From the quiet wetlands of Salo in Ghana’s Keta Lagoon to the open skies of Belgium, a one-year-old Eurasian Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus scirpaceus) has completed a close to 5000-kilometre journey that embodies the very spirit of World Migratory Bird Day 2025 — that birds connect our world. This tiny traveler, weighing just 10grams, was first ringed on February 18, 2025, by the Scientific Director of A Rocha France and ornithologist, Schwartz Timothée in Salo, a community within the Keta Lagoon Complex Ramsar Site (KLCRS), during field surveys under the ProBioDev project, a collaboration between A Rocha Ghana and A Rocha France for the conservation of migratory birds. On 17 September 2025, the same bird was recaptured in Sourbrodt, Belgium, at a weight of 11.69grams, by Ornithologist Emile Degros, revealing an extraordinary link between the wetlands of Ghana and the marshes of Europe. “The recapture of this bird on European soil is a powerful symbol of the invisible threads that tie our ecosystems together,” says Prosper Kwame Antwi, Programmes Manager at A Rocha Ghana. “I am very elated to know that the Keta Lagoon Complex Ramsar Site (KLCRS) habitat connects to a distant habitat in Belgium. Our community-based conservation approach is surely helping balance ecosystems across continents. As we contribute to securing critical habitats for the present and future, we are convinced that our research findings and community-based conservation efforts will support international agreements and conservation efforts, which are essential for protecting species that cross national borders,” he added.
The ringing of our tiny traveller, Eurasian Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus scirpaceus). It has a unique tag—P010418
“Ringing two Eurasian Reed Warblers wintering in the Keta Lagoon Complex Ramsar Site last February was a major milestone for our project,” said Timothée Schwartz, Scientific Director of A Rocha France. “It highlights the vital importance of conserving these threatened habitats for the survival of migratory birds. To know that one of these birds has been found in Europe is simply incredible! This fantastic result gives us great hope and motivates us to work even harder to protect these fragile and heroic creatures.”
A Partnership for Birds, People, and Planet
The ProBioDev project — short for Promoting Biodiversity Conservation for Development is made possible through funding from the French Committee of the IUCN, under the Biodiversity Support Program for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) active in developing countries, with the valued partnership of the management of the Keta Lagoon Ramsar Site. Through this collaboration, A Rocha Ghana and A Rocha France are working to protect one of Ghana’s most important migratory bird stopover sites, the KLCRS. Recognized internationally as a Ramsar Site, KLCRS regularly welcomes over 100,000 birds at a time, including many migratory species from Europe. Yet, increasing poverty and overexploitation threaten both the lagoon’s biodiversity and the livelihoods of local communities. Between 10 percent and 30 percent of residents in the surrounding districts live in poverty, relying heavily on fishing, agriculture, and mangrove harvesting. The ProBioDev project aims to break this cycle by combining scientific research, community empowerment, and habitat restoration. Its objectives include: 1. Conducting a comprehensive inventory of bird species and updating habitat maps. 2. Training local community members to monitor and protect bird populations. 3. Promoting eco-friendly livelihoods such as birdwatching tourism. 4. Supporting mangrove restoration and ecological farming to enhance food security and climate resilience.
Measuring the length of the leg of the Eurasian Reed Warbler, a useful measurement to understand the fitness of migratory birds.
A Symbol of Hope and Connection
Each ringed bird tells a story of collaboration and care, a link between science and stewardship, people and planet. The Eurasian Reed Warbler’s flight from Salo to Sourbrodt reminds us that even the smallest creatures can carry the largest messages of hope. “This tiny traveller is more than just a scientific record,” reflects Prosper Kwame Antwi. “It’s a message of hope that by protecting wetlands and wildlife, we’re nurturing the bonds that unite our world.” Quick Facts of our Tiny Traveller Species: Eurasian Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus scirpaceus) Age: >1 year Date of First Capture: 18 February 2025 Ringer: Timothée, SCHWARTZ, Weight at first capture: 10g Wing length at first capture:65.5m Original Site: Salo, Keta Lagoon Complex Ramsar Site, Ghana Recapture Site: Sourbrodt, Belgium (50°28’42″N 06°07’04″E) Date of Recapture: 17 September 2025 Ringer/Founder: Emile Degros Weight at Recapture: 11.69 g Wing length at Recapture: 69 mm Ring Number: P010418 About World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) is a global campaign that celebrates the remarkable journeys of migratory birds and promotes international cooperation to protect them. Observed in May and October, the day highlights the challenges birds face across continents and habitats. Coordinated by UNEP’s Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), the African–Eurasian Migratory Waterbird Agreement (AEWA), and Environment for the Americas (EFTA), WMBD reminds us that protecting migratory species means protecting the planet.