GOBI partner BridLife International recently hosted a workshop in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, to re-evaluate existing Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) and explore the potential for new IBAs based on new available datasets.  The workshop forms part of BirdLife International’s contribution to GOBI’s programme of work funded by the German International Climate Initiative (IKI).
IBAs in the Indian Ocean were first identified in 2012.  Since then, there has been a considerable increase in the tracking data available, both in terms of species and of the number of tracked birds, warranting a re-evaluation of the IBAs in the region.  Protocols for IBA evaluation have also evolved, so workshop discussions focused on how to use new data and knowledge to best effect.  A list of next steps was agreed upon to take forward the decisions made and fulfil aspirations to ensure the continued conservation of seabirds.
In an effort to move towards Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs), workshop participants discussed the merits of incorporating different data from non-bird taxa into the process, data availability in the region, and possible protocols to do so.  Participants also deliberated on a list of factors to consider for prioritising identified sites for advocacy.  BirdLife International and its collaborators can now apply their collective decisions to their ongoing assessments.  More information can be found here.