While exploring the muddy wetlands alongside the Nile River in Aswan, the longer term founders of the Aswan Birding Club (ABC) shared a real second of friendship that may later flip into considered one of Egypt’s most promising grassroots environmental initiatives.
“During the tour, two of us had their legs stuck in a marsh,” Ismail Khalifa, co-founder of the ABC, tells Egyptian Streets. “Something about that incident brought us closer. We laughed and talked. Bonds were made, and the rest was history.”
The thought of making the ABC got here on that bird-watching tour on 14 May, 2022, which coincided with the World Migratory Bird Day. The group determined to create a group the place fowl fanatics might share experiences and talk about all the things associated to the fowl scene in Aswan.
“On the same day, the Aswan Bird Watching Club (ABC) Facebook page was established. There, we began sharing our activities, experiences, and remarkable bird photos to contribute to community awareness about the importance of wild birds and their role in maintaining ecological balance,” Khalifa says.
The membership actively participates in occasions such because the Annual Winter Bird Count in January, which is a part of the International Waterbird Census (IWC) program involving 143 nations. This program goals to observe the impacts on wetlands worldwide by accumulating periodic knowledge on fowl numbers. The winter fowl rely can also be a method to review fowl migrations, survival charges, and different components that assist prioritize species safety packages.
“Bird count events contribute to a deeper understanding of bird migrations and the impacts on wild birds, including the effects of various phenomena such as climate change and habitat loss on bird behaviors,” Khalifa explains.
Additionally, the membership celebrates the World Migratory Bird Day which takes place twice a 12 months in May and October.
“In October 2023, the club organized a trip targeting artists to raise awareness about the importance of wild birds among different segments of society. The trip was coordinated with the Natural Reserves Administration in the southern region and sponsored by an environmental services company,” Khalifa explains.
The membership additionally contributes to species conservation by elevating consciousness about wild birds via sharing actions and introducing fowl species via pictures and movies.
According to Khalifa, the group has had success within the rescue of a number of birds over the previous 12 months. One notable success story includes the rescue of an Osprey trapped in a fishing internet on the shores of Lake Nasser.
“With the help of local fishermen, the bird was rescued, received veterinary care, and was eventually released into the Saluja and Ghazal Natural Reserve after recovery,” he says.
The membership depends on robust relationships with the Natural Reserves Administration within the southern area, and non-governmental organizations similar to Nature Conservation Egypt (NCE), and environmental service firms. Members take part in basic and superior coaching periods organized by native and regional establishments, such because the Ornithological Society of the Middle East (OSME).
“The main challenge we face is the lack of funding for activities, particularly bird-watching trips that may require boat rentals or travel to areas outside the city. We try to overcome this obstacle through self-funding, with members sharing the costs of trips,” he states.
The long-term purpose for the Aswan Bird Watching Club is to broaden its influence past fowl statement to embody broader environmental points, similar to lowering plastic waste alongside the Nile River and different areas frequented by wild birds. The ABC additionally plans to collaborate with specialists to arrange seminars and workshops geared toward elevating public consciousness in regards to the surroundings and nature conservation.
“We aspire to transform the club into a non-governmental organization that works with environmental entities within Aswan and at the national level,” Khalifa tells Egyptian Streets ”We additionally plan on organizing an annual fowl competition in Aswan just like the Port Said Bird Festival, amongst different environmentally-focused actions.”
