The Ministry of Environment marked World Migratory Bird Day on May 10 in Tbong Khmum province to raise awareness of the importance of wetlands and instil in the public the spirit of conservation and protecting birdlife.

With this year's theme "Water: Sustaining Birdlife", the day also aimed to raise public awareness on natural resource management and the conservation of migratory birds, their habitats and feeding grounds.

Ministry secretary of state Srun Darith said at the event that migratory birds have incredible physical traits to be able to fly long distances of more than thousands of kilometres.

“Tbong Khmum province has some important wetlands that have been designated protected areas, the Boeung Kade multi-purpose area in Kroch Chhmar district in particular.

"We are in the process of designating other areas as protected, including a bamboo forest, a flooded forest and the Kapi wetlands,” Darith said.

Migratory birds depend heavily on wetland resources that are facing threats such as growing human demand for water, water pollution and climate change, the ministry said.

The Boeung Kade multi-purpose area spans 1.643ha and sustains many species of birds, and plays a crucial role as a feeding ground for migratory species.

Rich in biodiversity, the area is also important to people for irrigating their crops and making use of fisheries resources.

“Such places play an important role in the conservation of biodiversity, as well for the livelihoods of local communities.

"The Boeung Kade multi-purpose area also enhances the prestige of Tbong Khmum province,” Darith said.