A permanent bird observatory in Galala, Egypt, is set to become a reality following a $125,000 donation raised during Global Birdfair, held in Rutland, UK. The sum, said to be the largest ever raised for a single conservation project at the fair, was announced on Friday, September 6, 2024, and marks a significant achievement for the 2024 “Creating Brighter Futures” project.
Global Birdfair raises funds for conservation each year and donates funds to BirdLife International for a project chosen by Global Birdfair for that year. The Galala Bird Observatory will play a crucial role in monitoring bird species that utilise the African-Eurasian Flyway – a key migratory route used by hundreds of thousands of raptors, and other soaring birds migrating from Africa to Europe every year.
It is believed that the substantial contribution will prove pivotal in reinforcing the pioneering initiative in Egypt, which is spearheaded by the Egyptian Ministry of Environment and BirdLife’s Partner, Nature Conservation Egypt (NCE). The achievement has been described as the result of three years of joint efforts with other organisations, focused on identifying the most suitable location for the observatory, determining the most effective monitoring system and building capacity to conduct the count, among other activities.
During the spring migration season, an average of 350,000 birds from 30 to 35 species are observed at Galala, with raptors representing the most prominent group. In the most recent observation period, 11% of the global population of Egyptian vultures (a threatened species), 25% of spotted eagles and nearly 50% of steppe eagles were recorded passing through this vital bottleneck, which connects breeding areas in Eastern Europe, Western and Central Asia with their wintering grounds In Africa.
The observations provide essential data on population changes and migration patterns, while also offering invaluable insights into the conservation needs of these species along the African-Eurasian flyway. The data collected at Galala will facilitate the implementation of new conservation strategies to protect this diverse biodiversity corridor, ensuring its continued viability.
Tim and Penny Appleton, founders and organisers of Global Birdfair, thanked all those who helped raise the sum including BirdLife’s sponsors, the 13,000 people who attended the fair in July and to the volunteers who give their time so freely.
“We are pleased to have once again been able to donate to BirdLife International to support global conservation,” they added.
“Thanks to this generous gift Global Birdfair, NCE and its Galala project will be able to raise awareness and understanding of migratory birds to drive conservation action across the region. BirdLife remains incredibly grateful to the whole Birdfair community for their sustained commitment to saving our shared nature,” said Martin Harper, BirdLife International CEO.
“The generous Birdfair fund has arrived at just the right time to support NCE’s efforts over the past four years, as we’ve worked to highlight the importance of the Galala Bird Observatory (GBO) in monitoring soaring bird migration through Europe, Asia, and Africa. NCE could never have achieved this recognition without the support of the power of many; BirdLife International.
“I am grateful to the amazing BirdLife Partners; BSBP, NABU, and RSPB. Last but not least, I’d like to thank H.E. the Minister of Environment in Egypt for her continued support of the GBO and for facilitating all related efforts,” said Khaled Noby, CEO, Nature Conservation Egypt.
