BIRDS MEAN BUSINESS Using economic development to promote conservation in the Caribbean and Latin America MEAN BUSINESS Creating economic opportunity to support conservation Contents 2 Introduction 6 Project Model e 10 Beliz 16 Guatemala 6 2 32 Paraguay 38 Endorsements 40 Acknowlegments 42 Conclusion BIRDS MEAN BUSINESS Creating economic opportunity to support conservation

Piping Plovers, Sanderlings, and Western Sandpipers An Economic Incentive for Conservation n developing countries tourism sector in Belize, “Every week at least communities in and around around the world, a lack of Paraguay, the Bahamas, and one of us is out in the protected areas. Ieconomic opportunities of- two regions of Guatemala. schools, getting children A total of 175 men and 101 ten drives people to engage in Focusing on areas where a large and their teachers women attended the basic guide activities that degrade natural percentage of the populace interested in birds and training, while 63 men and 12 resources. Unsustainable tim- lives below the poverty line, the the natural world. If we women completed advanced ber extraction, poaching, and project intends to build niche can get them out there training. Many reported that land clearing for agriculture di- markets that will support eco- and show them, they’ll the program was among the minish the long-term value of nomic development, empower have the motivation to most significant experiences of these ecosystems for biodiver- communities, and improve local save it.” their professional and personal sity—and for the local people lives—while preserving and cre- —Pablo Chumil lives. The project also boosted who rely on them for resources ating value for natural . the capacity of citizen-science and ecosystem services. Project designers chose sites initiatives such as bird counts Ecotourism is an econom- by layering poverty maps over and ethical guiding practices and censuses, and added some ic alternative that can raise maps of Important Bird and once in the field. This com- 120 participants to eBird, an incomes in communities living Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) that prehensive approach to guide online database of bird observa- close to biodiversity-rich areas, have the potential to attract training has been adopted by tions that provides researchers while helping to conserve bird-based tourism. The target the governments of Belize, and amateur naturalists with natural capital and support areas include some of the most Guatemala, and The Bahamas real-time data about bird distri- commitment to the Paris threatened ecosystems in the as the official curricula and bution and abundance. Finally, climate agreement. Among region, many of which host guidelines for bird guides oper- more than 5,000 children and the fastest-growing segments migrating species that breed in ating in those countries. nearly 1,800 adults participated of ecotourists are bird watch- the U.S. and Canada. The program also provided in bird-related environmental ers, who tend to have a light Working with local tourism English-language training education programs—many footprint on ecosystems and authorities and other experts, (where appropriate), and of which were led by newly biodiversity, and are willing to Audubon developed a two-tier equipment for bird guiding trained guides. step outside the tourism main- bird-guide training curricu- and trail development. The The pilot initiative rep- stream to see exotic birds. lum that was tailored to local objective was to create a resents the beginning of a more In 2014 the National Audu- cultures, languages, and other network of community-based robust niche bird-tourism bon Society’s International circumstances. The training birding destinations that offer sector that can help build and Alliances Program partnered didn’t just focus on bird skilled local birding guides, sustain conservation efforts, “The project fits well within the IDB’s Multilateral Investment Fund’s strategy to leverage the value of natural capital with the Inter-American De- identification. It also focused high-quality park interpreta- and align those efforts with in ways that generate income and thus drive local populations to both use and preserve their natural assets. velopment Bank’s Multilateral on important regional con- tion and lodging, food services, socioeconomic development to As one of the MIF’s first projects approved in this area, its lessons have been particularly useful in the development Investment Fund to develop servation issues, biology, and and related goods and services support and build more resilient of knowledge in this area, and in the design of new projects. Past experiences have shown that some natural assets, a pilot project designed to patterns and tailored to the birding market. local economies. such as timber and agricultural products, are easy to value. This project demonstrated that in the case of more promote bird-based tourism needs. Additionally, the Finally, Audubon reached abstract assets, like the biodiversity that birds represent, it is vital that we explain the interlinkages between natural in Latin America and the training covered basic instruc- out to its members, urging bird- * All dollar amounts throughout assets, ancillary businesses, conservation, and markets.” Caribbean. tion on setting up and running watchers to consider visiting this booklet are in U.S. dollars. The project’s goal was to a business, marketing that destinations where a birding — Gregory Watson, Lead Specialist, Climate Smart Agriculture at Multilateral Investment Fund at Inter-American support entrepreneurs in the business to potential clients, vacation can help to improve Development Bank

