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Author: abdulnasser eisa

President of the Libyan Society for Birds Discusses Overhunting and Its Impact on Birds in Libya on Libya Al-Ahrar TV Channel.

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As part of environmental awareness efforts and highlighting the threats facing birds in Libya, the President of the Libyan Society for Birds participated in a live interview on the program “Good Morning My Country” broadcast by Libya Al-Ahrar TV on Friday, July 11, 2025.

The discussion focused on the issue of bird overhunting in Libya, which represents a major threat to biodiversity. According to estimates reported in the 2024 BirdLife International report, nearly half a million birds are killed annually as a result of unsustainable hunting practices across the country.

During the interview, the main drivers of this phenomenon were outlined, including weak environmental law enforcement, the widespread use of firearms, and the lack of public awareness regarding the ecological importance of birds and their roles in ecosystems. The discussion also addressed possible solutions, such as:

  • Strengthening hunting regulations and enforcement.
  • Launching public awareness campaigns.
  • Protecting key breeding and roosting sites for migratory birds.

The President also highlighted the role of the Libyan Society for Birds in monitoring these issues through field studies, workshops, awareness-raising activities, and cooperation with both local and international stakeholders to reduce overhunting and protect natural bird habitats.

This interview comes within the framework of the Society’s ongoing efforts to promote environmental awareness and foster a culture of respect for wildlife, in line with a national vision to conserve biodiversity and ensure the sustainability of ecosystems in Libya.

Participation of the Libyan Society for Birds in an International Training Course on Wetland Restoration in Izmir, Turkey.

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From 22–27 June 2025, the Libyan Society for Birds participated in the international training course on Wetland Restoration and the workshop on “Capacity Building Assessment for Small NGOs,” held in Izmir and the Gediz Delta, Turkey.
The event was jointly organized by Doga Derneği (Turkey) and Tour du Valat (France).

The program included the following sessions:

  • The concept of wetland restoration and rehabilitation strategies in Mediterranean wetlands: experiences, insights, and methodology.
  • Governance in wetland rehabilitation projects: models and best practices.
  • Interactive strategies for wetland restoration.
  • Stakeholder and community engagement through scenario-based approaches for solving strategic problems.

The Libyan Society for Birds contributed through a case study presentation entitled:
“Engaging the Local Community in the Revitalization of the Tawergha Wetlands, Libya,” delivered by Prof. Khaled Al-Tayeb, President of the Libyan Society for Birds.

Other sessions continued as follows:

  • Preparing to monitor restoration effectiveness: hydrological monitoring in the Gediz Delta – approaches and key techniques.
  • Restoration needs, objectives, and plans for the Gediz Delta.
  • Planned wetland restoration efforts in the Mediterranean, as part of two pilot projects under the Mediterranean Wetland Restoration Project (PROZHUM).
  • Pilot project: “Using a Wetland Index in Three Sites to Guide Wetland Restoration Processes” – Tunisia.
  • Restoration of wet grasslands in the Kızılırmak Delta, Turkey.
  • Defining restoration targets: effective grazing management objectives in the southern Gediz Delta.
  • Field monitoring: its central role in evaluating the long-term effectiveness of wetland restoration.

Field Component:

  • Brief introduction to the Gediz Delta in Izmir.
  • Observation of pond restoration works.
  • Exploration of water channel pathways.
  • Practical exercises on biodiversity assessment and water monitoring in the Gediz Delta.

Final Activity:
A one-day interactive workshop entitled: “Capacity Building Assessment for Small NGOs – Shared Waters, Shared Wisdom: Knowledge Exchange and Learning in Solidarity.”
The workshop brought together representatives from across the Mediterranean region to exchange collective experiences in wetland conservation through shared learning. It aimed to explore what has been successful, what was unexpected, and how commitments to local communities can be strengthened through mutual learning and solidarity.

Collaborative Field Initiative to Monitor Biodiversity in Farwa Island and Lagoon.

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As part of environmental activities aimed at protecting biodiversity and monitoring natural habitats, the Bessida Society for the Protection of Farwa Island and Lagoon organized a distinguished field initiative from 18 to 22 June 2025. The event was held with the participation of the Libyan Society for Birds and several activists from the Department of Nature Conservation at the Ministry of Environment.

The activities included specialized field surveys on marine turtle nesting, monitoring of stranded marine organisms, and recording of seabird populations in the area. The team also conducted an environmental assessment tour to monitor coastal erosion, during which current aerial images were compared with those taken in previous years to evaluate geographic and ecological changes in the region.

Participants expressed their sincere thanks and appreciation to the members of the Bessida Society for their valuable efforts in coordination, warm reception, and generous hospitality. They emphasized the importance of continuing such scientific cooperation to safeguard the fragile ecosystems along the Libyan coasts.

Field Visit by the Libyan Society for Birds to Selected Sites South of Tripoli.

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As part of its monitoring program for the White Stork (Ciconia ciconia) in Libya, the Libyan Society for Birds carried out a field visit on Saturday, 14 June 2025, to the Al-Saeh landfill site and Wadi Al-Majneen Dam, south of Tripoli.

