Asian Waterbird Census(AWC) For Conserving Wetlands And Waterbirds

What Is Asian Waterbird Census(AWC)?
Every year the important work of counting birds is done at different levels in the world. ‘Asian Waterbird Census’ is also one of these. Under this, those aquatic birds that live in the wetlands of the Asian region are counted.
Which Agency Conducts AWC?
Wetlands International South Asia completes Asian Waterbird Census(AWC) through BNHS (Bombay Natural History Society).

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Asian Waterbird Census(AWC) In News

• The Asian Waterbird Census (AWC) 2023 has been done from January 7, 2023 to January 22, 2023. That’s why AWC is in discussion.
  Outputs from the AWC 2023 can be find at the International Water Bird Census Data Portal, including species and country/region count totals for the past 5 years and maps of AWC sites.

Role Of India In AWC?

• India plays a big role in Asian Waterbird Census(AWC) because India helps Wetlands International South Asia to accomplish Asian Waterbird Census(AWC) through BNHS (Bombay Natural History Society).
• It is through this that a reference list of internationally important AWC sites and wetlands is made available to the AWC.

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Aim Of The Asian Waterbird Census(AWC)?

• Asian Waterbird Census(AWC) is conducted to record the status of diversity of important wetland and water bird species along with the population.
• This is the largest annual waterfowl census of Wetlands International.

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How Is the AWC Done?

• Asian Waterbird Census(AWC) is conducted by Wetlands International South Asia in coordination with the BNHS (Bombay Natural History Society) every year in mid January.
• It provides a reference list of internationally important AWC sites and wetlands in India.
• Similarly, in other places of Asia also, through the coordination of AWC, the counting of aquatic birds becomes possible.

Which areas are covered in AWC Survey?

• The  Asian Waterbird Census(AWC) is conducted throughout Asia and Australia.
• Thousands of volunteers participate in this census as per international protocol and methodology.
• This citizen-science program supports the conservation and management of wetland and water birds around the world.

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What Are The Purposes Of AWC Census?

The Purpose Of Asian Waterbird Census(AWC) Are Mentioned Below:

• Monitoring the status of wetlands on an annual basis.
• Encouraging citizens to learn more about waterfowl and wetlands.
• Supporting local conservation activities for wetlands.
• Data from this census and information is used to promote national water bird and wetland conservation and international cooperation with the Central Asian Flyway and the East Asian – Australian Flyway.
• In the Indian subcontinent, waterbirds are counted by the AWC at around 100 wetlands (state, regional and national wetlands, Ramsar sites, protected areas, important bird areas, conservation reserves and community reserves) in active coordination by a national network of volunteers.

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Significance Of Asian Waterbird Census(AWC)?

Surveys like AWC is done because birds are considered to be major components of the environment.

To Conserve Birds

• Birds do the work of spreading seeds. In such a situation, due to the extinction of birds, the environment also comes in danger.
• Many bird species have become extinct and many are on the verge of extinction. In such a situation, by conserving birds, we can also provide protection to the environment.
• Keeping this in mind, this important work is done.

Waterbirds & Wetland Health Are Proportional

• Waterbirds are one of the key indicators of wetland health.
• Waterbirds, which we call aquatic birds, have their own importance.
• The Asian Waterbird Census is done to count these aquatic birds.
• Aquatic birds are one of the most important indicators of the state of the environment because their habitats are sensitive to climate change.
• Therefore water birds are one of the leading indicators of the health of wetlands. This means that these birds alert us about the changes in the environment and weather.

For Conservation and Management of Wetlands

• The Asian Waterbird Census(AWC) is of great help in the conservation of the species of water birds.
• At the same time, it also identifies the areas of wetlands around the world where these aquatic birds reside. Wetlands provide food, rest, roost and foraging habitat for these charismatic species.

To Identify And Conserve New Sites For Water Birds

• Waterfowl/Waterbirds not only act as indicators of climate change, but also help us identify new wetlands on which these birds depend.
• This also helps us a lot in conserving those wetlands.
• This creates a virtuous cycle of environmental protection.

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