West Africa Birds Study Association (WABSA) last week hosted an eight-member team from the ‘Flight of the Osprey Expedition team from UK led by the UN Ambassador for Migratory Species, Madam Sacha Dench.
Speaking to this medium in Tanji on Tuesday, the UN Ambassador for Migratory Species, Madam Sacha Dench said they travelled overland from the UK, from 1st August to 5th November 2022.
“Before reaching The Gambia, we travelled through the following countries France, Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Mauritania, and Senegal,” Madam Dench stated.
According to her, the purpose of their expedition was to find out all the threats to Osprey Bird Migration, particularly the young birds that migrated from the UK to other parts of the World.
She explained that 70% of Osprey Birds who migrated from the UK don’t survive due to many factors. She noted that during their expedition tour from the UK, they met different people in other countries who are into bird conservation like WABSA in The Gambia.
She said this is their first time visiting the Gambia, but was quick to add that after the Gambia, they will proceed to Cassamance in Senegal, Guinea Bissau, and Guinea Conakry.
She informed that four tagged Osprey Birds migrated from the UK to other parts of the World out of which, one adult is in Guinea Conakry and another one is in Spain while two others died.
According to Madam Dench, most of the migrated birds don’t stay long in other countries, unlike the Gambia where they stay long during the winter season.
“During our stay in The Gambia, we visited Tambi Wetland complex in Banjul, mangrove Bijol Island in Tanji, Kotu Creek, Ndangkan Community in Banjul, WABSA mangrove planting site in Tambi, Tanji Fish Landing site, Bolong Fenyo in Gunjur, Kotu Old Cycle Track, Gambia Birds Watchers Association main office in Kotu and Tendaba Camp in Kwinella,” Madam Dench informed.
Executive Director, WABSA, Lamin Jobaate commended UN Ambassador for Migratory Species and the team for the visit, adding that WABSA being the Birdlife International partner NGO in The Gambia, is doing lots of progress on its Atlantic flyway.
“Flight of the Osprey Expedition team from the UK are here to see for themselves some natures that are connected to conservation and most especially to forge a partnership with WABSA,” said Mr. Jobaate.
According to Mr. Jobaate, the expedition at the end will be put in a documentary form for educational purposes and will be shared among educational institutions like UTG among others.
