Northern shorebirds action plan: education

Institute a simple and concise communications process for the shorebird conservation program

Priority - high
Bird Conservation Regions (BCR) - 3, 4, 6, 7

Although communication and education efforts have occurred sporadically over the past five years, no regular and ongoing communication or education process has been identified. This remains an outstanding action item, and one that must be immediately addressed. Following the lead of other Northern Conservation programs, an annual plain language newsletter will be produced that summarizes Program activities and major findings. This will be made available on Environment and Climate Change Canada's website together with publication of the Strategy and Action Plan, and these will constitute the main communication vehicle of the Program. The Shorebird Sister Schools Program (SSSP) will continue to be the Program's main education vehicle, although our capacity to undertake SSSP is constrained by staff time. Posters produced by the Shorebird Program in the past have been very popular. Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS) will continue to produce posters on an as needed basis, depending on the current focus of the Program.

Key results:

• Northern residents and decision-makers are more aware of and appreciative of local shorebirds, and of the threats and pressures that these birds face throughout their life cycle;
• Northern residents and decision-makers are more supportive of efforts to monitor and conserve bird populations;
• Members of the Canadian public are able to easily access information about northern birds, and about the Shorebird Conservation Program.