Proper environmental conservation greatly contributes to bird conservation, particularly in providing habitats and sanctuaries for migratory birds. Myanmar, although experiencing extreme heat and cold due to climate change and facing some deforestation of natural forests, continues to provide a safe and welcoming environment for migratory birds to overwinter each year without interruption.
Wetland areas and well-known large lakes in Myanmar are among the most important resting habitats for migratory birds. These areas provide favourable climatic conditions and abundant food resources preferred by migratory species. As a result, the number of migratory birds arriving each year continues to increase, creating excellent opportunities for bird enthusiasts and environmental conservation researchers to conduct studies and observations.
In Myanmar, many migratory bird species inhabit various resting and wintering sites such as Indawgyi Lake, Inlay Lake, Moeyungyi Lake, Sunye Lake, and Paleik Lake, among others, which serve as important habitats for migratory birds. World Migratory Bird Day is observed annually on the second Saturday in May and October, dedicated to the conservation of migratory birds and the protection of their habitats.
Migratory birds and their habitats are deeply interconnected. Protecting these habitats not only ensures the birds’ survival as wildlife conservation but also promotes tourism in Myanmar. For the birds, these protected habitats provide essential resting and wintering spaces as they travel from colder northern regions. They come from the northern to the southern part of the world yearly through nine flyways. In Myanmar, more than 300 migratory bird species from the East Asian-Australasian Flyway and the Central Asian Flyway arrive annually to overwinter, live, and feed in the country.
The 2026 campaign shines a spotlight on people-driven efforts that are essential for bird conservation and science, celebrating how individuals, communities, and organizations around the world are helping to build the knowledge base to better conserve migratory birds across borders. The campaign will celebrate the millions of bird enthusiasts around the world who are contributing to the data and knowledge that inform policy decisions and are essential for bird conservation, through each recorded observation.
The theme for the World Migratory Bird Day 2026 highlights “Every Bird Counts – Your Observations Matter!”, focusing on the important role of community science for the conservation of migratory birds. Just like humans, migratory birds also need safe and secure places to live. Therefore, their habitats should be free from disturbances that could endanger their lives and should provide sufficient food resources. It is necessary for the public to take care of and protect these areas with compassion.
#TheGlobalNewLightOfMyanmar