Twenty-four (24) hen and nature guides have been educated and licensed in hen identification and guiding methods within the just lately concluded Sandals Foundation sponsored Caribbean Birding Trail Guide Training Program.
The occasion, which took place October 23 to 27, varieties a part of the Caribbean Birding Trail Project – an initiative of BirdsCaribbean aimed toward selling nature-based, genuine experiences that profit native individuals and encourage the safety of the Caribbean’s pure sources, together with birds and their habitats.
Lisa Sorenson, Executive Director at BirdsCaribbean says, “The 5-day interactive program targeted persons working as guides who would like to expand their businesses by adding birdwatching or “birding” to their tour choices. The periods have been additionally open to those that work in outreach and training about birds and nature.”
Black necked Stilts
Participants explored the significance of preserving the Turks and Caicos Islands’ birds and nature whereas strengthening the island’s native ecotourism sector. They additionally discovered hen identification, guiding methods, and environmental interpretation—making connections to pure sources by story telling. Everyone obtained a package deal of supplies together with binoculars, a hen subject information, hen ID playing cards, CBT hat, endemic birds of the Caribbean, and lots of different sources.
“Globally, the tourism market for wildlife watching and wildlife photography is growing, and bird tourism is a significant part of this market.
The Caribbean Birding Trail seeks to attract these markets to the Turks and Caicos Islands and the wider Caribbean. Integral to this is having well-trained guides who can help connect ecotourism travellers with the cultural and natural resources of the island, creating meaningful and authentic experiences,” mentioned Sorenson.
When requested what they most appreciated, one participant commented, “The mix of different people and to be inspired by the facilitators to seek a profitable but sustainable way forward and also a healthy way forward for the spirit. The materials given were awesome! And more than I was expecting.
“The content of the workshop was outstanding, presented at the right pace and by the best instructors,” mentioned one other participant.
Known for its dedication to the conservation of the Caribbean’s pure sources and ecosystems, the Sandals Foundation funded the coaching workshops and different initiatives to assist the creation of a cadre of educated hen and nature interpretive guides on the islands.
Heidi Clarke, Executive Director on the Sandals Foundation mentioned the organisation was, “proud to support this programme which taught participants how to inspire people and engage audiences through storytelling aimed at preserving TCI’s incredible birds and nature.”
“Collectively,” Clarke continued, “We can build a stronger eco-tourism market in TCI that provides sustainable livelihoods and supports environmental conservation. Helping trainees learn about the bird tourism market and how they can tap into this rapidly growing and lucrative ecotourism sector will be beneficial for years to come.”
The Caribbean Birding Trail Certified Interpretive Bird Guide Training Workshop was hosted and coordinated by BirdsCaribbean and the Turks and Caicos National Trust, with extra assist from the Department of Environment and Coastal Resources and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.
BirdsCaribbean is a world, non-profit organisation dedicated to the conservation of Caribbean birds and their habitats. The organisation goals to lift consciousness and empower native companions to build a area the place individuals respect and preserve hen populations and ecosystems, by training, science and advocacy.
Similarly, the Turks & Caicos National Trust (TCNT) is a membership, non-profit organisation devoted to the preservation of the pure, historic, and cultural heritage of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