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Audubon worked with partners in four countries to build an ecotourism program that creates an economic incentive to protect Great Lizard-Cuckoo birds and wildlife. Guide training and, where applicable, English- language instruction provided the foundation for this goal. But the guides themselves weren’t the only beneficiaries.

Supply-side development We have improved infrastructure and capacity of bird-based tourism for communities. 124 285 445 guides improved English guides trained at the local business owners skills through training basic level; 73 at the participated in trainings advanced level

Demand-side development We have helped create marketing and stakeholder partnerships to drive ecotourism. 30 17 6 local businesses now events to promote in-country birding promote bird tourism bird-based tourism festivals

Conservation & community engagement We have improved outreach and education, site planning, and citizen-science participation. 119 95% 6,616 new eBird users; Belize reduction in poaching in children received now in top 3 in Central Cockscomb Basin Wildlife environmental/ America for eBird use Sanctuary bird education classes

Research and knowledge sharing We have driven understanding of marketplace opportunities for partner countries. $17.3B $500M 20M spent annually on spent annually on birding United States citizens wildlife-watching trip- in the UK took birding trips from related expenses (U.S.) 2005 to 2009

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2. Demand-Side Development The Project Model rained guides need to see ments, international and local clients or receive employ- tour operators, developed or Key takeaways: ment from the trainings, improved promotional material, By taking into account the connection of people to their natural spaces, this bird-based ecotourism initiative T or its impact will be limited. such as maps and videos, inte- Effective partnerships with local tourism ministries addresses both conservation needs and provides sustainable livelihoods for people to gain a benefit from Audubon has leveraged its grated bird-watching content are essential; investments in advertising by local and become better stewards of the environment. The project leveraged the value of natural capital in ways brand and extensive network into national governments’ governments were easier to secure after capacity that generate income and thus drive local people to sustainably use and preserve those natural assets. It also of more than 460 chapter and and tourism industry websites was already built; captured the economic value of more abstract economic natural assets like biodiversity. As countries move nearly one million supporters through partnerships, marketed in the United States to address project destinations through forward to implement their climate commitments under the Paris Accord, these kinds of private sector-led It is better to market the sites and build partnerships this fundamental need. Within both local and international ed- to market the sites once sites and guides are ready or models will become increasingly important mechanisms to leverage funds that support landscape preserva- the scope of this project we itorial and advertorial content, near-ready to accept trips. tion and restoration. designed birding trip itineraries especially in relevant birding and packages to project-sup- media channels, and developed 1. Supply-Side Development ported sites with local govern- local and national bird festivals.

n this project we sought advanced levels, and special- to improve structure and ized versions for each region’s Icapacity of bird-based needs, ecology and regulations. tourism in local communities We also improved access near protected areas; surveys to basic equipment for bird showed that a lack of skilled guiding (including binoculars, bird guides was the funda- scopes, and bird guidebooks) mental barrier for the tourism and, where appropriate, En- industry in every country in glish-language training. We also this study group. Further, local provided business, marketing, businesses lacked the neces- and customer service/hospitality sary skills and awareness of training for local businesses the business to take advantage centered on bird-based tourists, of this niche industry. We and helped selected sites devel- developed a world-class bird op business plans. guide curriculum for basic and

Key takeaways:

Trainings work best when scheduled around local community calendars and work hours, and when they include active field time; several trainings per week (1-3 times a week) over several weeks (6-7weeks) is ideal;

A graduation event with scheduled trips for graduating advanced guides to lead works best for launching them into the world of bird guiding.

