Doha: The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MECC) celebrated World Migratory Bird Day 2026, observed annually on May 9, under the theme "Every Bird Matters - Your Observations Make a Difference," with the aim of highlighting the importance of community participation in monitoring and documenting bird sightings to support scientific efforts to protect migratory birds and preserve their natural habitats.
According to Qatar News Agency, the celebration comes within the framework of the Ministry's efforts to raise environmental awareness about the significance of migratory birds and their role in maintaining ecological balance. It noted that migratory birds are vital indicators of environmental health and the sustainability of natural resources, as well as an important component of Qatar's rich biodiversity.
The Ministry pointed out that Qatar represents an important stopover point along bird migration routes, with numerous species crossing its skies and settling in its natural environments. These birds benefit from a range of habitats, particularly coastal areas, mangrove forests, meadows, salt flats, and water bodies, which provide safe spaces for resting and feeding during seasonal migration.
According to environmental data, Qatar serves as an important migration corridor for around 300 bird species, of which approximately 280 species have been recorded. Most are migratory birds passing through the country during annual migration seasons, including the Greater Flamingo, Painted Bee-eater, Hoopoe, and Eurasian Oystercatcher, in addition to several other coastal and terrestrial species.
Director of the Public Relations and Communications Department at the Ministry, Farhoud Hadi Al Hajri, said the Ministry's participation in World Migratory Bird Day reflects the national awareness role in highlighting the importance of wildlife and promoting a culture of protecting birds and their habitats, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the State's commitment to environmental sustainability.
Al Hajri added that this year's theme reflects the important role community members can play in supporting environmental knowledge through observation, monitoring, and documentation. He stressed that every documented sighting of a migratory bird represents a valuable contribution to scientific data and helps researchers and specialists better understand migration routes and the changes affecting bird populations and habitats.
He noted that the Ministry, through its awareness programmes and platforms, encourages members of the public, particularly environmental enthusiasts and birdwatchers, to regard migratory birds as a natural resource deserving protection and to avoid practices that may negatively affect their wellbeing or habitats.
For his part, Director of the Wildlife Development Department Khalid Juma Al Muhannadi affirmed that migratory birds are a vital element of biodiversity, playing a key role in seed dispersal, maintaining ecological balance, and reducing certain pests, in addition to serving as indicators of ecosystem health.
Al Muhannadi noted that Qatar's environment hosts many bird species during migration seasons, including the Greater Flamingo, Bee-eater, Hoopoe, and Eurasian Oystercatcher, underscoring the ecological value of the country's natural areas as transit and resting points along intercontinental migration routes.
He explained that protecting natural habitats is a fundamental aspect of conserving migratory birds, emphasizing that coastal areas, mangrove forests, meadows, and water bodies play a crucial role in providing suitable environments during their long journeys. He stressed the need to preserve these habitats and limit practices that may disrupt ecological balance.
The Director of the Wildlife Development Department also stressed the need to avoid disturbance to birds or approaching nesting and gathering sites, and adhering to sound environmental practices when visiting natural areas, in order to preserve these species and ensure that Qatar remains a safe haven for migratory birds during migration seasons.
The Ministry further called on members of the public to contribute to bird monitoring and documenting sightings using scientific methods and specialized applications, in support of community participation in environmental action and to enrich databases related to migratory birds and their migration routes.
This year's celebration coincides with the 60th anniversary of the World Waterbird Census, reflecting the growing role of scientific monitoring and community participation in protecting migratory birds globally, as well as the complementary role of individuals and institutions in preserving migration routes and natural habitats.