SEO/Birdlife, the Spanish society of Ornithology, is a scientific and nature conservation association Founded in 1954 dedicated to the study and the preservation of birds and nature. It is therefore the dean of nature conservation NGOs in Spain, with more than 50 years of uninterrupted activity. It is explained of public utility.
SEO/Birdlife works in all possible aspects that they need to know in which state the Avifauna is of our country. In 2023 it has more than 22,000 that support our work today and collaborate with society in various ways.
SEO/Birdlife is the representative organization of Birdlife International in SpainA federation that grows the associations that are committed to the preservation of birds around the world and that has representation in more than a hundred countries. The goals and objectives of SEO/Birdlife They develop according to their statutes.
SEO/Birdlife and Catalunya
The History of SEO/Birdlife cannot be understood without the implication of CataloniaHe contributed to the foundation, as well as the establishment of the Catalan section. Under the excellent milestones, the saving of the Delta del Lloblegat, which preserved the Aiguamolls of L’Empordà, prepares the inventory of the IBAS Marina in Spain or promoting the Droneland of Lleida.
SEO/Birdlife commemorated in Barcelona are 70th birthday with an action that brought together some of the most important figures for the preservation of nature In Catalonia. Under the motto of continuous dedication to biodiversity, 70 years of flying through natureThe day paid tribute to the seven decades of the work of the organization in the territory, from its origin to the challenges of the present and the future.
The event, Led by the environmental journalist and partner of the entity, José Luis Gallego, started with the institutional intervention of Jordi Sargatal, Secretary of the ecological transition from the government of Catalonia, which emphasized the historical contribution of the Catalan community on the preservation of natural heritage. Since the birth of the organization in 1954, Catalonia has been a fundamental part of the ornithological and environmental movement in Spain.
During seven decades, the work promoted by SEO/Birdlife On this territory it has contributed to milestones that are as important as the identification of the first important areas for birds (IBA), the development of the Natura 2000 network, the establishment of natural reserves, the impulse of custody of the territory or the Consolidation of responsible ornithological tourism.
During the action, the Executive director of SEO/Birdlife, Asunción RuizHe wanted to emphasize thatIoristia de SEO/Birdlife in Catalunya is the story of dedicated citizenshipFrom a science at the service of preservation and a young generation, very necessary to take over.
“Thank you very much for these seven decades of love for birds. We have focused on what really imports for decades and we are not going to faint. We are more necessary than ever. Betting on multilateralism and new global government systems. It is necessary to “remember” social and environmental rights.
For one Uncertain global situation, nor the Bulos nor the Bullets, will cut our wingsWe have to call consensus because we are a lot on the territory. Defensive nature is a huge weapon ”, Said Ruiz.
During the day, a Tour through the different decades through the votes of those who have played each phase.
1954 – The origin
The establishment of the Spanish society of Ornithology and its Catalan regional section marked the Start of modern and organized ornithology in Catalonia. This decade laid the scientific and human basis of everything that would come later.
60s – Science as a nature conservation tool
Xavier Ferrer, Professor of the University of Barcelona, he remembered the role of pioneers such as Frederic Travé, Salvador and Joaquim Maluquer, promoters of the Catalan section and the fundamental studies of that time. The white stork symbolized the first steps in the direction of the protection of species and habitats, while Doñana became National Park with the contribution of Catalan naturalists.
70s – Youth activism and territory defense
Jordi Sargatal, Current secretary of ecological transition from the government of Catalonia” He experienced the years in which students and groups such as the Aiguamolls Empordanesos defense group They managed to save emblematic spaces such as the Aiguamolls from L’Empordà. It was the Start of a mobilizing ecology, civilian campaigns and work to identify the first (Important areas for bird conservation and biodiversity).
80s – Maintaining knowledge
Joan Real, Professor of the University of Barcelona, He emphasized how the work of Catalan scientists and ornithologists made the first, germ of the Natura 2000 network, it made it possible. It was also the decade of the first consciousness campaigns, such as the “Bird of the Year” To raise the situation of the most endangered species that premiered from the Ortega Koopje; and of legislative claims with the approval of the Llei d’Ar Espais Naturals Precursor of the Pein that will be founded in Catalonia in 1992.
90S – Consolidation and Citizenship
Ferrán López, Ornithologist in the natural reserves of the Delta del Lloobregat, voted for a young generation, organized around the local group SEO Calidris, who turns the turnover Delta del Llobregat in one of the most active observation centers. In these years the first life projects are born, the rein is consolidated and the culture of ecological rice in the Ebro delta begins.
2000 years – Synergies, science and custody
Josep del Hoyo, Author and editor Handbook of the birds of the world He remembered Birth of the Catalan delegation and the global relevance of this work Key for the spread and knowledge of the world Avifauna created by Catalan ornithologists.
It was an innovation phase, the Common Bird Tracking Program SacreThe key to monitoring the health of bird populations in Spain, as well as the coastal monitoring of sea birds. The first guardianship agreements of the territory, the Ornithological Marathon were born and the European projects started.
Santi Mañosa, Professor of the University of Barcelona, also underlined the decisive role of the Catalan delegation in the struggle to protect the dry land of Lleida, a joint action with other entities that culminated in the inclusion of these areas such as Zepa in the Natura 2000 network.
2010 – Accessibility, restoration and education
ROGELIO Moreno, Coordinator of the local group SEO Barcelona, He assessed volunteering, the restoration of Wetlands, the promotion of universal access to nature (with pioneers actions such as bird names in drawing language), and the impulse for natural patios and ornithological tourism.
2020 years – Cooperation to transform
Jordi Baucells, President of ICO, was about the great current challenges and essential alliances. In this decade, joint work with other entities is strengthened from spaces such as XCN, and they claim Structural changes in Catalan environmental policySuch as the approval of a Biodiversity Act or the conservation and recovery plans of endangered species.
Current and future of SEO/Birdlife – From urgency to action
Mar Cirac, technique of SEO/Birdlife In Catalonia he closed the interventions Looking at the future, emphasizing the urgent need to deal with climate changeFor the loss of biodiversity and the need for transforming and brave policy.
The action ended with a Conversation between the participants about the challenges with which Catalonia is confronted in nature conservation mattersThe need to strengthen the social involvement or defense of the most endangered habitats. SEO/Birdlife He confirmed his dedication to the defense of biodiversity and citizen participation as engines of change.
Finally, Cristina Sánchez, representative of SEO/Birdlife in Catalunya He emphasized the importance of updating and applying legislation that affects the preservation of biodiversityTo work transversally with the economic sectors’ that directly intervene in our natural capital, to reconsider the land model and to adapt to the future circumstances indicated by experts in terms of extreme weather and water availability.
Must Harmonize European restoration regulation With all the actors involved in the territory, because we play our Well -Beeing and future as a society, and it is in our natural capital where we can find the solutions. “