Author: abdulnasser eisa

On Tuesday, 24 May 2016, the Libyan Society for Birds participated in the scientific celebration of the International Day for Biological Diversity, held at the Zoology Department’s meeting hall, Faculty of Science – University of Tripoli.

The program included:

• An opening address on the concept and benefits of biodiversity delivered by Dr. Tarek Al-Jdeedi.
• A lecture entitled “Avian Biodiversity in Libya” presented by Dr. Khaled Etayeb.
• A scientific lecture on the results of a survey study of ecosystem diversity in Eastern Libya, delivered by Dr. Ismail Al-Sheqman.

This event was organized in collaboration between the Department of Zoology, the Environmental Club of the Faculty of Science, the Libyan Biological Society, and the Libyan Society for Birds.

On this occasion, the Society extends its sincere thanks to all who contributed to the organization and success of this scientific event.

On Saturday, 14 May 2016, a celebration was held on the occasion of World Migratory Bird Day at the Al Haḑabah Sewage Treatment Plant – Tripoli, with the participation of the Libyan Society for Birds, the Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science – University of Tripoli, and the General Authority for Environment, alongside several researchers and environmental enthusiasts.

The event aimed to raise awareness about the importance of migratory birds and their ecological role, and to emphasize the need to protect their migration routes and preserve their natural habitats.

As part of its awareness programs on the importance of birds and wetlands, and under the objectives of the Awareness Project (Small Grants) supported by CEPF, the Libyan Society for Birds organized an awareness program on Monday, 18 April 2016 for the Scout Leaders – Souq Al-Jumaa Troop.

The program included lectures and interactive activities on the importance of birds, methods for identifying and counting them, and emphasized the ecological role of the wetlands they inhabit. This session marked the beginning of a series of awareness workshops targeting different age groups, focusing on raising awareness of the importance of birds and wetlands.

At the conclusion of the program, the Society extended its sincere thanks to all participating leaders, expressing hopes for continued engagement in upcoming activities.

Despite the challenging circumstances facing our beloved country, the Libyan Society for Birds carried out the Winter Waterbird Census as part of the International Waterbird Census (IWC) annual program in early January 2016.

The census covered several important sites around Greater Tripoli, including the wells and dams at Almjenin, Ghan, and Wadi Kaam, as well as Sebkha Al-Malaha at Mitiga, and the coastal area stretching from Qergarish to Tajoura.

This activity is a continuation of the census project that began in 2005, reaffirming the Society’s commitment to persevere despite the current challenges, even though this year’s coverage was limited to a smaller number of sites. The team hopes that security and stability will soon prevail, allowing for full coverage of all sites that host waterbirds in Libya.

The Libyan Society for Birds participated in the 8th Workshop on the Eurasian Spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia), held at Tour du Valat in Arles, southern France, from 23 to 29 November 2015.

During the workshop, the Society presented a working paper titled “Status and Distribution of the Eurasian Spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia) in Libya”, highlighting the current situation of this species in the country and emphasizing the importance of Libyan wetlands as its habitats.

This participation reflects the Society’s ongoing efforts to strengthen international cooperation in the conservation of migratory waterbirds and to exchange expertise with relevant organizations and institutions working to preserve biodiversity.

On the occasion of World Wetlands Day, observed annually on 2 February, a special celebration was held at Sebkha Al-Malaha – Mitiga Airport, organized and sponsored by the Libyan Society for Birds and the General Authority for Environment, represented by the staff of the Nature Conservation Management.

The event was attended by the Dean and a member of the Municipal Council of Souq Al-Jumaa, a team member from Radio Nabd Al-Asima, as well as active participation from the Scout Troop of Souq Al-Jumaa and several students from the Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science – University of Tripoli.

The program included an awareness session highlighting the importance and types of wetlands, the threats they face, and an overview of World Wetlands Day and its objectives. It also featured a practical training activity for the scouts on monitoring waterbirds, introducing them to the species, and explaining their ecological role.

On this occasion, the Libyan Society for Birds and the General Authority for Environment extend their sincere thanks and appreciation to the Director and staff of Mitiga Airport Security and Protection Office for their cooperation and support in making this educational and awareness-raising event a success.