A bird watching workshop was held in cooperation with Department of Environment and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Expert team on Wednesday, 10th May 2017 and in accordance with world migratory bird day for 15 members of Bandar-e- Anzali Lotus Festival Secretaries in Anzali Wetland Environmental Education Center in Selke Wildlife Refuge.
At the beginning of this program, Mr. Watanabe, the Wetland Ecosystem Expert and the Environmental Education Expert from JICA Expert team explained the history of EE in Japan, importance of EE activities for the Anzali Wetland and the JPAs in Anzali Wetland Ecological Management Project- Phase II.
After that the participants went to observe summering migratory and resident bird by using the binoculars and telescope from Bird Watching Tower and Bird Hide. Now is bird migrating season when birds migrate between nesting and wintering sites. Many birds are passing the Anzali Wetland as stopover site. Also many birds have already arrived at Anzali Wetland to breed.
Ms.Yosefzadeh explained the education materials for students prepared by the Project.
Participants had the opportunity to observe many summering migratory or resident birds including Great-reed Warbler, Gray Heron, Purple Heron, and Black- winged Stilt, Purple Swamphen, Whiskered Tern, and Common Cuckoo. Surprisingly one Mute Swan could be seen in the wrong season. They also observed Azolla and flowers structure by using microscope. They really enjoyed and studied real nature of the Anzali Wetland Ecosystem.
After bird watching activity and showing film of “Life in Anzali Wetland”, a discussion was hold in order to discuss how to promote the experiential- oriented environmental program by utilizing the Anzali Wetland EE Center and its availability for public people.
Participants of this program appreciated JICA Export team for their technical and financial support for JPAs under Anzali Wetland Ecological Management- Phase II. And they had very good impression for today’s bird watching program. They noted that these kind of experiential based program has highly effect on visitors to feel a real nature and consider more how to conserve the Anzali Wetland.
