Canon organizes 4th “Canon Bird Branch Project” CSR Activity
In partnership with The Bird Conservation Society of Thailand (BCST) and
Department of Marine and Coastal Resources to conserve migratory birds at Koh Man Nai, Rayong Province.
Canon Marketing (Thailand) Co., Ltd. (Canon) partnered with the Bird Conservation Society of Thailand and the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, and organized its 4th Canon Bird Branch Project - CSR activity at Koh Mun Nai, Rayong Province. The event brought together 58 Canon’s volunteer staff and their families as well as members of the Bird Conservation Society. During their visit, the group set up freshwater dripping system and bird blinds to help migratory birds survive the long-haul journey during their migration, support migratory bird research and conservation as well as protect coastal biodiversity.
Mr. Phongthep Prasertvoranun, Director of Corporate Communications and CSR, Canon Marketing (Thailand) Co., Ltd., said, "At Canon, we believe that bird conservation takes many forms. Through the Canon Bird Branch Project, we aim to explore new ways to preserve birds and contribute to society. The latest edition of our Bird Branch Project was held at Rayong’s Koh Mun Nai. Recognized by ornithologists as a biodiversity hotspot, the island is suitable for a long-term study to monitor migratory bird populations traveling across the Gulf of Thailand."
According to a study at Koh Mun Nai during April and May of 2010 - 2014, a total of 2,175 birds from 67 different species were monitored. Of these, 93% were classified as rare birds, including the Chinese Pitta, Brown-chested Jungle Flycatcher, Japanese Paradise-flycatcher, Narcissus Flycatcher, Green-backed Flycatcher, Crow-billed Drongo, and Siberian Blue Robin. These migratory birds breed and lay eggs in Northern Asia and Siberia, then migrate to the Indonesian island of Sumatra to seek warmth. As winter comes to an end, the birds migrate back to their homes via a route through Koh Mun Nai in Rayong. Unfortunately, due to hunger and fatigue, many do not survive. Koh Mun Nai serves as an important pitstop for tired migrants to find food and regain the strength to travel thousands of kilometers. Therefore, Koh Mun Nai is considered a critical site for studying bird species.
Canon has partnered with the Bird Conservation Society of Thailand to organize the 4th Bird Branch Project activity, aimed at helping these migratory birds. The group of volunteers first identified 3 perfect resting spots: Koh Man Nai’s beachfront, the back of the island near the sea turtle nursing center, and the area inside the island where the Chinese Pitta has been found. To build a bird bath, a 5-liter bottled water, equipped with a drip control valve and a hose, was used. Hanging the bottle on a tree allows water to drip into the basin, in resemblance to natural water sources. When the basin fills up, the sound of dripping water attracts the birds to drink and bathe. Two camera traps were also installed at each point to study bird behavior. The volunteers also built bird blinds for researchers and tourists to observe the birds without disturbing them.
"Our visit to Koh Man Nai marks the fourth edition of our CSR activity under Canon Bird Branch Project. In our earlier CSR activities, held in 2021-2022, we put up birdhouses in the areas surrounding the city. Our collaboration with the Bird Conservation Society of Thailand and the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources this time allows us to extend our support further to preserve migratory birds at Koh Man Nai. We believe that birds in both areas share the same needs for a haven and food sources. We look forward to more partnerships to explore new ways to help more bird species. The activity is in line with our efforts to contribute to ‘protecting and nurturing the cycle of life’ in an effort to restore ecosystem and biodiversity," said Mr. Phongthep Prasertvoranun.
For more information about the Canon Bird Branch Project, please see Canon Bird Branch Project | Canon Global.