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3. Conservation and Community Engagement 4. Research and Knowledge Sharing

e need broad public ne of the most import- lessons learned and strategies

support to achieve ant aspects of this proj- to move forward were shared Wour conservation Oect is capacity building widely. We developed ma- Key takeaways: goals, and that means we need of our partner organizations in terial based on successes of Marketing statistics should be developed early in to work with communities each country. To assist them the project that can engage the process as they are key for engaging with and beyond the individual guides. in their conservation work partners and funders, such as developing partnerships with governments and To do so, we developed a through this program, we infographics and videos, and multilateral investment groups; strategy to engage key com- compiled and analyzed bird- we hosted events with partners, munity stakeholders, created based tourism market statistics embassies, tourism boards, knowledge sharing between project partners is key an introductory course on to assess and showcase the tour companies, and others to to overcoming common barriers and finding solutions, birds and conservation for park economic value of the market highlight the project’s objec- and for showing connection of work across the staff, adjacent communities, for each country. Frequent tives and results and to garner migratory flyways. and women’s groups, and we meetings between site man- ongoing support. delivered targeted environ- agers and guides meant that mental education and outreach programs for schools close to sites, using local birdlife as a hook to engage youth.

Key takeaways:

Improved access to equipment is needed for better environmental educa- tion engagement;

eBird training and par- ticipation in Christmas Bird Counts or Global Big Days works well for beginning and contin- ued engagement of community members.

Determined ways in which trained guides and engaged communities can help monitor and protect bird populations.

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Snapshot: $47M spent by tourists on birding (2012)

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orning in Cockscomb Dozens of villages dot the “You can also see youth- ca, in that all guides except these Basin Wildlife Refuge landscape around Cockscomb education efforts by local-area ones must go through comes early, and the Basin. For a long time, the local Belize Audubon. They an official certification process. While the goal of the project is to help create earliest birds begin major employer was a shrimp conduct local classes, Ical says that he plans to pay for a new niche in ecotourism as a way to drive M which have changed calling across the jungle canopy farm located just off the coast the guide certification with the conservation efforts, the benefits of the project the way kids interact well before dawn. This habitat, south of the town of Dangriga. money he makes as a local-area extend beyond traditional conservation and part of the Maya Forest that But the shrimp farm closed a with birds now. Local guide in Red Bank. Thomas extends from central-eastern Be- few years ago, around the same children cannot be seen Can, 18, has also completed the development efforts. lize through parts of Guatemala, time that the Belizean govern- with slingshots anymore. beginner training. They both is home to a variety of birds and ment seized a banana plantation When we were kids, have contacts with a local guest- wildlife, including the infamous- because its owner had ties to we used to catapult house, which is where they get 45 20 137 ly elusive jaguar. But resting atop narcotrafficking, leaving the stones at birds to see many of their clients. Can has guides trained, guides trained, local business the bucket-list must-see moun- residents without economic who was a better shot. already begun his general guide basic level advanced level owners participated tain alongside the jaguar are opportunity. During that time, Now we realize keeping training, but he says he would in trainings Scarlet Macaws. These bright- poaching and logging spiked those birds alive gets like to specialize afterward, and red parrots spend their winters in Cockscomb Basin, as locals us healthy income.” focus just on bird-guiding. flying around Cockscomb Basin, tried to feed themselves and stay —Michael Hilchey, But Red Bank is not the only Where we work in Belize and regularly visiting the nearby afloat. A mix of economic de- Crooked Tree birdy place in Belize in need of town of Red Bank, Belize. velopment projects, spearheaded expert guides. Audubon-trained Working with Audubon, Belize by Belize Audubon Society, has guide Telma Garcia is a profes- Audubon Society has trained a brought the poaching in the sional guide at Caves Branch number of Red Bank residents sanctuary down 95 percent. Jungle Lodge, an ecolodge sited to be bird-guides for when Dogs and chickens come out in the center of the country near Crooked Tree tourists come down to see the to greet us as we arrive in Red Our Partners: the Belize Audubon Soci- Wildlife Sanctuary macaws—the area is rich in oth- Bank, and then we’re quickly in- ety-managed St. Herman’s Blue er birdlife, including two species troduced to a couple of the local Hole national park. Garcia has of manikins, plus Boat-billed guide-trainees. Diego Ical is 19, been a certified guide for years, Herons, toucans, and Crested has just finished the beginners but decided to take the birding . The goal: promote Scarlet training, and is now licensed to guide course because so many St. Herman’s Blue Hole Macaw conservation while be a local-area guide. Belize is of her clients would ask about reducing poaching pressure on different than many countries in bird IDs when they were on neighboring Cockscomb Basin. the Caribbean and Latin Ameri- their way to zip-lining adven- tures, or cave tubing. For Garcia, Cockscomb Basin Slaty-tailed Trogon the training was about making Wildlife Sanctuary her a better guide and a better spokesperson for all that Belize has to offer. St. Herman’s Blue Hole national park has two cave systems (St. Herman’s Cave Guide Spotlight: Albert Shol and Crystal Cave) and a ce- note (The Blue Hole) that are On any given day during the school year, Albert Shol can be connected by a stream. When found in the communities around Cockscomb Basin. Shol we visited in June, assistant started working with Belize Audubon Society four years ago, 3,701 site manager Jeremio Cucul and his work focuses mostly on education and community children educated and park ranger Amanda Gillett conservation, teaching local schoolchildren about the rich took us through the trees and biodiversity that surrounds them. In addition to completing into the cave and cenote. The the beginning guide-training program, Shol was one of two trees and understory were full of staffers from Belize Audubon to participate in a work-ex- motmots and jacamars, trogons change and capacity-building program with National Audu- and manikins—it certainly didn’t bon in 2016. Both Shol and colleague Amanda Gillette gained 14 31 1,428 businesses new eBird feel like an area just off of the valuable education and sanctuary-management skills while adults engaged promoting bird users Hummingbird Highway and working at two Audubon properties; Shol worked at the Audu- tourism near a number of large farms. bon Center in Greenwich, Connecticut, while Gillette worked at Both Cucul and Gillett finished Constitution Marsh in New York state.

