggestions through our Contact Us page.

11. How can my organization become a partner of WMBD?

Dedicated organizations interested in becoming partners or sponsors of WMBD are welcome to contact Mr. Bert Lenten, Deputy Executive Secretary, Convention on Migratory Species (CMS). Please copy your message to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it so that we can follow up on your message if need be.

12. Where are WMBD events being held?

WMBD events are held all over the world. Since WMBD began in 2006, events have reached 118 countries. WMBD activities take place in many different places, both indoors and outdoors. Schools, parks, town halls, education centres and nature reserves are all places where events have been hosted in the past. These can vary from birdwatching tours and educational workshops to dramas, festivals, exhibitions, painting competitions and other awareness-raising activities. Click here to see all events which are registered so far.