The project “Restoration of the habitat for spring and autumn migration of the aquatic warbler through the Iberian Peninsula” carried out by the Global Nature Foundation has had the support of the Biodiversity Foundation.

The Global Nature Foundation has coordinated a campaign for the scientific ringing of migratory marsh passerine birds in different Natural Areas of the Valencian Community. This activity is part of the follow-up actions of the LIFE Paludicola project, a European initiative in different wetlands of the Natura 2000 Network of the Iberian Peninsula with a duration of three years.

The main objective of the project is to stop the decline of the populations of aquatic warbler (Acrocephalus paludicola) by working on the restoration of the habitat of migratory passage before and after marriage. In addition, other specific objectives are derived that consist of the study of the largest possible number of migratory birds to obtain information on the impact of climate on migration, the number and physical condition of the specimens, biometrics, and the places of origin and destination of migration; in order to increase knowledge about the migratory strategies of captured birds.

Until December 2018, the project has focused on informing and raising awareness, explaining to the local population the objectives of the project and the benefit of wetland conservation and aquatic warbler. 5 presentation talks have been held in which more than 120 people have participated.

In addition, different works have been carried out to improve flooding in different wetlands, increasing the habitat available for the aquatic warbler. 9 species-specific monitoring campaigns have been carried out in 9 wetlands. An environmental education campaign has begun with workshops, three travelling exhibitions and informative talks for local populations and the project’s area of influence.

Finally, an intense information and dissemination campaign has been developed in the media, website and social networks. In later phases of the project, awareness-raising efforts and the study of migratory populations of this species will continue, and habitat improvement works such as vegetation mowing and plantations will be addressed.