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the beginner guide-training see youth-education efforts coexist with economic devel- course, and Gillett also spent by Belize Audubon,” says opment—was readily appar- three months working at Michael Hilchey of Crooked ent among all of the guides Audubon’s Constitution Marsh Tree. “They conduct local and students and guesthouse sanctuary on the Hudson River classes which have changed the owners and tour operators we in New York, where she helped way kids interact with birds met as we traveled through lead education programs and now. Local children cannot be Belize. With dedication and with marsh restoration. seen with slingshots anymore. hope and work, Belize could be Further north sits Crooked When we were kids, we used a model for sustainable tourism Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, an- to catapult stones at birds to in Latin America. other area managed by Belize see who was a better shot. Now Audubon Society. The lowland we realize keeping those birds “On eBird Belize[is] pine savannahs and surround- alive gets us health income.” number 12 globally;that ing swamp and wetlands are Finally, some guides aren’t means more people home to Jabiru Stork, Agami tied to a specific geographic are participating and Herons, and range-restricted location, instead traveling uploading checklists. species like the Yucatan Jay. around Belize wherever the There are a lot more The relationship between Be- birds are. Isael Mai, anoth- locals birding. At first lize Audubon and the villagers er certified guide who has over 99 percentof in Crooked Tree historically finished both beginning and eBirdlisting from Belize has been difficult—Crooked advanced birding courses, is a were tourists.Now the Tree is one of the oldest set- legit birding fiend. When he’s vast majority of lists tlements in Belize and the sur- not leading tours, he’s working areuploaded by locally rounding wetlands and lagoons with Belize Bird Conservancy known names.” has provided much-needed fish on its Hawk Watch program, to the locals. Belize Audubon or in the Chiquibul Forest and —Philip Balderamos works with the local school in Belize’s pine savannahs, to on conservation education protect Scarlet Macaws and programs, and a few of the Yellow-headed Parrots from locals from Crooked Tree disappearing into the illegal participated in the beginning pet trade. guide training as a way to fos- That passion for conser- ter better connections between vation—and finding ways for the two groups. “You can also conservation to peacefully

PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

Belize Audubon Society

“It’s a big challenge to deal with communities that have a different opinion [about natural areas] than I do, but it’s important work. I like working with students because they’re more open to new ideas.”

