What are the benefits of the IBA program?
The identification of important bird habitat is a necessary first step in establishing habitat-based priorities in bird conservation. The designation of a network of sites can help decision-makers focus their efforts and protect the most critical bird habitat. The program is inclusive and identifies important sites for all groups of birds. It integrates aquatic and terrestrial habitat conservation by protecting seabird, shorebird, landbird, and waterfowl habitat. Most importantly, the program is community-driven, and cooperative. It relies on grassroots involvement to develop and implement effective conservation plans. The program will also help generate widespread public awareness about birds and will help build partnerships at all levels: international, national, provincial, and local.
