Birds Around Us (BArU)
Initiative for bird-friendly cities
Bird Friendly City
The rapid pace of urbanization in Indonesia has changed the composition of the population, and now more and more people are living in cities. Currently, 50% of the world’s population lives in urban areas. By 2030, it is estimated that 60% of the population will live in urban areas. By that time, it is estimated that half of the population in Indonesia will live in cities. There is a need to develop a better urban ecosystem. Thus, bringing nature back into the city has a much greater meaning than simply decorating it.
Since 2011, Burung Indonesia has been pushing new initiatives for bird conservation in urban areas, through the Birds Around Us (BArU) program. BArU is a green open space development program that is not only green, but also considers ecological principles. The BArU program aims to increase awareness of urban communities about the importance of preserving the ecosystem around them.
City and Green Open Space
Ideally a city has 30% green area. The green open space area not only beautifies the city. It also filters vehicle pollution, dampens noise and absorbs excess water during the rainy season. In its development, the urbanization process makes green open spaces often converted into housing, offices, shopping centers and industrial areas.
The city of Batavia in the past was not only famous as the “Venice of the East” but also still had a very large green area. At that time, Bogor was still a beautiful suburban area. The Dutch used to call this city Buitenzorg, a city without hustle and bustle. A green and beautiful city with cool air at the foot of Mount Salak.
Rapid urbanization made Batavia, which later became Jakarta, the most densely populated city in Indonesia. The surrounding suburban areas, including Bogor, also received tremendous pressure from Jakarta. Especially the pressure on the Green Open Space (RTH) area to be used as a settlement.
Tanah Tingal City Forest, South Tangerang, Banten
Bird Population Shrinking
After green open space shrinks due to increasingly dense buildings, city birds only have two choices: move to another greener place or be “forced” to survive in an environment that is no longer suitable to support their lives.
It is not easy for birds to survive in areas with minimal trees. For them, trees are a source of life, a place to find food, shelter, and breed. Likewise with natural water supplies, in this case rivers and lakes. Rivers, canals, and lakes with clean water quality provide abundant food sources such as fish and shrimp.
The small area of green open space and its remote location without connecting paths also makes the birds living in it isolated. In this narrow and isolated area, competition for food and breeding becomes very high. As a result, the number of species and populations continues to shrink.
Bird Friendly City, Providing Habitat for Birds
Birds are natural indicators of environmental quality. Birds are also beautiful and easy to see by the public, so they can increase people’s appreciation of nature and the environment. In addition, it must be admitted that the sound of birds chirping provides a natural nuance. A bird-friendly city is the last bastion for birds in urban areas. With city parks that are more than just green, we can develop bird-friendly cities. The presence of birds and other wildlife such as butterflies will be part of the quality of life of city residents.
In addition to parks, green corridors are believed to be a sanctuary for wild birds. Places with large, green yards such as hotels and hospitals also have the potential to become ‘stepping stones’ for birds to move from one green area block to another and increase connectivity between green areas. In fact, interconnected greenery is not only positive for birds but also good for all city dwellers. City dwellers in tropical countries who walk, cycle, and do not drive motorized vehicles every day, really need shade.
This shade can only be created through the shade of trees. So, the greenery that birds enjoy is actually enjoyed by humans. Moreover, trees also function to reduce and neutralize air and noise pollutants. So, a bird-friendly city is automatically also human-friendly.
Cucak kutilang
What We Do?
Objective
Public knowledge and participation are key to creating a bird-friendly environment in urban areas.
Target groups and strategic environment in the region
Development stage: urban areas in Java Island.
Environmental education for school age children
- Collaborate with schools in urban areas.
- Conduct environmental learning while playing in open areas such as city parks, city forests, or other green open spaces.
Public awareness regarding birds and the environment
- Facilitate bird watching activities.
- Install information boards about bird diversity and conservation messages in green open spaces.
- Hold regular public activities to celebrate bird diversity in Indonesia.
