Are you aware that the swallows nesting in your city contribute to saving lives in other countries? Their preservation relies on a collaborative effort among the various countries they pass through. Development Education (DE) is a key tool in making this cooperation a reality.

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In the global approach that underlies DE, migratory birds can serve as privileged "ambassadors" of this educational process. They not only represent the benefits and challenges occurring in each region of the planet but also highlight the essential interconnectedness for sustainable development.

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ED is defined as "a continuous educational process that promotes social, cultural, political, and economic interrelations between the North and the South, fostering values and attitudes of solidarity and justice that should characterize responsible global citizenship."

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Swallows, martins and swifts can play a crucial role in this story. As migratory species, they provide important ecosystem services in the different countries they cross. As insect-eating birds, they regulate insect populations, controlling those that spread numerous serious diseases to humans, such as malaria, dengue, Zika, and yellow fever, in addition to ailments that can affect plants and other animals. They also contribute important cultural services tied to cultural identity, notably evident in the connection of the Portuguese people to the theme of swallows, as well as activities related to tourism, including bird watching and ecotourism.

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Building upon these species, Development Education raises awareness for the preservation of swallows and swifts in Portugal, thereby helping to ensure the ecosystem services they provide in other countries. These services are crucial for improving the quality of life for those residing in the areas where these species winter, demonstrating how initiatives developed in the Global North can, should, and do have a positive impact on the Global South.