Birds contribute to human health, improve agricultural production, generate millions of dollars in ecotourism revenue, and serve as indicators of environmental well-being.
These impacts, however, are frequently overlooked. ABC hopes to change that by partnering with the North American Bird Conservation Initiative (NABCI) and others to highlight the many ways that birds benefit society. Our goal is to collaborate with nontraditional partners in preserving birds and their habitats.
North America has lost 2.9 billion birds, which translates to more than one in four, since 1970. Bird declines, however, aren't confined to one continent: Population numbers are down across much of the globe.
These losses, which are primarily caused by habitat loss and degradation, negatively impact human and ecosystem health. For example, ailing bird populations can sound the alarm about contamination problems and these relatively easily observed animals serve as indicators of biodiversity value and habitat restoration success.
Reversing these declines is imperative to advancing sustainability goals. Protecting birds and improving human livelihoods are not mutually exclusive endeavors — they go hand in hand. For example, implementing improved agricultural practices can also benefit birds. The successful implementation of such efforts demonstrates that bird conservation can further global development, sustainability, and conservation objectives.
A variety of partners are cooperating in efforts to conserve birds while pursuing complementary goals. For example, in Guatemala, ABC and its conservation partner FUNDAECO work with local farmers who grow cardamom and black pepper to generate revenue for their families. Together, we are working to increase their yields by planting shade trees that help boost their productivity while providing habitat for migratory birds.
The Story Map below presents examples from the Americas of the many benefits that birds provide to society.
