Protect
birds: Be the solution to plastic pollution!
The
Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), the African-Eurasian Waterfowl Agreement
(AEWA) and the Environment for America (EFTA) have joined forces to strengthen
global recognition and appreciation of migratory birds. This year, the theme
for World Migratory Bird Day is "Protect Birds: Be the Solution to Plastic
Pollution!" and will focus on the impact of plastic pollution on migratory
birds and their habitats.
Plastic
and the damage it does to the environment
With
an annual production of more than 300 million tons, plastic is one of the most
widely used materials in the world. What often avoids attention is that the
plastic is only used for the main purpose for a moment compared to its life
cycle of 20 to 500 years. The discarded pieces are lightweight and designed to
last, and they are easily transported to ecosystems through the forces of
nature, causing serious threats to migratory species around the world. An
estimated 8 million tonnes of plastic waste enters the world's oceans each
year. To make matters worse, plastic does not just dissolve. Decomposed into
small particles of water, sunlight and wind, it often leads to fatal cases of
ingestion and winding.
How
does plastic affect birds?
Unfortunately,
wings do not help birds escape the threat of plastic. Dead chickens with
stomachs filled with plastic, wrapped and suffocated by plastic rings and nets
are all too real consequences of the toll that plastic imposes on birds and
other wildlife.
Ingestion
Feeding
behaviors make seabirds prone to ingest plastic. Liquid on the surface of the
water, covered with algae, disposable plastics such as bags, straws and bottles
can be easily confused with prey, both by shape and smell. Unconsciously, birds
feed plastic to their chickens, which are even more vulnerable due to their
underdeveloped organs.
In
case of ingestion, the damage caused by plastic depends on its shape. Sharp
plastic particles cause instant death by piercing internal organs. But for the
most part, plastic consumption leads to a chronic feeling of hunger and hunger
as it gives the feeling of having a full stomach with no nutritional value. The
toxicity of chemicals that coat plastics is an additional threat.
Involvement
Layers
of plastic covering wetlands lead to many cases of entanglement and trapping.
Abandoned fishing gear is one of the most common causes leading to a phenomenon
called 'ghost fishing'. Trapped birds are either injured and pick up infections
or end up drowning. Often, captured birds are limited in their movements and
become easy prey for other animals.
What
can be done to prevent the problem?
The
number of seabirds dying from the effects of plastic each year is currently 1
million and growing. Research highlights the urgency of the matter: not only is
it estimated that 90 percent of seabirds have plastic in their gut, but at this
rate, the proportion of seabirds consuming plastic will reach 99 percent by
2050.
Studies
show that local projects on plastic waste management produce results in a short
time. Thus, common sense and awareness can help slow down the giant tide of
plastic. The international community needs to take urgent steps to mitigate
unnecessary damage and mortality in migratory birds due to plastic pollution.
World Wandering Bird Day 2019 is a unique opportunity to participate in the
efforts to solve the serious problem of plastic pollution and highlight its
negative effects on migratory birds. Let us unite our voices to tackle this
rapidly growing environmental concern!
What
should I do to combat plastic pollution?
Reduce,
reuse and recycle - Limit your use of plastic materials and replace them with
environmentally friendly alternatives, use and dispose of plastic sustainably
Cleanup
- Participate in cleanup activities in your area, whether by beaches or along
rivers
Spread the word - Support local and global action against excessive, unnecessary use and harmful disposal of plastics
How
can you participate?
If
you are interested in arranging an event to help tackle plastic pollution and
celebrate migratory birds, register your planned activity with us! In this way,
individual events can be shared with others around the world and help inspire
them to act as well.
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