![\"DSC_0185\"](\"http:\/\/mes.org.mk\/en\/nov-sajt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/DSC_0185.jpg\")
<\/a>MES organized an event which brought LCGs and volunteers together from 2nd<\/sup> to 4th<\/sup> October in Prespa in order to celebrate Euro Birdwatch 15 at the same time as 41 other countries from all over Europe and Central Asia.<\/p>\nThe Macedonian birdwatchers joined over 24.000 people in observing the beginning of autumn migration and contributed to the outstanding number of 4 million recorded birds. This event is an opportunity to spread the message about the need of safe flyways for migratory birds \u2013 through ensuring the birds have safe breeding grounds, safe stopover sites and favourable wintering conditions.<\/p>\n
The team of volunteers, MES representatives and LCGs enjoyed exploring the Stenje wetland and the foothills of Galicia National Park. But more specifically, the volunteers spent time by Prespa Lake with MES representatives learning how to conduct bird monitoring for the international mid-winter waterfowl census, a skill they will be able to use while volunteering in the field with MES.<\/p>\n
\u201cI can\u2019t wait to participate in the regular threat monitoring for the lake, I understand that migratory birds face many threats and I would like to contribute to the efforts to decrease them in Macedonia\u201d stated Slave Nakev, MES volunteer from Radovish.<\/p>\n
A new study of BirdLife International on bird killing recently showed that every year, approximately 25 million birds are being killed illegally in the Mediterranean region. On top of this, migratory birds face a number of other threat along their journey through the Mediterranean including collision with wind turbines, electrocution by power lines and loss of key breeding, stop-over and wintering sites to development.<\/p>\n
Claire Thompson, Programme Manager from BirdLife International attended the event in Prespa and stated \u201cMigratory birds crossing the Mediterranean already face the huge awe-inspiring challenge of migration. Anthropogenic threats along the flyway make this journey even more difficult for them, and urgent action is needed to address these. It is fantastic to see so many young \u00a0Macedonian volunteers and local organisations excited about birdwatching and working with MES to help make the flyway safe for migratory birds. \u201d<\/p>\n
During this event MES also organized a two-day workshop. The first day focused on the newly adopted Strategy for working with LCGs, which was developed through the Capacity Development for Flyway Conservation in the Mediterranean project, coordinated by BirdLife International, with support from the MAVA Foundation.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis strategy provides us with an overview and guidance for further cooperation of MES with local organizations and volunteers which are of great importance for our activities at a national scale. When their interests and capabilities are synergized with our vision and expertise, success is guaranteed and will exceed all expectations, stated Robertina Brajanoska, MES\u2019s executive director.<\/p>\n
The second day of the workshop was dedicated to training participating young volunteers in project planning and joint action to show them how their ideas and goals can really be achieved.<\/p>\n