This visit formed part of a series of activities conducted by the Society to monitor this species, during which several White Storks were recorded at the Al-Saeh landfill area.

The importance of this work lies in its contribution to tracking the migration routes and geographical distribution of the White Stork, while also assessing the impact of environmental changes and human activities on the species’ feeding and roosting sites. Collecting field data on migratory species is a vital scientific tool for understanding their ecological status and for guiding appropriate conservation measures—particularly under the increasing pressures on natural habitats in Libya.

The Society also reiterates its call for citizens and bird enthusiasts to report any similar observations, in order to promote environmental awareness and support scientific databases on birds in Libya.

The Libyan Society for Birds Participates in World Environment Day Celebration in Zliten.

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At the invitation of the Zliten Scout Commission, the Libyan Society for Birds participated in the World Environment Day celebration held on Friday, 13 June 2025, at the Training Hall of the Zliten Scout Commission.

The event was attended by several organizations concerned with environmental issues, including the Zliten Environmental Affairs Monitoring Office and the Libyan Center for Environmental Science and Technology Studies – Central Region Branch.

The celebration included a series of awareness lectures on environmental issues. The Libyan Society for Birds delivered a presentation entitled “Migratory Birds: Their Importance and the Threats They Face”, presented by Mr. Elyas Al-Hilali, member of the Society. The lecture highlighted the vital ecological role of migratory birds and the challenges threatening their survival.

The Libyan Society for Birds extends its sincere thanks and appreciation to the Zliten Scout Commission for the kind invitation and excellent organization, expressing pride in this initiative aimed at promoting environmental awareness within the community.

Scientific Study on Wetland Classification and Bird Diversity in Benghazi.

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New Scientific Publication in the “Libyan Journal of Environmental Science and Technology (LJEEST)”

A new research article titled “Bird Diversity in Selected Wetlands of Benghazi, Libya” has been published by the researchers: Magdolin Alfaghi, Abdulnasser Eisa, Hudi Alhaddad, Zakaria Abomonji, and Khaled Etayeb.

The study highlights bird diversity in the wetlands of Benghazi, covering three sites: Lake 23 July, Lake Julyanah, and Qanfudhah Sabkha, during the period from January to December 2023.

The study aimed to classify these areas according to Ramsar Convention criteria, document the bird species visiting these wetlands across different seasons, and assess their conservation status regarding the risk of extinction.

Key findings of the study include:

  • Classification of Lake Julyanah and Lake 23 July as “Coastal Saline Lakes (Type J)”, and Qanfudhah Sabkha as “Seasonal Saline Flats (Type R)”.
  • A total of 47,680 birds were recorded, representing 96 species (67 waterbird species and 29 non-waterbird species).
  • Lake Julyanah exhibited the highest species diversity, while Qanfudhah Sabkha recorded the highest abundance.
  • Autumn showed the highest diversity, whereas winter had the lowest.
  • 21 species documented are classified as threatened.

This research represents an important step in documenting biodiversity and protecting wetlands in Libya, providing essential data to support conservation strategies for threatened species.

📄 Full article available at: https://birds.ly/publications/

The Libyan Society for Birds Marks World Migratory Bird Day with a Scientific Workshop and Field Visit for Bird Monitoring.

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On Saturday, 10 May 2025, the Libyan Society for Birds organized a celebration in honor of World Migratory Bird Day, which included a workshop presenting the results of the 2024–2025 Winter Bird Survey in Libya. The event was held in collaboration with the Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Tripoli, and took place at the Rashid Kaabar Hall at the university.

The celebration was attended by prominent academic and scientific figures, including the Vice President for Scientific Affairs at the University of Tripoli, the Vice Dean for Scientific Affairs at the Faculty of Science, the Head of the Department of Zoology, and the Director of the National Center for Research on Transboundary and Tropical Diseases, alongside a group of specialists, faculty members, graduate and undergraduate students, and other individuals interested in biodiversity.

The program included presentations and scientific lectures covering:

  • A visual presentation of the Society’s activities in bird research.
  • Lectures on migratory birds and the challenges they face.
  • The results of the 2024–2025 Winter Bird Survey in Libya.
  • A lecture on illegal bird hunting.
  • A lecture on the importance of wetlands and strategies for their protection.

Additionally, the Director of the National Center for Research on Transboundary and Tropical Diseases presented a brief overview of collaborative efforts with the Society and highlighted preliminary results from samples collected during the winter survey.

During the event, the launch of the “Libya Bird Monitoring Platform” was announced. Developed in cooperation with Libyan Spider Company, this digital platform aims to document bird data and facilitate access to information on avian biodiversity in Libya.

The workshop concluded with the recognition of organizations and individuals who contributed to the success of the 2025 Winter Bird Survey in Libya through the distribution of plaques and certificates of appreciation.

