BirdLife South Africa bird conservation highlights

BirdLife South Africa has engineered, driven or partnered with other NGOs or government departments on bird conservation projects across South Africa. We have achieved some great successes. Snapshots of the highlights include:

The Albatross Task Force (ATF)

Albatrosses are amongst the most threatened groups of birds in the world, with 18 of 21 species listed on the IUCN Red List. Accidental mortality associated with longline fishing is the primary reason for the listing of almost all of these species. The ATF is responsible for reducing seabird bycatch in the fisheries they work with.

The anti-mining campaign in Wakkerstroom

When news broke that the Department of Minerals and Energy had issues prospecting permits for torbanite and coal mining in Wakkerstroom, BirdLife South Africa stood and said 'No'! Our Policy and Advocacy Division has worked exceptionally hard to raise funds and to take legal action to prevent the destruction of one of the best birding spots in South Africa, with irreplaceable habitat critical to the survival of several bird species. The work is ongoing, but so far, so good.

Community-based Conservation

The Community-based Conservation Division has been very active in education and launching community-based conservation actions. It is a cross-cutting programme that links into our Important Bird Areas (IBA) work, species conservation projects and education. These initiatives continue to create real social benefits linked to the on-going conservation of sites, ensuring local buy-in and continued conservation impetus at a local level.