By: Martín R. Sotelo, Park Ranger, Ministry of Environment, Argentina
On March 5, 2023, with more than 100 participants, the “I Run for Shorebirds” race was held in the town of Gral. Daniel Cerri, at the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network (WHSRN) site Estuario de la Bahía Blanca, Buenos Aires, Argentina. The event benefited the NGO CREESER, which works to improve the lives of people with disabilities.
Ninety-eight runners traveled 14 kilometers and 36 walkers walked either 4 or 8 kilometers, depending on the category. The circuit was partly urban with a large rural section, between the sub-sites of the Gral. D. Cerri Fishing and Nautical Club and the wetlands of the mouth of the Sauce Chico River administered by el Consorcio de Gestión del Puerto de Bahía Blanca (the Port of White Bay Management Consortium).
In addition to the sporting event, we added different activities emphasizing the conservation of shorebirds and their habitats. The Ministry of the Environment gave a talk about shorebirds and their protection within nature reserves and the WHSRN site. The Museo Taller Ferrowhite (Ferrowhite Workshop Museum) held two workshops, one on screen printing by Silvia Gattari and Malena Corte, where bandana-type scarves were given to runners and walkers with the logo of the race. A second workshop to make a hanging bird mobile with recycled materials was facilitated by Agustín Rodriguez from the artistic project Isla Invisible (Invisible Island) of the same museum.
Runners take off from the starting line. Photo: Courtesy of NGO Creeser
Hudsonian Godwit (Limosa haemastica) was chosen as the representative bird of the race due to its “marathon” flights which are our source of inspiration. Also, it is one of the most emblematic species in our site because of its high concentration during migration.
For the organization of the race and the workshops, we had the help of the secondary students at the School Number 17 of the city. We have been working together with their directors on the conservation of our site and its species. The students hosted an information booth and delivered educational material on shorebirds to those interested. This action allowed local people to learn more about the environment and shorebirds, while recreating in nature and collaborating for inclusion and social justice.
These types of activities represent a new path in the conservation of birds, bringing this cause closer to new audiences and their families, as well as to different social institutions, government, and companies. In today’s world of accelerated destruction of ecosystems and pandemics, this type of approach may be a good option to replicate in other places. Athletic activities are a healthy habit and even more so when they are practiced in nature and by a WHSRN site, like this race. Participants were able to understand that practicing it in healthy and well-preserved environments improves the health of the community and opens up endless possibilities for learning, solidarity and enjoyment in direct contact with wetlands and their species.
Photos: Cortesía de la ONG Creeser
We sincerely thank all the people, companies and institutions that made the event possible!
Collaborating institutions included: WHSRN, Reserva Natural Bahía Blanca, Bahía Falsa, Bahía Verde, Reserva Natural Islote de la Gaviota Cangrejera, Ministerio de Ambiente de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Municipalidad de Bahía Blanca, Ferrowhite Museo Taller (Taller Prende y proyecto Isla Invisible), Club de Observadores de Aves Loica Pampeana, Club de Pesca y Náutica Gral. Daniel Cerri, Escuela de Educación Agraria 18, Agrupación Gente del Barro, Sindicato de Personal de Industrias Químicas y Petroquímicas, Asociación Bahiense de Atletismo, Brigada SER, Estación de Rescate de Fauna Marina Guillermo Indio Fidalgo, Consorcio de Gestión del Puerto de Bahía Blanca, Escuela de Educación Secundaria 17, Bomberos Voluntarios de Gral. D. Cerri, Idea Gráfica, Eco Ambiental, De La Bahía Reciclados, Profesora Mele Costabel, Masajistas en Acción, and of course, the NGO CREESER.
Cover Photo: Participants in the race take a look at shorebirds through a spotting scope. Photo: Laura Chamberlin.
