1. AWC, the largest such census in Asia, is organized by Wetlands International, an international program that focuses on monitoring the status of waterbirds and wetlands.
2. The data collected each year is shared by Wetlands International with global conservation organizations such as IUCN and Ramsar Convention, while state coordinators share data with local wildlife departments to ensure the conservation and sustainable management of wetlands in the region.
3. It also aims to increase public awareness of issues related to wetland and waterbird conservation.
4. The census is carried out each January as a voluntary activity at the national and local levels.
5. The AWC is coordinated by Wetlands International as part of the global program, the “International Waterbird Census”.
6. The AWC was started in 1987, and many birders were initiated into bird counting and monitoring through this project.
7. To take part one simply has to visit a wetland and count the birds he/she sees there.

Objectives of AWC

1. To obtain information on an annual basis of waterbird populations at wetlands in the region during the non-breeding period of most species (January), as a basis for evaluation of sites and monitoring of populations.
2. To monitor on an annual basis the status and condition of wetlands.
3. To encourage greater interest in waterbirds and wetlands amongst people, and thereby promote the conservation of wetlands and waterbirds in the region.

AWC in India

1. In India, the AWC is annually coordinated by the Bombay Natural history Society (BNHS) and Wetlands International.
2. BNHS is a nongovernment Organisation (NGO) founded in the year 1883.
3. It engages itself in the conservation of nature and natural resources and also in the research and conservation of endangered species.
4. Its mission is to conserve nature, primarily biological diversity through action based on research, education, and public awareness.

Please leave this field empty

Sign up to Receive Awesome Content in your Inbox, Frequently.

Enter Your Email Address *

We don’t Spam!
Thank You for your Valuable Time

Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.