C.J. Nguya
12 August 2006
Arusha — In early 2006, student members of Wildlife Conservation Society of Tanzania (WCST) Arusha Branch met at the National Natural History Museum grounds to establish a Bird Watching Club for youth in Arusha.
The main aim of the Bird Watching Club for Youth is to encourage young people in Arusha region to discover the joys and challenges of birding and promote conservation of birds in the region but also to help promote a general interest in conservation.
The initiative has begun by incorporating four schools: Olasiti Orphans Day Care School, Tropical Centre for Tour Guides, Inter- Continental Training School and Absolute Institute for Tour Guides.
As part of the activities of the initiative a group of 31 students together with two teachers from Olasiti Orphans Day Care School went on a trip of their lifetimes to Tarangire and Manyara National Parks for bird watching on 1st July this year. More than 100 species of birds were sighted during this trip.
The visit was unique, educational and much fun for the students that had participated Most of them had never visited Tarangire and Manyara National parks.
Since the establishment of the branch office the hobby has been growing steadily. An amazing number of students in Arusha participate in bird watching organized by WCST Arusha Branch. They venture out to discover the fun of seeing new birds in new places, whether it's a drive through a national park or a guided walk at a nature preserve. .
The information collected on bird sightings can be used to help to establish the status of various species during such activities and ultimately help the conservation of birds in the Arusha region.
WCST Arusha branch intends to organize more bird walks to encourage our youth to become interested in the conservation of birds of the region. The next bird walk will be advertised.
Bird life or a lack of it is a good indicator on the good health or otherwise of any environment and by taking care of our environment we encourage more birds. A healthy eco-system supports more biodiversity Public awareness is a good foundation for conservation efforts so if you want to be involved in doing something good for conservation.
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