Swifts and martins are familiar birds in our towns and cities, and depend on buildings and the way they are laid out for nesting. Unfortunately, many nesting sites disappear every year as a result of renovation work or the destruction of old buildings.

In Geneva, a number of initiatives have been put in place to help municipalities and private individuals anticipate building work and implement measures to conserve nesting sites.

To mark World Swift Day, we are inviting the public to a round-table discussion at the Musée d'histoire des sciences with specialists in the protection of these birds. Come along with your questions and find out everything you need to know about measures to help nesting birds in buildings!

This round table will be followed by walks around the city to observe colonies and discover certain developments.

Programme:
4.30pm: Welcome and species presentation stand by Laurent Vallotton, ornithologist at the Natural History Museum.

5-6pm: round table (registration required)

Speakers:
Florian Bertolini, head of the swift programme at the Centre ornithologique de réadaptation
Cédric Pochelon, ornithologist with the Groupe ornithologique du bassin genevois (Geneva ornithology group)
Christina Meissner, Member of the Grand Council, initiator of motion M2198 on the assessment to be carried out during work on buildings
Moderator: Alice Cibois, ornithologist at the Natural History Museum

6pm-7pm: city walks (registration required)
departure from the Museum of the History of Science, visits to colonies and nearby facilities

Practical information:
Registration required by email: alice.cibois@geneve.ch (specify: for the round table and the walk, only for the round table or only for the walk; number of people)