A small, brown bird with a simple song — yet the Aquatic Warbler has inspired decades of conservation work across Europe. From restoring vast wetlands to carefully managing water levels and even translocating chicks to safer habitats, scientists and nature lovers have joined forces to save this rare species from disappearing forever.
But as the efforts grow, so do the questions: is it really worth it? Are we doing enough — or are we doing too much — for a single species? What kind of values does this little bird create within us? And what does it reveal about our relationship with nature itself?
An Evening of Science, Stories, and Reflection
Join us on November 13 at 8 p.m. in Vilnius, Lithuania, for an open and relaxed discussion at Café Scientifique format, titled:
“Aquatic Warbler – Huge Conservation Efforts for a Little Brown Bird. Is It Worth It?”
This event will bring together scientists and the public in an informal setting — over coffee, tea, or perhaps a beer — to explore how far we’re willing to go to protect biodiversity and why it matters.
The evening will take place in English and is free of charge, hosted at the cultural club “Paviljonas” in Vilnius.
Speakers
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Dr. Martin Flade is a true guru of the Aquatic Warbler and its native wetlands. With over 30 years of dedicated research, he has become one of the leading global experts on the species. His groundbreaking work led to the discovery of several previously unknown Aquatic Warbler populations in regions such as Belarus, Ukraine and West Siberia. Since 1998, Dr. Flade is chairman of the International Aquatic Warbler Conservation Team, uniting top scientists and wetland specialists from across Europe and NW Africa to protect this rare bird and its fragile habitats.
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Prof. Dr. Franz Bairlein is one of Europe’s most renowned ornithologists, recognized worldwide for his pioneering research on bird migration and ecology. Until his retirement he was director of the Institute of Avian Research ‘Vogelwarte Helgoland’, one of the continent’s leading centres for ornithological studies, and president of the German Ornithological Society, and he is still chief editor of the ‘Journal of Ornithology’, one of the highest ranked ornithological journals worldwide. With decades of scientific excellence, Prof. Bairlein has significantly advanced our understanding of bird behaviour and migration, and the impacts of environmental change on migratory species.
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Žymantas Morkvėnas has devoted more than 15 years to the conservation of the Aquatic Warbler. As the manager of three major international projects dedicated to the species, he has played a key role in shaping its protection strategies. Žymantas was among the bold experts who first proposed testing translocation methods — an innovative approach to give the species a second chance before it’s too late. He is also an active member of the International Aquatic Warbler Conservation Team, working closely with scientists and conservationists across Europe to safeguard this rare bird and its wetlands.
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Eglė Vičiuvienė could be called the detective of the Aquatic Warbler. She is one of Lithuania’s best nest searchers — a crucial and highly specialized part of the Aquatic Warbler translocation effort. Finding the nests of this elusive bird is among the hardest challenges in ornithology, as the species is a true master of hiding. Yet Eglė’s keen eye and persistence make her an exceptional expert in the field. She spent several weeks last summer tracking females and locating their well-hidden nests — vital work for ensuring the success of conservation and translocation efforts.
Moderator: Rita Grinienė, Baltic Environmental Forum Lithuania
Why You Should Join
If you care about wildlife, conservation, or simply the balance between human priorities and nature’s needs, this evening is for you. Expect honest insights, friendly debates, and a chance to see science in a more human light.
Event Details
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🕗 Date & Time: November 13, 8 p.m.
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📍 Venue: Culture Club Paviljonas, Vilnius
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💬 Language: English
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🎟️ Admission: Free
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🌿 Part of: International Aquatic Warbler Conference, organized under the “LIFE MagniDucatusAcrola” and “LIFE4AquaticWarbler” projects.
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