LEGAZPI CITY, Albay (PIA) -- Over 4,000 waterbirds took the spotlight in the Annual Asian Waterbird Census (AWC) in Cabusao, Camarines Sur, January 7.
In the latest press release of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 5, these waterbirds of mixed Whiskered Tern, Javan Pond Heron, Little Egret, Great Egret, Pacific Golden Plover, Little Ringed Plover, Wood Sandpiper, Black-Winged Stilt and Northern Shoveler were sighted at the three different sites at Cabusao Critical Habitat.
The AWC aims to provide the basis for estimates of waterbird populations; monitor changes in waterbird numbers and distribution by regular, and standardised counts of representative wetlands.
It eyes to increase awareness of the importance of waterbirds and their wetland habitats at local, national and international levels.
The AWC also aims to build and strengthen national networks of enthusiastic volunteers and facilitate their training.
The said census was headed by DENR, and was participated by its Regional Executive Director, Francisco E. Milla, Jr., together with Assistant RD for Technical Services Atty. Ronnel Sopsop, and OIC, ARD for Management Services Dr. Grace Cariño.
It is is conducted annually every second and third week of January. It is simultaneously observed with other international censuses of waterbirds in Africa, Europe and Neotropics under the umbrella of the International Waterbird Census.
Representatives from the Protected Area Management and Biodiversity Conservation Section of the Conservation and Development Division, different divisions of the Regional Office, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office of Camarines Sur as well as the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office of Sipocot and Local Government Unit of Cabusao also participated in the activity. (KAB/PIA5)
