The Centre for Biodiversity Conservation Research (CBCR), in collaboration with the Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission, has commenced the 2026 International Waterbird Census (IWC) in Ghana.

The International Waterbird Census is conducted annually in January across the world to estimate waterbird populations along major migratory routes, known as flyways.

Ghana lies along the East Atlantic Flyway, one of the world’s most important migratory corridors, making the country a critical site for monitoring migratory and resident waterbird species.

This year’s census goes beyond the usual coastal wetlands to include inland wetlands across the middle belt and up to the northern parts of the country, a move aimed at generating more comprehensive data on waterbird populations nationwide.

Speaking on the exercise, Mr. Emmanuel N. A. Taye, a Wetland Ecologist and Ornithologist at CBCR, explained that the 2026 census is a “total count” year, a special phase of the IWC carried out periodically.

“This year’s census is a total count, which means that we focus on other sites aside the key wetland sites” Mr. Taye said.

He explained that during a total count, researchers make an extra effort to cover almost all identified wetlands in order to obtain a near-complete estimate of the bird populations in the country.

He noted that extending the surveys inland is particularly important, as many wetlands outside the coast play a crucial role in supporting both migratory and resident waterbird species.

The data gathered from the census will contribute to national and global databases used to track trends in waterbird populations, assess the health of wetland ecosystems, and inform conservation planning and policy decisions.

The exercise also supports Ghana’s commitments under international environmental agreements related to biodiversity and migratory species conservation.

The CBCR and the Wildlife Division emphasized that accurate and timely data from the 2026 IWC will help strengthen wetland conservation efforts, guide sustainable land and water use, and ensure the long-term protection of critical habitats along Ghana’s portion of the East Atlantic flyway.

The field surveys are expected to run throughout January, with teams of researchers and trained observers visiting key wetlands across the country.