Following the workshop, several participants, accompanied by members of the Libyan Society for Birds, visited the Al-Hadba Wastewater Treatment Plant as part of the celebration program. During this field visit, several important bird species in the area were observed and recorded.

In conclusion, the Libyan Society for Birds extends its sincere thanks and appreciation to all participants and supporters of this important scientific and environmental event.

Participation of the Libyan Society for Birds in a Field Trip to Wadi Kaam in Collaboration with the Department of Zoology – University of Tripoli.

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On Saturday, 3 May 2025, the Libyan Society for Birds participated in a scientific field trip in collaboration with the Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science – University of Tripoli, to the areas of Wadi Kaam Dam and Ain Kaam. This activity was part of the practical field program for graduate students enrolled in the Ornithology course and undergraduate students enrolled in the Aquatic Environment course.

This participation aimed to strengthen joint scientific cooperation and included several scientific activities, such as observing and recording bird species present in the two areas, as well as providing educational information on the importance of wetlands and their rich biodiversity. These activities contributed to enhancing environmental awareness and practical knowledge among the participating students.

The Libyan Society for Birds extends its thanks to all who contributed to the success of this scientific field trip, particularly the Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, and the Transport Department of the University of Tripoli for their support and logistical assistance.

Field Documentation of White Stork (Ciconia ciconia) in Al-Heera and Collection of Stool Samples for Health Evaluation.

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As part of its ongoing efforts to monitor and study the White Stork (Ciconia ciconia) in Libya, the Libyan Society for Birds conducted a second field visit to the Al-Heera area on Thursday, May 1, 2025. During this visit, the team successfully observed the previously reported flock of White Storks and documented their numbers. In addition, stool samples were collected for laboratory analysis to assess the birds’ health and the quality of their surrounding environment.

This step builds on earlier field visits following reports of a large gathering of this species in the region. The Society emphasizes the importance of collaboration with local communities in wildlife monitoring and commends the contributions of individuals who enrich scientific databases and support conservation efforts for migratory birds and their natural habitats.

The Libyan Society for Birds encourages the public to continue reporting similar observations, in order to raise environmental awareness and strengthen field-based studies on birds in Libya.

Scientific Collaboration between the Libyan Society for Birds and the Department of Zoology, University of Tripoli, to Study Wetlands in Tawergha.

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As part of strengthening scientific and research cooperation, the Libyan Society for Birds, in coordination with the Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science – University of Tripoli, conducted a field study in the city of Tawergha on Saturday, April 26, 2025. The aim was to document and study the biodiversity of the wetlands in the area.

The field program included the participation of researchers and students from both undergraduate and postgraduate levels (Master’s and PhD), particularly those enrolled in the Ornithology course. During the study, several species of resident and migratory birds using Tawergha wetlands were identified, with a special focus on highlighting the ecological importance of these sensitive natural habitats.

On the sidelines of the visit, a joint meeting was held with the head of the Tawergha Municipal Council branch and office directors, during which prospects for cooperation were discussed regarding future scientific research and projects aimed at the conservation and sustainable management of wetlands in the region.

The Libyan Society for Birds extends its sincere thanks and appreciation to the head of the Tawergha Municipal Council branch for the warm reception and support provided, and acknowledges the efforts of the Department of Movement, University of Tripoli, for facilitating the logistics of the research team’s fieldwork.

Webinar on Controlling Red-Billed Quelea in Africa Without the Use of Pesticides.

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At the kind invitation of the Libyan Representative to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Rome, Italy, Professor Khaled Etayeb, President of the Libyan Society for Birds, participated on Thursday morning, 17 April 2025, in a scientific online webinar entitled “The Webinar on Quelea Birds Control in Africa Without Fenthion”, held via Zoom on the international network.

The webinar featured 10 presentations from various African countries, all focusing on strategies for controlling the Red-Billed Quelea (Quelea quelea) within its distribution range across the African continent, particularly in tropical regions.

This bird species is considered one of the most destructive pests to agricultural crops, especially maize and cereals, notably in Central Africa. Discussions during the webinar centered on exploring safe, non-chemical alternatives to pesticides, in line with the global trend toward environmental protection and reducing the use of toxic substances such as Fenthion.

Field Visit of Mediterranean Conference Participants to Leptis Magna and the Headquarters of Libya Fish Company.

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On Monday, April 14, 2025, a field visit was organized as part of the Mediterranean Conference on Marine and Coastal Biodiversity, with the participation of members of the organizing and scientific committees, along with several conference attendees.

The visit began with a tour of the coastal archaeological city of Leptis Magna, where the delegation explored its historical and cultural landmarks, highlighting the connection between cultural heritage and environmental dimensions.

The program also included a visit to the headquarters of Libya Fish Company, following a kind invitation from Mr. Mohamed Al-Ajeel, who warmly welcomed the participants and hosted a luncheon in their honor, in recognition of their efforts to support marine and coastal biodiversity issues.

This field visit formed part of the conference’s side activities, aiming to strengthen interaction among participants and showcase Libya’s outstanding cultural and environmental sites.