Migratory waterbird populations decreasing.

A study by Wetlands International presented during a meeting of the African-Eurasian Waterbird Agreement (AEWA) held in Madagascar reported that migrating bird populations through Africa and Eurasia have dropped by 40 percent, while those in Western and Central Asia are now less than half their previous numbers. The decline is attributed to habitat destruction by humans as well as global warming, which is causing change to the remaining wetland regions. Signatories to the African-Eurasian Waterbird Agreement present at the meeting discussed ways to attain the 2010 goal of halting the loss of biodiversity.

Many thanks, Wetlands International and African-Eurasian Waterbird Agreement signatories for your concerned observations and laudable goals. Let us adapt to more compassionate and eco-friendly ways to ensure the continued survival of our cherished avian friends.

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/Earth/Flora__Fauna/
Migratory_Waterbirds_waning_in_numbers/articleshow/3493375.cms http://www.unep-aewa.org/press/index.htm, http://www.unep-aewa.org/press/press_release/AEWA_MOP4_press_release_waterbird_populations_declining.pdf, http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/sep2008/2008-09-15-01.asp

Thousands leave central Somalia seeking water.

Following a prolonged drought with no end in sight, over 15,000 Somalians from the area of Galgadud have abandoned their homes and moved to a camp for displaced persons in hopes of finding water and aid. According to the local district commissioner, Ali Sheikh Mahamud, people continue to depart, looking for relief from their dire conditions. Climate change and deforestation have brought more intense droughts to the region, and this year the rains that usually come in September failed to appear.

We pray that the graceful people of Somalia may soon be blessed with life-giving rains. May we all act in solidarity to bring relief to this global situation by adopting such quick and effective means as the plant-based diet.

http://www.irinnews.org/Report.aspx?ReportId=8046111, http://allafrica.com/stories/200809180894.html, http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/jan2006/2006-01-16-02.asp