Statement by Ms. Anacláudia Rossbach on World Migratory Bird Day 2025

On this World Migratory Bird Day, UN-Habitat joins the global call to protect migratory birds and the habitats upon which they depend. As cities continue to grow, we must ensure that urbanization does not come at the cost of nature. Poorly planned development contributes to habitat loss, light pollution, and the fragmentation of entire landscapes – key threats to the survival of migratory birds.

But cities also hold immense potential to lead the way in reversing nature loss. UN-Habitat’s work at the interface of urban growth, biodiversity, and water management demonstrates that with the right tools and approaches, cities can actively safeguard migratory species. And our first resolution on biodiverse and resilient cities, adopted by our Assembly in 2023, mandates us to collaborate with interested governments to implement these approaches.

Our Hotspot Stoplight initiative – developed with the University of Pennsylvania and One Architecture – uses advanced mapping to guide development away from areas of high ecological and hydrological value. It helps cities project future risks of biodiversity loss, water system disruption and climate change, ensuring that decisions about where and how to grow are informed by nature and driven by prevention.

Our work also emphasizes the preservation of green and blue corridors and creation of stepping stones - spaces that provide food, shelter and safe passage for migratory birds. From managing peri-urban expansion to restoring riparian zones and wetlands, UN-Habitat supports integrated planning that secures these vital links within and beyond city boundaries, which is fundamental to building climate-resilient and liveable cities for all species.

Today, I call on local leaders, planners and communities to work together across borders and disciplines to bring nature back into our cities. By being strategic about how and where cities expand, and designing bird-friendly urban environments with water and native plants, we can create safe stopovers for migratory birds and sustainable futures for all.

Let us mark this day not only with recognition of migratory birds, but with meaningful and sustained action.