On European Birdwatching Day (Euro Birdwatch), the first weekend in October, marked to draw attention of the general public towards the ecological importance of birds and the need to protect their habitats, Ornithological society “Naše ptice” invited journalists to join them in the Livanjsko polje.
Livanjsko polje is the largest wetland complex in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the largest floodplain karst field in the world. It was declared a wetland of international importance in 2008 under the auspices of the Ramsar Convention, and included in the list of Important Bird Areas (IBA) in 2011. It is on the list of potential Natura 2000 sites in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but does not yet have an adequate level of protection.
Journalists had the opportunity to learn about birds, work of “Naše ptice”, needs and plans in this domain for the future, including exchange at the regional level. They talked to Mr. Ante Perković, who developed canoe birdwatching business with the assistance of small grants provided within one of the projects of Ornithological Society “Naše ptice”, at the Sturba river. They visited the birdwatching towers where regular bird counting is performed every year on Euro Birdwatch and other occasions, and discussed the importance of protection of migratory birds and their habitats. Journalists expressed interest to participate in all future actions of “Naše ptice”.