Author: abdulnasser eisa

Libya’s Winter Census of Migratory Waterbirds (IWC 2026) officially concluded on 31 January 2026, following field surveys across key coastal and inland wetlands. The final surveys took place at Annjeela sewage west of Tripoli, marking the end of a nationwide effort from western to eastern Libya.

National field teams recorded waterbird species and numbers at coastlines, sabkhas, dams, and wadis, helping track population trends and environmental changes. The results highlight the vital role of Libyan wetlands as stopover sites along migratory routes and emphasize the importance of systematic monitoring for biodiversity conservation.

The Libyan Society for Birds thanks all field teams and local partners whose dedication made this year’s census a success, as well as everyone who provided support and cooperation throughout this national environmental initiative.

As part of ongoing IWC 2026 activities in Libya, field surveys were conducted on Thursday, 29 January 2026, at several wetland sites east of the capital, Tripoli. The surveyed locations included Al-Naqqaza, Wadi Turgat, and Wadi Masid.

Field teams recorded waterbird species and counted their numbers at these sites, which serve as important habitats for both resident and migratory birds. These areas provide essential feeding and resting grounds, particularly during the winter season.

The surveys were conducted by a national team from the Libyan Society for Birds, the Ministry of Environment, and the University of Tripoli. This work is part of wider national efforts to monitor waterbirds and enhance environmental data collection across Libya. These efforts contribute to supporting biodiversity conservation programs and the protection of natural habitats.

As part of ongoing the International Waterbird Census (IWC 2026) in Libya, census activities were conducted on 27 and 28 January 2026 in the Sawknah area. The survey targeted several ecologically important wetland sites.

Field teams surveyed the following locations: Wadi Al-Wishkah dam, Al-Arjah, Zawq, Al-Jurf Basin, and the Al-Hammam area, which are considered important habitats for both resident and migratory waterbirds.

The census was carried out by a joint national team that included the Libyan Society for Birds, the Ministry of Environment, the University of Tripoli, the Sokna Society for Wildlife, and the Faculty of Natural Resources at the University of Al-Jufra, as part of coordinated national efforts to monitor waterbirds and enhance national biodiversity records.

The Libyan Bird Society extends its sincere appreciation to the Ittihad Sokna Club and the Sokna Society for Wildlife for their warm welcome and generous hospitality. Thanks are also extended to the Sokna Agricultural Projects Administration (National Development Authority) and the Wadi Al-Wishkah dam Administration for their fruitful cooperation, which contributed to the successful implementation of the census activities in the area.

On Sunday 25 January and Monday 26 January 2026, the International Waterbird Census (IWC 2026) continued across several ecologically important wetlands in Libya.

Field teams surveyed the following sites: Sabkhat Julyanah, 23 July Lake, Sabkhat Al-Thama, Ayn Zayyanah, Assinaya Benghazi, Bou Dzira, and Sabkhat Qanfudhah in the city of Benghazi, as well as Sabkhat Qaminis, Sabkhat Karkurah, and Wadi Bin Jawad Dam.

The surveys were conducted by the Libyan Society for Birds in cooperation with the Ministry of Environment and the University of Tripoli. The activities form part of coordinated national efforts to improve waterbird monitoring and enhance environmental data collection.

These efforts support biodiversity conservation and contribute to the protection of Libya’s vital wetland habitats.

From 22 to 24 January 2026, the International Waterbird Census (IWC 2026) was conducted at wetland sites across the Al-Jabal Al-Akhdar region of Libya. the team surveyed the following locations: AL-Tamimi harbour, Alqsebaia, Ain Alghazala, Bardi Alwahsh, Sabkhat AL-Tamimi, Ras Attin, Um hafain, Um Algrami, Wadi Alhamsa, Wadi Alkhabta, Wadi Derna, Kersa Coast, Sabkhat Al-Haniya, Ain Alshaghigha, Ain Azzargha, and Al-Ghariq in the city of Al Marj.

These sites are environmentally significant, hosting a rich diversity of resident and migratory waterbirds in Libya.

The census activities in Al-Jabal Al-Akhdar were conducted through the joint efforts of the Libyan Society for Birds, the Alhaya Organization for Protection of Wildlife and Marine Organisms, the Ministry of Environment, and the University of Tripoli, as part of coordinated national efforts to improve waterbird monitoring and enhance environmental data collection.

The Libyan Society for Birds continues to conduct the International Waterbird Census (IWC 2026) at several key coastal and wetland sites across the country. The annual survey aims to monitor waterbird species, record their numbers, and track seasonal population changes.

On Wednesday, 21 January 2026, field teams carried out bird counts along the Sirte Coast, as well as at Sabkhat Sultan, Sabkhat Bishr, and Sabkhat AL-Burayqah. The surveys were conducted in partnership with the Ministry of Environment and the University of Tripoli, using internationally recognized monitoring methods followed in winter bird counts worldwide.

This effort reflects Libya’s active commitment to participating in the International Waterbird Census (IWC), which is conducted annually during the same period in more than 100 countries worldwide, allowing scientists to compare data across regions and better understand trends in waterbird populations. The information gathered helps provide a clearer picture of the status of waterbirds at both regional and global levels, supporting biodiversity conservation and the protection of vital wetland habitats.

The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) will hold its 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP15) in Campo Grande, in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, from 23 to 29 March 2026.

CMS is a United Nations environmental treaty that brings together governments and conservation partners to address the conservation of migratory species and their habitats throughout their migration routes. The Convention is legally binding and includes two main appendices:

Appendix I: Covers migratory species threatened with extinction and requires strict protection measures by Parties.

Appendix II: Covers migratory species that require international cooperation for their conservation and sustainable management.

This conference is one of the most important global forums dedicated to the protection of migratory terrestrial and marine species, including mammals, birds, fish, and other marine organisms. During COP15, Parties will consider proposals to list 42 new migratory species under the Convention’s Appendices, in addition to one proposal to remove a species that has numerically recovered thanks to long-term conservation efforts.

Proposed Migratory Birds for Listing

Among the proposed species are several migratory birds submitted by different countries, including:

1. Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus): Proposed for listing in Appendix II – submitted by Norway.
2. Gadfly petrels (26 species from the genera Pterodroma and Pseudobulweria): 9species proposed for Appendix I and 17 species for Appendix II – submitted by Australia, Brazil, Chile, Cook Islands, Dominican Republic, Fiji, and New Zealand.
3. Flesh-footed Shearwater (Ardenna carneipes): Proposed for listing in Appendix II – submitted by Australia, France, and New Zealand.
4. Hudsonian Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus hudsonicus): Proposed for listing in Appendix I – submitted by Brazil and Chile.
5. Hudsonian Godwit (Limosa haemastica): Proposed for listing in Appendix I – submitted by Brazil and Chile.
6. Lesser Yellowlegs (Tringa flavipes): Proposed for listing in Appendix I – submitted by Uruguay.
7. Iberá Seedeater (Sporophila iberaensis): Proposed for listing in Appendix II – submitted by Argentina and Brazil.

Conference Objectives

COP15 aims to strengthen coordinated international action to address the growing threats facing migratory species, particularly:

• Habitat loss and fragmentation
• Unsustainable exploitation
• Climate change
• Pollution

Libya is a Party to the Convention, making the outcomes of COP15 directly relevant to its national conservation efforts ,to protect biodiversity and migratory species.