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Author: abdulnasser eisa

Handover of the Rüppell’s Vulture (Gyps rueppelli) to Tripoli Zoo by the Libyan Society for Birds.

On Wednesday, November 2, 2022, a rare raptor, the Rüppell’s Vulture (Gyps rueppelli), was handed over to Tripoli Zoo by the Libyan Society for Birds team.

This bird had been found approximately a year and a half earlier in the outskirts of Bani Walid – Shmeikh Village, where it was cared for by Mr. Abdulnasser Eisa, a member of the Libyan Society for Birds.

The handover was coordinated with Mr. Ibrahim Al-Qahwaji, and approved by Dr. Abdulfattah Hosni, Director of Tripoli Zoo. The Society’s team, consisting of Dr. Khaled Etayeb (President), Mr. Ashraf Galidan (Director of Administrative and Financial Affairs), and Mr. Abdulnasser Eisa (Member), handed over the bird to Mr. Fateh Sof El-Jein, who officially received it.

This bird represents the first documented record of Rüppell’s Vulture (Gyps rueppelli) in Libya. As a species listed as endangered, this event holds significant scientific importance for biodiversity conservation.

At the conclusion of the occasion, the management and members of the Libyan Society for Birds expressed their sincere gratitude to Tripoli Zoo, including its staff and technicians, for their efforts in animal care and for warmly welcoming the Society’s team.

World Migratory Bird Day Celebration: 25 Species Recorded at Al-Hadaba Wastewater Treatment Plant.

In celebration of World Migratory Bird Day, the Libyan Society for Birds conducted a field visit on Monday, October 10, 2022, to the Al-Hadaba Wastewater Treatment Plant in Tripoli.

The visit resulted in the recording of 25 species of waterbirds and terrestrial birds, as follows:

  • Cormorant
  • Little Egret
  • Grey Heron
  • Night Heron
  • Squacco Heron
  • Black-winged Stilt
  • Coot
  • Moorhen
  • Little Grebe
  • Teal
  • Shoveler
  • Ferruginous Duck
  • Green Sandpiper
  • Common Sandpiper
  • Greenshank
  • Ruff
  • Laughing Dove
  • Hoopoe
  • Southern Grey Shrike
  • Marsh Harrier
  • Spanish Sparrow
  • Barn Swallow
  • Kingfisher
  • Common Starling
  • Blackbird

The Society extends its thanks to all team members who carried out the work, as well as to the Director of the Wastewater Treatment Plant for his support and cooperation.

Participation of the Libyan Society for Birds in “Notre Grand Blue Week” in Tunisia and Signing of a Cooperation Protocol for Biodiversity Conservation.

The eighth edition of “Notre Grand Blue Week” concluded on July 20, 2022, organized by the Notre Grand Blue Association in Monastir, Tunisia, in collaboration with the Regional Activity Centre for Specially Protected Areas (RAC/SPA).

The Libyan Society for Birds participated in this event alongside several associations from Mediterranean countries (Tunisia, Libya, Algeria), as well as participants from France and Greece, during the period July 14–20, 2022.

The program included a variety of field and awareness activities on Korba Island, as well as experience exchange among participants on methods for conserving the environment, biodiversity, and marine life. During the event, a joint cooperation protocol was signed among the participating associations to strengthen collaboration in biodiversity conservation and expertise exchange, along with the inauguration of an environmental training center.

The Libyan Society for Birds extends its sincere thanks and appreciation to the Notre Grand Blue Association for their warm hospitality and excellent organization.

Participation of the Libyan Society for Birds in the World Environment Day Celebration at the Faculty of Science – University of Sabratha.

On Wednesday, June 29, 2022, the President of the Libyan Society for Birds, Dr. Khaled Etayeb, participated in the World Environment Day celebration organized by the Faculty of Science at the University of Sabratha.

The Society’s contribution included a presentation on the Winter Census of Birds in Libya, along with a historical overview of ornithological studies in the country. This was followed by a documentary video on the 2021 winter census activities, prepared and edited by Mr. Mohamed Al-Remih.

The Libyan Society for Birds extends its sincere gratitude and appreciation to the administration of the Faculty of Science, University of Sabratha, particularly the Dean, Dr. Najat Aoun, and all those involved in organizing this event.

