Project title:
Every bird counts
Duration: 1.10.2025.-1.10.2026.
Total budget: 10,316.67 €
Association Biom budget:
- City of Zagreb – 4,000.00 €
- BIOM – 6,316.67 €
Lead beneficiary:
Association Biom
Project goals
Expand the database on bird species in Zagreb
Increase the ecological awareness of citizens and train them to monitor birds independently
Project summary
Fast changes in the environment of Zagreb, caused by urbanization and climate change, are affecting bird populations, altering their habitats and food availability. The last comprehensive bird mapping project in this area was the Atlas of Breeding Birds of the City of Zagreb (Croatian Agency for Environment and Nature, 2015), based on data collected between 2003 and 2015, which recorded 100 species of birds breeding in the city. Given the time that has passed, it is very likely that the conditions and composition of bird populations have changed. Without more recent data, it is difficult to accurately assess the current state and plan effective measures for the protection and conservation of birds in the city. In order to compensate for this lack of data, this project encourages citizens to actively participate in bird monitoring through citizen science. The main target group of this project are citizens of Zagreb, who actively participate in collecting new data on bird species during the project in the area of the City of Zagreb. Research shows that citizens who participate in citizen science initiatives are most motivated by the desire to deepen their knowledge and contribute to nature conservation. This is important information because it shows that there is motivation, but it is crucial that in addition to having a data entry tool, citizens also learn to recognize and study birds and familiarize them with the methodology of recording and entering observations so that the activity itself is feasible and motivating for them, and the data is high-quality and useful. This project provides them with the necessary skills and knowledge so that they can independently participate in monitoring and recording bird observations. The first step is education – through lectures, citizens learn to recognize birds and record observations. Then, organized birdwatching tours provide practical experience with the support of experts. Finally, a continuous data collection campaign, with challenges and rewards, motivates long-term engagement. All bird and nature lovers are invited to participate in the project activities, regardless of experience and knowledge!
