On Tuesday, 6 April 2021, and with the gracious presence and sponsorship of the Minister of Environment, Dr. Ibrahim Munir, a workshop was held to present the results of the 2021 Winter Waterbird Survey. The event brought together members from civil society organizations as well as relevant state institutions that contributed to the success of this year’s survey.

The program began with welcoming remarks, during which the Minister praised the efforts of civil society organizations in environmental protection and wished success for the workshop’s proceedings.

The Libyan Society for Birds presented an overview of the winter waterbird survey in Libya, including its initiation, phases, challenges, and obstacles encountered. The 2021 survey results were shared, highlighting participating organizations, including:

• Libyan Organization for Conservation of Nature.
• Bessida Society for the Protection of Farwa Island and Lake.
• University of Tripoli – Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science.
• Ministry of Environment (formerly General Environmental Authority).

The presentation also covered the surveyed sites, documented bird species, and counts. A segment was dedicated to introducing the Ministry’s Civil Activity Office, followed by a documentary video showcasing the 2021 survey activities, diverse habitats, bird species, and the survey team in action.

A discussion session followed, focusing on the presented results and the Ministry’s role in supporting environmental NGOs. The Minister reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting activities aimed at environmental conservation, protection of natural resources, and biodiversity preservation.

The workshop concluded with the distribution of certificates of appreciation to organizations that contributed to the success of the 2021 national waterbird survey, including:

• Farwa Fish Farm.
• Farwa Protected Area Monitoring Center.
• Libyan Organization for Conservation of Nature.
• Bessida Society for the Protection of Farwa Island and Lake.
• Libyan Society Wildlife Trust.
• Bado Society for the protection of marine and terrestrial life.
• Al Haḑabah Sewage Treatment Plant.
• University of Tripoli – Services Office & Department of Movement.
• Directors of Departments and Offices at the Ministry of Environment.

The Libyan Society for Birds extends its sincere gratitude to the Minister of Environment for sponsoring and attending the workshop, as well as to all participants for their engagement and commitment to bird and environmental conservation in Libya.