Locations
Students in Altai Municipality listen to a lecture on bird conservation (Photo: Altai PMO)
(Originally published on 04/14/2015)
Altai, 14 April 2015 -- As a prologue to the ‘Love Bird Week and Wildlife Conservation Month’ campaign co-organised by a joint UNDP-Global Environment Facility (GEF) project in the Altai Mountains and Wetlands, local bird lover Mr. Zhang Guoqiang was invited to speak to local adolescents about bird conservation to raise their awareness of wildlife in Altai on April 14th.
With more than a decade’s bird watching and photographing experience, Mr. Zhang shared some knowledge with the students about how to observe birds’ habits, their migration routines and distinguish similar kinds of birds.
The students were inspired. ‘Altai possesses such a beautiful natural environment’ said Zhang Yiyu, a student from Altai Municipal No.2 Junior High School, ‘we should try our best to protect it. We cannot afford to let the birds lose their habitat.’
Zhang’s school mate, Wulasi reflected on childhood bad behaviour: ‘we should stop thinking that activities like stealing birds’ eggs or shooting birds’ nests with slingshots are games anymore.’ He said he now wants to be a loyal friend to birds, to protect their homes for a long time.
‘My goal is to share basic knowledge and increase their understanding about birds.’ Mr. Zhang Guoqiang said. ‘If these teenagers became better-informed about birds and how to protect them, then generations after generations, our ecosystem and environment would be better protected, and both people and wildlife could enjoy a happy life.’
Seasoned bird watcher and photographer Zhang Guoqiang shares his knowledge of birds with students in Altai Municipality. (Photo: Altai PMO)
Following the lecture, there will be upcoming events like family bird watching and other themed activities, to encourage adolescents to engage with wildlife and environmental conservation.
UNDP has partnered with the Forestry Department of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region since 2013 to initiate the UNDP-GEF Altai Project, which is part of the greater UNDP-GEF ‘Wetland Protected Area System Strengthening for Biodiversity Conservation’ Programme. The five-year project aims to establish an effectively-managed protected area system which can fulfill its role in safeguarding globally significant biodiversity.
