The International Waterbird Census (IWC), one of the largest and longest-running monitoring programs in the world, is gearing up for its 35th annual activity in Albania. This global initiative, coordinated in Albania by the Albanian Ornithological Society (AOS), plays a crucial role in assessing wetland health, supporting conservation efforts, and fostering sustainable wetland management.
Waterbirds are integral components of wetland ecosystems, serving as indicators of ecological health. Their diversity and population trends provide critical insights into the quality of wetland habitats. Beyond their ecological importance, waterbirds hold significant cultural, recreational, and tourism value, connecting people and wetlands across borders and cultures.
This year’s IWC in Albania will take place on January 18-19 across 34 wetland complexes. More than 100 dedicated ornithologists, including volunteers and experts, will participate in a synchronized census of wintering waterbirds. This coordinated effort ensures comprehensive geographical coverage and reliable data collection. Over its 35 years of activity, the IWC has become Albania’s longest-running and most extensive monitoring program.
The data gathered during these censuses serve as a foundation for planning conservation and management actions for wetlands and their biodiversity. These findings are instrumental in meeting Albania’s reporting obligations under national and international strategies, as well as international conventions like the Ramsar Convention. The information is also utilized to draft or update action plans for endangered species, manage invasive species, and identify wetlands of international importance.
Albanian wetlands, while critical for biodiversity, also contribute to global environmental challenges. They act as carbon sinks, mitigate the effects of extreme weather events, and play a role in adapting to climate change. Protecting and restoring these vital ecosystems goes beyond safeguarding species—it enhances the resilience of communities and ecosystems.
The IWC offers a shared platform for collaboration, uniting wetlands and people in a common cause. Through their complex migrations, waterbirds connect diverse regions and cultures, emphasizing the importance of cross-border conservation efforts.
AOS invites the public to follow and support the 35th International Waterbird Census, a collective endeavor to ensure the sustainability of Albania’s wetlands and the biodiversity they host.