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Kenya to Host Global Flyways Summit as Migratory Bird Decline Raises Alarm
Kenya will host the Global Flyways Summit in September, as new data shows more than 40% of migratory bird species worldwide are in decline. The findings from BirdLife International highlight growing pressure on ecosystems that support both wildlife and human life.
The warning comes ahead of World Migratory Bird Day on May 9, which coincides with peak migration season. The global event encourages communities to observe and protect one of nature’s most important natural cycles.
Bird Decline Signals Wider Environmental Stress
BirdLife International says shifting migration patterns point to deeper environmental strain. Migratory birds play a vital role in ecosystems by spreading nutrients, supporting agriculture, and helping control diseases.
Martin Harper emphasized the urgency of the situation:
“Migratory birds connect us across countries, continents and oceans. Protecting these flyways helps reverse decline. At the same time, it delivers cleaner water, food security and stronger climate resilience,” he said.
Birds rely on flyways natural migration routes that link breeding grounds, feeding areas, and seasonal habitats. These routes stretch across continents and oceans. However, when wetlands are drained or coastlines degrade, entire species face decline.
Globally, birds follow four major land flyways, including the African–Eurasian route, as well as several marine pathways.
Africa’s Critical Role in Global Migration
One of the most significant routes is the African–Eurasian Flyway, which connects Africa, Europe, and Asia. Birds travel thousands of kilometres along this path, from the Arctic to southern Africa.
Paul Matiku noted that Africa plays a central role in protecting these systems:
“Africa sits at the heart of key global flyways. When we protect our wetlands and coastlines, we protect biodiversity and the communities that depend on it,” he said.
He added that hosting the summit in Nairobi marks a major milestone for the continent.
Nairobi Summit to Drive Global Action
The Global Flyways Summit, co-hosted by BirdLife International and Nature Kenya, will bring together leaders from science, policy, business, and civil society.
Participants will focus on practical actions to protect migratory birds and restore critical habitats. In addition, scientists will release a new State of the World’s Birds report, offering updated insights into global biodiversity trends.
Kenya to Host Global Flyways Summit as Migratory Bird Decline Raises Alarm
Public Urged to Take Part
Meanwhile, conservation groups are calling on the public to get involved. BirdLife International encourages people to observe birds, record sightings, and contribute to citizen science.
Each observation strengthens conservation data and helps protect these shared global routes.
A Shared Responsibility
Ultimately, the decline of migratory birds signals more than a wildlife crisis. It reflects stress within ecosystems that sustain human life.
As Kenya prepares to host the summit, the message is clear: protecting flyways is not optional it is essential for environmental and economic resilience.
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