On the upcoming September 11, 2026, in Nairobi, the new State of the World’s Birds Report will be presented, prepared by BirdLife International. This document, published every four years, will focus on migratory bird populations and provide essential information for the discussions at the Global Summit on Migratory Routes.
Migratory birds as environmental indicators
Migratory birds are one of the most visible indicators of the health of ecosystems.
- They connect habitats, communities, and economies across national borders.
- Each wetland, feeding area, and resting site is a vital link in an interconnected chain.
- The loss of a single site can compromise the survival of thousands of individuals.
The report will assess the state of Key Biodiversity Areas and other critical habitats, in addition to analyzing the increasing pressures on migratory shorebirds, one of the most threatened groups worldwide.
Science and action: the Nairobi Declaration
The summit, organized by BirdLife International and Nature Kenya, will culminate in the adoption of the Nairobi Declaration on Migratory Routes, based on the findings of the report.
- It will bring together governments, institutions, funders, and conservation partners.
- It will promote concrete commitments in policy, conservation, and funding.
- It will connect scientific evidence with immediate actions to protect birds and ecosystems.
Voices of conservation
- Martin Harper, CEO of BirdLife International: “Migratory birds connect countries, continents, and cultures through some of the most extraordinary journeys in the natural world. This edition will provide an authoritative assessment and highlight solutions that are already yielding results”.
- Dr. Paul Matiku, CEO of Nature Kenya: “As a country situated on the Afro-Eurasian Migratory Route, we are direct witnesses to the importance of international cooperation. The summit is an opportunity for Africa to lead a global response based on science”.
Nairobi as a strategic stage
Kenya, located on the Afro-Eurasian Migratory Route that connects Africa, Europe, and Asia, offers an ideal framework for this global debate.
The choice of the country underscores the relevance of African ecosystems in the global conservation of migratory birds.
International participation
The presence of:
- High representatives of the Government of Kenya.
- International institutions and the global conservation community.
- Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado of Japan, president of BirdLife International, along with other global leaders.
The State of the World’s Birds Report 2026 and the Nairobi Declaration will mark a turning point in international cooperation to protect migratory routes.
By bringing together science, policy, and action, this meeting aims to ensure that migratory birds continue to connect continents and cultures, and that the ecosystems they depend on receive the protection they need.