Workshop on the Presentation of the 2022 Winter Waterbird Survey Results in Libya.

A scientific workshop titled “Presentation of the 2022 Winter Waterbird Survey Results in Libya” was held on Thursday, 16 June 2022, at the Dr. Mansour Makhlouf Theater, Department of Chemistry – Faculty of Science, University of Tripoli.

The workshop was organized in collaboration between the Libyan Society for Birds and the Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, under the auspices of the Ministry of Environment and University of Tripoli.

The workshop was attended by a distinguished group of scientists and representatives from official bodies, including the Ministry of Environment, the National Council for Liberties and Human Rights, as well as several civil society organizations, University of Tripoli, and the Libyan Organization for Experts and Consultations.

The workshop program included scientific presentations covering:

  • Bird studies in Libya.
  • Results of the 2022 Winter Survey.
  • A lecture on wetlands and the threats and risks they face.

Additionally, a documentary film was screened to document the team’s activities during the survey operations.

At the conclusion of the workshop, certificates of appreciation were awarded to contributors who helped ensure the success of the survey program. Moreover, the Libyan Society for Birds presented a commemorative shield to the Minister of Environment and another to Prof. the President of the University of Tripoli.

The Libyan Society for Birds extends its sincere thanks and appreciation to all who contributed to the success of this workshop, as well as to the esteemed guests and participating students of the faculty.

Participation of the Libyan Society for Birds in a Workshop on Unsustainable Hunting.

A team from the Libyan Society for Birds participated in a workshop organized by the Libyan Society of Artisanal Fishery Friends on Saturday, 28 May 2022, in the Abu Kamash area, titled: “Unsustainable Hunting Methods and Approaches to Stock Conservation.”

The workshop was organized in collaboration with Bessida Society for the Protection of Farwa Island and Lake and with the participation of Bado Society for the protection of marine and terrestrial life, targeting a number of local hunters. This workshop is part of the activities of projects funded by the Critical Ecosystem Support Fund for the protection of the Furwah area.

The Libyan Society for Birds extends its gratitude to all who contributed to the preparation of this workshop, particularly Bessida Society and the administration of Abu Kamash Martyrs Secondary School.

Participation of the Libyan Society for Birds in the 2022 International Day for Biological Diversity Celebration.

As part of environmental awareness activities, the Libyan Society for Birds participated in the celebration of the International Day for Biological Diversity, held on Sunday, 22 May 2022, under the theme: “Building a Shared Future for All Life on Earth.”

The event was organized in partnership between the Libyan Society of Artisanal Fishery Friends, the Libyan Society for Birds, and the Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science – University of Tripoli.

The celebration included speeches by the heads of the organizing entities:

  • Dr. Ismail Shaqman, President of the Libyan Society of Artisanal Fishery Friends.
  • Dr. Khaled Etayeb, President of the Libyan Society for Birds.
  • Mr. Mohamed Al-Hasak, Head of the Department of Zoology.

The event also featured:

  • A scientific lecture highlighting the importance of biodiversity and the threats it faces.
  • A visual presentation of the Libyan Society for Birds’ activities during the Winter Survey, prepared by society member Mohamed Al-Rumaih, emphasizing efforts to conserve birds and their habitats, particularly wetlands.

At the conclusion of the celebration, the attendees expressed their appreciation for these activities. Mr. Osama Hawita, Director of Public Activities at the University of Tripoli, commended the efforts and affirmed his support for such initiatives that enhance the scientific and cultural level within the university.

The Libyan Society for Birds Participates in a Workshop on the Draft Law of Nature Reserves in Libya.

The Libyan Society for Birds participated in a workshop organized by the Nature Conservation Department at the Ministry of Environment on Monday, 16 May 2022, held at the Bab Al-Bahr Hotel Hall – Tripoli, to present the Draft Law on Nature Reserves in Libya.

This project is supported by the Regional Activity Centre for Specially Protected Areas (SPA/RAC) and involved broad participation from civil society organizations, relevant authorities, and environmental experts, in addition to representatives from RAC/SPA and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

The workshop featured a detailed presentation of the draft law, followed by discussions and proposals for amendments from attendees, particularly regarding scientific and technical aspects, in preparation for presenting the project to the legislative authority in its optimal form.

