Wetlands in the 5-country biosphere reserve Mura-Drava-Danube (TBR MDD) area are under increasing threat, leaving migratory birds and human communities at growing risk. Slowly but surely, the wetlands that serve as critical stepping stones along the flyways are disappearing, depriving migratory birds of the pit stops they need to complete their annual round trip and depriving us of our wetland life support systems.

The reason we now celebrate World Migratory Bird Day is to call attention to this alarming trend, which is playing a critical role in the worrying decline in the population of migratory birds. The TBR MDD is home to many rare and protected bird species such as white-tailed eagle, little tern, sand martin, black stork and it is our duty to protect them for future generations.
River regulation, sediment extraction, and hydropower plants all play a significant role in affecting habitats important for migratory birds.

Migratory birds connect us with their unique songs and flights, and remind us of the importance of working together, across borders, to protect them. This is one of the reasons why the first 5-country UNESCO biosphere reserve Mura-Drava-Dunav is bringing together communities, businesses, other conservation organizations, scientists, and governments to tackle the systemic threats to the TBR MDD region’s wetlands. Hopefully, we can all raise our eyes to the sky and be inspired by the millions of birds migrating every day in their search of home and stability.

World Migratory Bird Day is celebrated on two peak days each year (the second Saturdays of May and October) to highlight the need for international collaboration to ensure the conservation of migratory birds and their habitats globally.