As cities expand and natural habitats shrink, the world’s migratory birds are facing unprecedented challenges. This year, under the global theme “For a Better Urban Future for Birds,” Egypt is once again taking a leadership role in raising awareness, conservation, and scientific data collection to protect these vital avian travelers.
From the rugged escarpments of the Eastern Desert to the wetlands of the Nile Delta, Egypt serves as one of the most critical corridors in the world for migratory birds. In 2025, as the world comes together to mark World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD)—observed on the second Saturday of May—the spotlight turns to the Galala Bird Observatory, a regional epicenter for avian research perched strategically on the Red Sea migratory flyway.
A Global Celebration with Local Leadership
The Ministry of Environment, in collaboration with the Egyptian Nature Conservation Society, hosted a national observance at Galala, drawing scientists, birdwatchers, conservationists, and media from across the region. At the heart of this year’s celebration is a powerful message: our cities must evolve to become safer, greener, and more hospitable not only for humans—but for birds.
“Egypt is not merely a passageway. It is a sanctuary,” said Dr. Yasmine Fouad, Egypt’s Minister of Environment, during her keynote speech. “We have a unique geographical and ecological responsibility to protect the migratory birds that rely on our landscapes. Their survival is a direct reflection of the health of our ecosystems.”
Why Urban Design Matters for Migratory Birds
This year’s global theme underscores the growing urgency of integrating bird-conscious design into urban planning. From glass collisions and light pollution to shrinking green spaces and habitat fragmentation, urbanization poses numerous threats to migratory birds—species that travel thousands of miles across continents to breed, feed, or escape harsh climates.
Bird-friendly cities, experts argue, are not only possible but imperative. Measures such as green rooftops, native vegetation, wildlife corridors, and reduced nighttime lighting can drastically improve survival rates and allow urban areas to support migratory cycles rather than disrupt them.
“Birds are nature’s messengers,” Dr. Fouad emphasized. “When we lose them, we lose more than biodiversity—we lose early warning signs about climate change, pollution, and ecological imbalance.”
Galala Observatory: A Global Scientific Beacon
At the core of Egypt’s efforts is the Galala Bird Observatory, which has emerged as a global reference point for avian migration data. This season, the observatory recorded an astounding 354,571 migratory birds representing 34 different species, including 90% of the global population of Steppe Eagles and more than 50% of Levant Sparrowhawks.
These numbers were meticulously documented and uploaded to eBird, the world’s largest bird-tracking database, helping shape conservation policy and international research.
The Perils of Migration—and the Stakes for Humanity
The migration of birds is one of nature’s most awe-inspiring phenomena, yet it is fraught with danger. Beyond the sheer physical toll of long-distance flight, migratory birds face:
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Illegal hunting and poaching
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Loss of wetland and forest habitats
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Pollution of water sources and air
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Climate-induced shifts in migratory patterns and food availability
“The collapse of migratory bird populations is a silent crisis,” said Dr. Fouad. “Each loss sends ripples across ecosystems—from pest control to plant pollination to the food chain itself.”
Migratory birds play a crucial role in environmental health, acting as both pollinators and pest regulators. Their disappearance would unbalance entire ecosystems and rob communities of both natural beauty and economic opportunities linked to eco-tourism.
Egypt’s Vision: From Protection to Public Engagement
In a push to involve citizens, Egypt has launched nationwide awareness programs, school-based education initiatives, and legal enforcement campaigns against illegal bird hunting. WMBD 2025 events included birdwatching tours, citizen science workshops, and media coverage designed to galvanize public interest.
Minister Fouad reiterated the importance of cross-sector collaboration. “Governments, NGOs, private companies, and citizens—we all have a role. We must design cities that serve both nature and people, and we must act now.”
A Future in Flight
As the sun set over the Galala cliffs, thousands of birds could be seen gliding southward—across deserts, deltas, and borders. Their journey is a reminder of how interconnected our natural systems truly are.
With global temperatures rising and natural landscapes vanishing, the fate of migratory birds mirrors our own. Protecting them is not a luxury—it is a necessity for ecological, economic, and ethical survival.
