The "APB BirdLife Belarus" non-governmental organization ends this summer with the publication of the Guide for Guardians of Important Bird Areas (IBAs). One might find under the book jacket a review of common offenses of the Belarusian environmental regulations. Each chapter includes step-by-step instructions answering the question: "What am I to do, if I see that nature is in danger?"
- We work with IBA Guardians in various corners of Belarus. They have prevented dozens of threats: a waste landfill area was not expanded in one place, grass burning was put out promptly, and hazardous waste was not poured into a river owing to their reports. We have collected this experience in a universal guidebook to share the knowledge with everyone wishing to save nature, - notes Maxim Nemchinov, the "Nature is Important for All" Project Manager. – I believe that now we shall work even more effectively. We invite you to join our IBA Guardianship Programme!
80 pages of the book provide answers to general questions and discuss specific situations, when the threat could be prevented in time.
· What is an IBA (Important Bird Area), why should they be identified, and what birds may be nominated for assigning the protection status to an area?
· Who are IBA Guardians, how do they work, who can become a Guardian? What does a Guardian need to do in order to maintain good order in cherished places?
Key sections are dedicated to problems that are most common for Belarusian IBAs. The book provides solutions and procedures for such situations
· What is one to do, if a tree with a bird nest is being cut in a forest?
· Someone is catching fish with illegal implements: my actions?
· Grass burning and fires in prohibited areas: how to step in?
The books will be distributed among all Programme IBA Guardians and new assistants. These step-by-step instructions will serve as a lifeline in many situations, and IBAs will remain as green, clear and filled with bird songs!
The Guide was published under the "Nature is Important for All" Project with support from the European Union.
