Record-breaking donation from Global Birdfair to support migratory bird research!

Twice a year, hundreds of thousands of birds undertake an incredible journey, travelling thousands of kilometres between their breeding and wintering grounds. Bird migration is not only one of nature’s greatest spectacles, but also a crucial indicator of the state of global biodiversity. When migration thrives, it is a sign that ecosystems—and by extension, our own environment—are healthy and resilient.

Migratory birds travel along vast aerial highways known as flyways, and within these routes, certain locations act as vital bottlenecks. These hotspots, determined by geography and environmental conditions, are essential for observing the wonders of migration. More importantly, they provide scientists and conservation organizations with a unique opportunity to track birds, identify threats, and collect data to inform effective conservation programmes.

One such hotspot is the Galala Plateau in Egypt, located at the western end of the Red Sea. Over time, this area has become an indispensable passage for dozens of migratory species, especially raptors. However, the region has lacked a permanent observatory capable of providing accurate data during the spring migratory season. Thanks to a record donation of $125,000 USD raised at the 2024 Global Birdfair in Rutland, UK, this much-needed observatory will now become a reality.

The funds, contributed by approximately 13,000 Global Birdfair attendees, sponsors, and participants, will be managed by Nature Conservation Egypt (NCE), BirdLife International’s partner in Egypt. Together with the Egyptian Ministry of Environment, NCE has spearheaded this initiative to create the first permanent bird observatory of its kind in the country. The observatory will provide crucial data to guide global conservation efforts and protect the diverse species that depend on this important migratory corridor.

A Crucial Stopover for Migratory Birds

Over the past three years, NCE, in collaboration with other BirdLife partners, has worked diligently to identify the best location within the Galala Plateau, build capacity for scientific monitoring, and design an effective monitoring system to collect data. These efforts have already borne fruit. During the initial observation period, approximately 350,000 birds of 30 to 35 different species were tracked as they passed through Galala each spring. Birds of prey, such as the endangered Egyptian vulture, the spotted eagle, and the steppe eagle, are among the most frequently observed species.

The figures speak for themselves: during the last migratory seasons, 11% of the world’s Egyptian vulture population, 25% of the world’s spotted eagle population, and almost 50% of the steppe eagle population were recorded passing through Galala. These figures underline the vital importance of the region as a migratory bottleneck.

Now, with Global Birdfair’s record donation, the future of the Galala Bird Observatory is secure.

“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has contributed to this record number. From our sponsors to our dedicated volunteers and thousands of attendees, this donation will have a lasting impact on global bird conservation.”

Tim Appleton and Penny Robinson

Khaled Noby, Director General of NCE, expressed his gratitude: “This record donation could not come at a better time. It will allow us to continue our work monitoring bird migration through Galala, a vital link in the African-Eurasian flyway. We are deeply grateful to BirdLife International and the Global Birdfair community for their unwavering support.”

Tim Appleton and Penny Robinson, founders and organisers of Global Birdfair, were equally touched by the generosity of the birding community: “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has contributed to this record number. From our sponsors to our dedicated volunteers and thousands of attendees, this donation will have a lasting impact on global bird conservation.”

A New Tool for BirdLife’s Collaborative Efforts

The Galala Bird Observatory will play a key role in BirdLife International’s wider efforts to protect migratory species. It will provide real-time data on bird populations, threats, and conservation needs. This information will be shared with BirdLife’s global network, helping to define conservation strategies not only in Egypt, but also in Europe, Asia, and Africa.

BirdLife International CEO Martin Harper emphasised the significance of the project: “Thanks to the generosity of the Global Birdfair community, NCE and the Galala project will help drive conservation action across the region. We are deeply thankful to everyone involved in making this record-breaking donation a reality and for their continued commitment to protecting our shared natural world.”

As migratory birds continue to face increasing challenges, this observatory stands as a beacon of hope for their future. With the unwavering support of Global Birdfair, BirdLife International, and the global conservation community, the Galala Bird Observatory will help ensure that the skies remain full of life and that the wonders of migration continue to inspire generations to come.

Click here for more information on Global Birdfair and our BirdLife Partner, Nature Conservation Egypt.

Watch the full video of the announcement below 👇