At dawn on the banks of the Sanaga River in Cameroon, the first light reveals a delicate dance of life. Among the scattered sandbanks, Grey Pratincoles and African Skimmers begin their morning routines, their calls blending with the rustling current. Silhouetted against the rising sun, Mr. Martin Timba, one of Cameroon’s most experienced waterbird counters, adjusts his new Leica Trinovid binoculars – a new vital tool in his yearly mission to monitor and help safeguard one of the region’s most critical ecosystems.
The Importance of the Sanaga-Wouri System
The Sanaga-Wouri system is a lifeline of interconnected waterways that sustains both resident and migratory waterbirds. Originating from the Sanaga, Cameroon’s largest river, this system flows into the Wouri River before reaching the Atlantic Ocean. It serves as a crucial stopover for countless migratory waterbirds traveling along the African-Eurasian Flyways. Grey Pratincoles, African Skimmers, African Openbills, several species of egrets, and plovers have been well-documented as thriving here[1] – some as year-round residents, others using it as a resting site on their long journeys.
Twice a year, as large numbers of migratory waterbirds pass through, this important wetland plays a key role in the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA)’s mission to protect waterbirds and their habitats. This mission relies on international cooperation, wise management, and research and monitoring. However, the survival of these species is not guaranteed – it depends on the health of these ecosystems, the stability of sandbanks, and the preservation of undisturbed waters. Just as crucial is the data provided by a handful of dedicated individuals working hard to safeguard them. That is where waterbird counters come in.
Their meticulous observations do more than document bird populations; they provide critical data for global conservation efforts. Take for example the International Waterbird Census (IWC), a monitoring initiative to count millions of waterbirds around the world. The data collected through the IWC is essential for understanding species trends, assessing wetland conditions, and highlighting the urgent need for conservation. Moreover, this data serves as the basis for policy decisions made by countries that are Parties to AEWA, guiding protective measures and management efforts.
Dedicated Conservationists at Work
Behind every successful conservation effort, there are passionate individuals working tirelessly to protect wildlife. In Cameroon, Martin Timba and Francis Njie from the Cameroon Wildlife Conservation Society (CWCS) have been the backbone of waterbird monitoring in the country for over 25 years. Their dedication and expertise ensure that vital bird-count data are collected year after year, feeding the data into the IWC and shaping conservation efforts across the region.
But passion alone is not enough. Reliable migratory waterbird data requires high-quality optics – because even the sharpest eyes need support. The difference between a guess and a confirmed sighting can therefore influence conservation policies both directly and indirectly.
Timba and Njie’s work highlights an essential truth: effective conservation begins with accurate data. Their experience, combined with the right tools, ensures that every count contributes to providing the most accurate assessment possible on the status and trends of these waterbird populations.
Data precision powered by Leica Binoculars
Thanks to the partnership between Leica and AEWA, Mr. Timba now carries a pair of Leica Trinovid 10×42 HD binoculars, transforming the way he monitors waterbirds. “Leica’s binoculars have been an invaluable addition to our work. These binoculars made a great difference during the 2025 census, and they will be an incredible help for future counts as well,” says Mr. Timba. The sharp optics allow him to identify distant and fast-moving species with precision, ensuring that every bird is counted.
Leica’s support to waterbird monitoring efforts across the African continent empowers those on the frontlines of conservation. By equipping dedicated individuals like Mr. Timba, the partnership between Leica and AEWA is helping to strengthen local monitoring capacities, enhancing the overall quality of data collected across the flyways.
“The collaboration between AEWA and Leica is a great example of how targeted partnerships can make a real difference for conservation efforts along the African-Eurasian Flyways. It is a simple but powerful formula: by bringing together local expertise and cutting-edge technology, we can monitor waterbird populations with much greater accuracy – a crucial step in ensuring their protection.”, says Jacques Trouvilliez, Executive Secretary of AEWA.
A Vision for the Future
This year marks a significant milestone for AEWA, as the Agreement celebrates its 30th Anniversary. It is also a pivotal moment for international waterbird conservation, with the 9th Session of the Meeting of the Parties (MOP9) to AEWA scheduled to take place later this year. This major gathering will bring together governments, conservation organizations, and experts to assess progress and further strengthen the implementation of the treaty and chart the future of waterbird conservation across the African-Eurasian Flyways.
As the sun rises over the Sanaga River, each observation through the lens of Leica binoculars brings us closer to a future where wetlands and waterbirds continue to thrive along the African-Eurasian Flyways. Leica’s commitment extends beyond providing equipment: the partnership between AEWA and Leica sets a powerful example of how collaboration, expertise, and the right tools can drive lasting conservation impact.
[1] Ajonina, G., Amougou, J., Ayissi, I., Ajonina, P., Ntabe, E., & Dongmo, M. (2009). Waterbirds as bio-indicators of seasonal – climatic changes in river basin properties: Eight years monthly monitoring in lower Sanaga, Cameroon. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 6, 292021. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1307/6/29/292021.