Adopt birds watching to improve ecotourism, NCF urges Nigeria

By Ebere Chibuzor

  In commemoration of World Migratory Birds Day,WMBD, Nigerian Conservation Foundation, NCF, has advised Nigeria to join its counterparts in embracing birds watching.

It noted that exploring this aspect of environment would  enhance the nation’s eco-tourism sector.

This was revealed by the Director, Technical Programmes at the NCF, Joseph Onoja, recently, while noting that birds watching would hugely impact on ecotourism of Kenya, Uganda, South Africa, among others.

The digital WMBD day aimed at offering ample opportunity on the need to raise awareness about migratory birds and importance of having them around.

Speaking, Onoja said, “Bird watching is a great way to connect with nature. It is even therapeutic. Unlike in humans, the males of birds are more attractive than the females.”

He maintained that natural habitat is a major criterion for attracting more migratory birds into the country.

WMBD is an awareness-raising campaign highlighting the need for the conservation of migratory birds and their habitats.

The NCF said the day aimed at drawing attention to the threats faced by migratory birds, their ecological importance, and the need for national cooperation to conserve them.

While espousing the theme of the event, Onoja highlighted the importance of bird watching and urged individuals to imbibe the culture.

He said, “Why you should be involved in bird watching is because it is a great way to connect with nature. It helps to keep in touch with the awe and mystery of the natural world. It is a good way to exercise and feel good about yourself; all around the world, birdwatchers form the largest group of eco-tourists; and through bird watching, we can keep track of changing seasons.”

He emphasized that migratory birds are beneficial to us and the planet’s ecosystems because they could provide critical services such as seed dispersal, pollination, pest control, cultural value, nature’s clean-up crew, help research and more.

A session of quiz also featured in the event and winners rewarded handsomely.

Participants were drawn majorly from the education, media, environment and religion sectors.

The day is celebrated bi-annually on the second Saturday in May and in October to portray the importance of birds in nature conservation.