IBA PROGRAM

Bird is some of integral component of nature. Birds not only surround us everywhere giving pleasure, but also play a vital part in life of ecosystems. The healthier environment is the more species of birds dwell in it. Being integral component of wildlife birds can help us to preserve it for the future. This most abundant and numerous group of vertebrates inhabit practically all territories and take upper part of ecological pyramid. They are good indicators of biodiversity. Therefore preserving birds we can preserve other components of fauna and environment. Under actively developing of economics and negative environmental impact problems of protection of birds are becoming more and more important.

"Important bird areas" (IBAs) is the name of International program implementing by BirdLife International and its partners for many years in all over the world. IBAs are the most important territories for birds. These are habitats of rare and endangered species, reservoirs which gather a lot of water birds, sites where a lot of birds have a rest and feed during autumn and spring migrations. More than 10000 IBAs are just identified in the world. In Europe more than 4000 IBAs cover about 7% of its territory. About 2500 of them are being protected by European Community.

The main goal of IBA program is identification and protection of important bird areas all over the world. Governments with the help of local communities establish protection in identified IBAs. No doubt that it helps not only to birds but also to other animals and plants.

After collection of data the first step of IBA program in any country is scientific work. Its goal is complete inventory of IBAs. The objects of the first stage are:

• Analyzing available data using standard criteria;
• Making the list of proposed IBAs;
• Collecting standardized in-depth information about proposed IBAs and additional territories;
• Entering data about IBAs into computer database;
• Determining final list of IBAs submitted with BirdLife International;
• Publishing book about IBAs.

Inventory of IBAs is necessary stage of IBA program. In its completion the work on conservation of these territories will be underway. Regular monitoring of IBAs condition and work effectiveness shows progress and let make necessary corrections to achieve highest efficiency.