History and Significance of World Sparrow Day

History and Significance of World Sparrow Day

Date of Release: 20 March 2016 , Lucknow

Every year on March 20, World Sparrow Day is celebrated all over the globe with an aim to raise awareness and protect the bird. A few years back, house sparrows were easily spotted at the homes of the people. Now, due to the increase in noise pollution, the bird is on the verge of extinction. World Sparrow Day is an international initiative started by the Nature Forever Society in India in collaboration with the Eco-Sys Action Foundation (France) and numerous other national and international organizations across the world to impact awareness about the house sparrow and other such birds.

The diminutive house sparrow (Passer domesticus) is perhaps one of the earliest birds you can remember from your childhood. Their nests dotted almost every house in the neighborhood as well as public places like bus bays and railway stations, where they lived in colonies and survived on food grains and tiny worms. Many bird watchers and ornithologists recall with fondness how the house sparrow gave flight to their passion for observing birds. The association between humans and the house sparrow dates back to several centuries and no other bird has been associated with humans on a daily basis like the house sparrow. It is a bird that evokes fond memories and has thus found mention in folklore and songs from time immemorial.

On March 20, 2010, the first World Sparrow Day was observed and since then, it is being celebrated every year around the world. The Nature Forever Society was founded by an Indian conservationist named Mohammed Dilawar who has made lots of efforts for several years to raise awareness among the people regarding the importance of conservation of the house sparrow.

The main purpose or aim behind celebrating the day is to inform about the significance and importance of conservation and protection of the sparrows and other such birds. People also celebrate the day to admire and protect the beauty of biodiversity and nature.