World Migratory Bird Day Celebration – May 2022.

On Saturday, 14 May 2022, the World Migratory Bird Day was celebrated in collaboration between the Libyan Society for Birds and the Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Tripoli.

The event took place at Wadi Kaam Dam and Ain Kaam, where a team of society members and environmental science students from the Department of Zoology conducted bird surveys and counts at the targeted sites.

The survey recorded 31 species of waterbirds and land birds, including notable species such as:

Bee-eater – Spotted Flycatcher – Trumpeter Finch – Cattle Egret – Chiffchaff – Black Wheatear – Common Swift – Ringed Plover – Fulvous Babbler – Black-winged Stilt – Crested Lark – Laughing Dove – Great Grey Shrike – Black-eared Wheatear – Spanish Sparrow – White Stork – Teal Duck – Long-legged Buzzard – Squacco Heron – Whiskered Tern – Great Crested Grebe – Hoopoe – Barn Swallow – Great Egret – Thekla Lark – Lesser Grey Shrike – Serin – Rufous Bush Robin – Little Ringed Plover – Common Sandpiper.

This activity aims to raise environmental awareness, encourage field studies on bird diversity in Libya, and highlight the importance of protecting migratory birds and their natural habitats.

Signing of a Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between Environmental Associations from Libya and Tunisia.

On Friday, 18 March 2022, by the grace of God, a partnership and cooperation agreement was signed between several environmental associations from Libya and Tunisia, namely:

  • Libyan Society for Birds.
  • Libyan Society of Artisanal Fishery Friends.
  • Bessida Society for the Protection of Farwa Island and Lake.
  • Notre Grande Blue Association (Tunisia).
  • Memory of the Earth Association (Tunisia).

The agreement aims to strengthen partnerships and consolidate cooperation among the signatory parties in the fields of marine environment protection and biodiversity in coastal and marine areas, as well as exchange of expertise, training, and capacity building in marine conservation.

It is hoped that this cooperation will be successful and yield practical outcomes contributing to the protection of biodiversity and the achievement of sustainable development in our region.

Participation of the Libyan Society for Birds in the Launch Workshop of the Project Supporting the Management and Expansion of Marine Protected Areas in Libya.

By kind invitation from the Ministry of Environment, the Libyan Society for Birds participated on the morning of Wednesday, 16 February 2022, in the workshop held at the Ministry’s headquarters for the launch of the project supporting the management and expansion of marine protected areas in Libya, supported by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

The workshop was attended by the Minister of Environment, alongside a number of international and regional organizations, notably:

  • Regional Activity Centre for Specially Protected Areas (SPA/RAC).
  • International Union for Conservation of Nature – Mediterranean (IUCN-Med).
  • Global Environment Facility (GEF) – North Africa Support.

The workshop also witnessed the participation of several civil society organizations working in the environmental field.

World Wetlands Day Celebration in the Abu Kamash Area – Zuwara Municipality.

The World Wetlands Day Celebration was held on Saturday, 5 February 2022, in the Abu Kamash area – Zuwara Municipality, in collaboration between:

  • Libyan Society for Birds.
  • Department of Zoology, University of Tripoli.
  • Libyan Society of Artisanal Fishery Friends.

The event was coordinated and graciously hosted by the Bessida Society for the Protection of Farwa Island and Lake.

The program included opening and welcoming remarks, as well as educational lectures on:

  • The important ecological role of wetlands.
  • The threats and risks facing them.
  • The importance of birds in ecological balance and the dangers they face.

The activity also included a field visit to the Fum al-Wad area east of the lake and the island, during which a group of Bessida youth were trained in the use of telescopes and binoculars to observe and identify birds in the field.

The Libyan Society for Birds extends its sincere thanks to all attendees and everyone who contributed to the success of this celebration. Special thanks are extended to Mr. Nader Al-Azabi and Mr. Nader Ghreiba (Bessida Society) for their warm hospitality, as well as to the Movement Department of the University of Tripoli and the Abu Kamash Martyrs Primary School in Zuwara Municipality.