SABUKO decided to establish a network of volunteers for IBAs of Georgia !
AIM1 – To build up locally based team of observers to help us in delivering monitoring information about the IBAs.
AIM2 – to attract members, who are settled and living near IBA itself.
What is IBA in general:
- These are critical areas in terms of conservation of birds and biodiversity
- Places that have international importance
- Convenient places for conservation measures
- Territories selected by international criteria
- Places that can be recognized as protected areas and thus expand the network of existing protected areas
- Did you know that, despite the fact that Georgia is a small country, we have 32 IBAs across its territory?
IBA map ( You can check the boundaries of IBAs through this link – http://datazone.birdlife.org/country/georgia/ibas)
The caretakers are the ears and eyes of SABUKO in the field. They alert Sabuko on developments or any other actions that might have a significant negative impact on the quality of the site for birds and other species. Also the IBA caretakers should try to involve local communities into nature conservation by sharing their experience and knowledge.
IBA Caretakers should realize what is the motivation for being caretaker – wellbeing depends on the environment of the places where they live and work so they have to take ownership over the conservation of their local environment; the management of using of any natural resources where settler lives should be also part of their interest.
IBA Caretakers can be anyone, who is passionate about nature or the environment. It is not necessarily to be involved in some professional way in the IBA, some may have strong desire to protect her/his local forest, lake and etc, or just having love of birds.
What IBA Caretakers do:
- Monitoring bird species indicated by SABUKO for the given IBA
- Observing IBA territory while performing first task. In case of any negative impact as: illegal hunting, Illegal cutting of trees, illegal grazing, illegal trade of birds, wildfires, destruction of nests and etc. have to be straight reported)
- Involving new volunteers and building public awareness around IBAs
- Collecting and recording the data gathered from IBAs
What Sabuko does for CareTakers:
- Workshops and meetings
- Sending educational materials on regular basis.
- Training in bird monitoring/IBAs/policy/nature conservation and etc.
- Maintaining regular email contact – at least once in two weeks
- Preparation and submission of annual report on activities and achievements of caretakers
SABUKO has chosen only these 4 IBAs as a start – Alazani valley IBA, Iori IBA, Jandari IBA, Batumi IBA
To become ‘IBA-caretaker’ you should:
1. Exceed the age of 16
2. Send CV
3. Cover letter (150 words)
4. Be from local community, meaning living in the region of above listed IBAs, or have possibility to visit the area regularly
Contact email: [email protected]
You can send details till September 30.
Author of the image – <a href=”http://www.freepik.com”>Designed by brgfx / Freepik</a>