—Albert Shol, Community Outreach Officer, Belize Audubon Society

“The data we’ve shared with the Belize Tourism Board has made it clear that bird tour- ism is of great value to the country. After many years of focusing mostly on cruise ship tourists we now know that birders make better guests. They stay multiple days, they have significant disposable income, and they are willing to spend to get the experience they want. We are now seen part of the tourism sector.”

—Amanda Burgos-Acosta, Executive Director, Belize Audubon

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Garnet-throated Hummingbird Snapshot: 9% Total Contribution of Travel & Tourism to GDP (2014)

Go birding with the Maya

Caption goes here. Caption goes here. Caption goes GUATEhere. Caption goes here. MALA 16 AUDUBON: BIRD-BASED TOURISM PROJECT AUDUBON: BIRD-BASED TOURISM PROJECT 17 BIRDS MEAN BUSINESS Creating economic opportunity to support conservation GUATEMALA Program Stats

The end of Guatemala’s 36- “In a few months Birding guide Juan Chocoy, year civil war in 1996 boosted I went from knowing who had until recently been ATITLÁN bird tourism in the Atitlán very little to becoming a fisherman, meets us on the While the goal of the project is to help create region, where an ambitious a specialized birding dock. With him are guides Juan a new niche in ecotourism as a way to drive he bow of our launch birder can catch a glimpse guide. Now tour Soliz and Benjamin Hernandez. conservation efforts, the benefits of the project cuts through a low layer of many of the 450 species companies are calling Chocoy, who left school extend beyond traditional conservation and of fog as we cut across that have been spotted here. me, and I’m part of after the second grade to help Lake Atitlán just before Though options for tourists a community that’s support his family, says he was development efforts. Tsunrise on a Tuesday morning. have blossomed over the past lucky to make $50 per week helping to save forests Considered by many to be the two decades, the socio-eco- and birds.” fishing. Now, he can make most beautiful lake on Earth, nomic disparities that led to —Rony Anibal Xep up to $100 for a half-day of 108 25 24 the 1,115-foot-deep lake fills a the war persist. In the towns bird-guiding. guides trained, guides trained, local business caldera formed 84,000 years ago surrounding the lake, which Over the next few hours basic level advanced level owners participated when built-up gases blew the are mostly populated by indig- Chocoy and his friends will in trainings top off a massive volcano. enous Tz’utujil and Kaqchikel Our Partners: point out dozens of exotic Flanked by three newer people, more than 75 percent birds—on the water, on shore, volcanoes, the lake is surround- of residents live below the and high in the mountains. Where we work in Guatemala ed by steep mountainsides and poverty line. Later, over lunch, Chocoy will forests. Four of Guatemala’s Approaching the town mention that his wife is ex- seven biomes meet and overlap of San Juan, the boat passes pecting their sixth child. Amid Estación Biológica here, making the Atitlán re- between subsistence fishermen his buddies’ congratulations gion a natural “gas station” for tending to their lines and traps, and wisecracks—which come Las Guacamayas/ Uaxactun birds heading north or south. and pulls up to the wharf. in a rapid-fire mix of Tz’utujil Paso Caballos Tikal Nat’l Park and Spanish—Chocoy admits that he’s a little daunted by Parque Pink-headed Warbler the prospect of having anoth- Nacional er mouth to feed. “But now Yaxhá- with the guiding, thankfully, Guide Spotlight: Everilda Ruchan Nakum- I can earn a living,” he says. Naranjo Though birthrates are falling Everilda Buchan was born near Guatemala’s Pacific Coast and slightly as education levels rise, raised on the farm where her parents worked. She was forced to the population of the Atitlán drop out of school after second grade to help support the family. communities is projected to “I was born in nature, and that’s where I want to bring peo- double over the next 20 years. ple, especially children,” she says. “Those who know nature are Growing numbers of people the ones who care about it. Those who don’t know it don’t care.” around the lake are already Buchan, who had the highest score in the advanced stressing terrestrial and marine bird-guiding course, says the course’s multi-day field trip to Lake Atitlán Watershed ecosystems, as the steep slopes different regions of Guatemala was the highlight of her life. are colonized and cleared for “It was like a university for me,” she says. “Discovering the agriculture, and as more pol- other places in my country—the jungle, the high mountains, luted water runs into the lake. the seacoast—how else could a person like me ever hope to Air quality, too, has declined as experience these things?” growing households burn more firewood for cooking. 761 Marlon Calderon of Asocia- Of the 108 graduates of the tages of world-class birding children educated ción Vivamos Mejor, Audubon’s beginners’ course, 15 went on opportunities, plenty of tourist local conservation partner, is to successfully complete the ad- infrastructure, and a trove of justifiably proud of his crew of vanced course. “What surprised natural and cultural richness. guides. Indeed, their skill and me was that the least educated But because most of the bird- professionalism are impressive: participants tended to be the ers who visit Guatemala speak In one mid-morning quest to highest performers,” says Cal- English, guides who don’t 5 28 178 businesses new eBird adults engaged spot a Resplendent Quetzal—the deron. “Their eyes and ears and speak English well (for many, promoting bird users guides eventually located a family instincts seem to be sharper.” it will be their third language) tourism of four—the guides identified 25 Compared to other program have found themselves at a species in a 10-minute period. sites, Atitlán has the advan- disadvantage.

