Understanding the Ramsar Convention and Its Importance in the Faroe Islands

he Ramsar Convention, an international treaty signed in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran, promotes the conservation and wise use of wetlands to support sustainable development globally.

It designates ecologically significant sites as Wetlands of International Importance, crucial for water birds and aquatic life, thereby aiding biodiversity conservation.

In the Faroe Islands, several areas are recognized as Ramsar sites due to their importance for bird habitats. These islands are essential for various seabird species’ breeding and nesting:

Please click the names of the islands for further information

• Skúvoy: Home to significant colonies of puffins, guillemots, and storm petrels. Its Ramsar status helps protect these species by preserving and managing their habitats sustainably.
• Nólsoy: Known for its large colony of storm petrels, Nólsoy’s Ramsar designation protects the crucial breeding habitats of these vulnerable birds.
• Mykines: Famous for its puffin colony, Mykines is a vital breeding site. The Ramsar designation ensures the conservation of puffins and other seabirds, offering them protection from human disturbance and environmental threats.

Designating these islands under the Ramsar Convention underscores their ecological significance globally and ensures the preservation of their environment for future generations. This protection is crucial for conserving bird species, supporting biodiversity, and maintaining ecological balance in the region.

Types of Birds

Visit Faroe Islands has produced an informative booklet that offers comprehensive details on the variety of bird species native to the Faroe Islands. This meticulously compiled guide serves as an invaluable resource for both casual visitors and dedicated birdwatching enthusiasts, providing insights that enhance understanding and appreciation of the region’s avian inhabitants.

Designed to facilitate easy identification and to deepen knowledge of the local bird population, the booklet includes vivid descriptions and high-quality images. It’s an essential tool for anyone interested in the unique birdlife of the Faroe Islands. You can explore and download this detailed guide by accessing the booklet here.

Optimal Months for Puffin Watching

If you’ve ever wanted to experience the spectacle of puffins in stunning natural settings, grab your binoculars and a raincoat and head to the Faroe Islands from May through August. These endearing seabirds make the Faroes their summer haven, and you have a front-row ticket. The prime viewing time for puffins is from mid-May to late June.

During these months, puffins gather on the cliffs and sea stacks to breed. May heralds the return of the puffins from their oceanic winter sojourns. The Faroes’ rugged, grassy cliffs provide perfect nesting spots. By June, the puffin colonies teem with life, their burrows a hub of activity as the birds nurture their young and strike poses for visitors.

You’ll enjoy excellent opportunities to observe their fishing and aerial feats. Thanks to the long daylight hours of the Faroese summer, you can watch puffins well into the evening. Although May and June are the peak months for puffin watching, always check the weather forecast as it can change rapidly. Pack layers, waterproof gear, and sturdy boots to stay comfortable while you enjoy your puffin-watching excursion.

Rare Birds Spotted on the Islands

Below, you will find a video about rare bird sightings in the Faroe Islands, authored by Silas Olofson, an employee of the Faroe Marine Research Institute. Silas, a lifelong avid birdwatcher, has captured a wide range of photographs during his travels, and continues to enhance the national effort to understand and preserve bird life in the islands.

Learn about the latest rare bird sightings in the islands on eBird’s website.

Jens-Kjeld Jensen: Self-Taught Naturalist and Collaborator with Scientists

Jens-Kjeld Jensen, a tireless conservationist, ornithologist, conservator, chef, writer, and Honorary Doctor from the Faroe Islands, resides on the island of Nólsoy. You can explore his work on his website here.

Jens-Kjeld has received the Nordic Council’s Environmental Award 2020 for his work studying and communicating the development of biodiversity in the Faroe Islands.

The Nordic Council’s motivation stated: “Jens-Kjeld Jensen is awarded the prize for his significant efforts to highlight the diversity of Faroese nature. For over 40 years, Jens-Kjeld has collected knowledge and described everything from fleas, mice, and birds to fossils, fungi, and shrubs in the Faroese mountains.”

As a self-taught researcher and communicator, he has enlightened Faroese people and professionals in books and hundreds of scientific and popular science articles. When necessary, he has warned against the threat that invasive species and interventions in nature pose to the fragile Faroese nature.

In 2023, Audubon magazine, associated with the National Audubon Society—a non-profit dedicated to bird conservation—featured an article on Jens-Kjeld and his extensive work. Read it here.