The Migratory Soaring Birds Project II Concludes with Remarkable Success

Amman, Jordan_ August 15,2023

 Under the patronage of H.E. Dr Muawieh Radaideh, Minister of Environment in Jordan, The Migratory Soaring Birds Project II, funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and coordinated by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), implemented by BirdLife International, celebrated its closure ceremony, with Arab and international participation. The event marked concluding significant milestones in the conservation efforts aimed at protecting migratory soaring birds and their habitats.

The Migratory Soaring Birds Project, which commenced in 2018, has been a collaborative regional initiative between BirdLife International and national project partners and governments along the Rift Valley/Red Sea Flyway; the second most important flyway in the world. Its primary objective was to address the threats faced by migratory soaring birds during their annual migrations across the African-Eurasian flyway by focusing on mainstreaming bird conservation and actions including at key areas along the flyway.

Over the two project Tranches, it aimed to enhance conservation measures, promote sustainable land-use practices, and raise awareness among local communities. Moreover, the project mainstreamed conservation management objectives into targeted productive sectors in 11 countries along the Rift Valley / Red Sea flyway with the five main sectors of Agriculture, Energy, Hunting, Waste Management and Tourism. Through its innovative approach, the MSB project has created content-tools such as the Sensitivity Mapping Tool to ensure sustainable development practices.

The project worked closely with governmental institutions, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and local communities to enhance their capacities in bird conservation and management. Also, the MSB project collaborated with International Financial Institutions (IFIs) to ensure that new developments are committed to migratory soaring bird conservation. By engaging with these institutions, the MSB project aimed to integrate bird conservation considerations into the planning and implementation of internationally funded development projects especially energy infrastructure projects.

The closure ceremony of the Migratory Soaring Birds Project provided an opportunity to reflect on the achievements and impact of the project. It brought together key stakeholders, including government officials, conservation experts, local communities, and international partners, to celebrate the successful outcomes and discuss future strategies for sustaining the conservation efforts.

During his address at the ceremony, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Environment Dr. Mohammad Al-Khashashneh, expressed his gratitude to GEF, UNDP, BirdLife International and all project partners for their unwavering support. He highlighted the importance of international collaboration in addressing global environmental challenges and emphasized Jordan's commitment to biodiversity conservation.

From the onset, the MSB Project set out to address the numerous challenges faced by migratory soaring birds, including habitat loss, illegal hunting, electrocution by power lines, and pollution. By promoting sustainable land-use practices, raising awareness, and fostering international cooperation, the project aimed to ensure the long-term survival of these magnificent creatures and the ecosystems they depend upon.

The Deputy Resident Representative at UNDP Jordan, Majida Al-Assaf, explained that “The fact that the project won international awards on mainstreaming migratory bird conservation in the energy sectors in both Jordan and Egypt along with being selected as a GEF Best Practice project 2022 / 2023 witness to its special dedicated efforts and positive outcomes. “

Mr. Ibrahim Khader, Middle East Regional Director of BirdLife International, expressed her gratitude and satisfaction at the successful conclusion of the MSB Project. "This project has been a testament to the power of collaboration and shared responsibility," he stated. "By working together, we have not only protected vital habitats but also forged lasting partnerships that will continue to safeguard migratory soaring birds for generations to come."
 

The Migratory Soaring Birds Project has not only contributed to the protection of migratory soaring birds but has also fostered sustainable development and environmental stewardship in the region especially through creating green jobs and contributing to gender equality. Its legacy will continue to inspire future initiatives aimed at conserving migratory species and their habitats.

The conclusion of the Migratory Soaring Birds Project marks not an end, but a new beginning. The momentum generated by this project will serve as a steppingstone for future conservation endeavours, inspiring further actions to protect our natural heritage. The legacy of the MSB Project will continue to soar, as the conservation community strives to ensure the survival and well-being of migratory soaring birds around the world.