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The overwhelming major- Earlier this spring Cholotío and wild places with children. ity of participants say that the was walking through Antigua, Benjamin Hernandez makes overall experience has been Guatemala’s colonial capital, presentations to schools most transformative, to the point that when he noticed three tour- weeks, and Barbara Aitejal many have decided to invest in ists with binoculars. “I started wants to expand her work guiding as their life’s work. talking to them about birds, with a women’s nonprofit to Among them is Alfredo Tol, and they hired me. They want- include an outdoor-exploration who is transitioning to full-time ed to see a . And program for mothers and pre- guiding from driving a three- I knew where to find them.” school children. wheeled “tuk-tuk” taxi. Pablo Many guides say they want Maritza Puac, who lives Chumil, who had been guiding to share their passion for birds in San Juan, was enrolled in nature and archeology tours for a business education program several years, is now guiding while she was taking the birders almost exclusively as birding course. “I was thinking, a tour leader for Rockjumper ‘What business is missing in Birding Tours. German Cho- “I see life with new eyes my village?’” With the support lotío was working as a coffee now. Bird-watching of her family, Puac spent 18 roaster and considering a career changed my life, and months raising money and in nursing when he heard about it’s changing my building a bird-themed restau- the birding course. community. Now I want rant, which opened in April of “I came mainly out of to share what I know 2017. “This is San Juan’s new curiosity,” he says. “But on with everyone. It’s really gathering place birders,” she the second day they gave us a beautiful thing!” says, showing visitors around binoculars and I focused in on —Barbara Rebeca the airy, shaded space ove a Blue-gray Tanager. At that Ajtiyal looking the town wharf. “It’s moment I fell in love with the hot spot for people who birds. I wanted to know every- love birds, and for people who thing I could about them.” love people who love birds!”

PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

Asociación Vivamos Mejor

“As a development organization, we’re committed to improving the quality of life in rural communities. The Audubon project dovetailed perfectly with our goals of promoting sustainable development and community self-management.”

—Mirella Rosales, Administrative and Financial Director

“The guide-training program has boosted our capacity to share our knowledge with authorities and communities whose local ecosystems are under severe stress. People in the villages are more open to hearing our conservation message because they see how it can help them thrive.”

—Amanda Burgos-Acosta, Executive Director, Belize Audubon

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of several neotropical raptors, or we have a system to determine a rare Orange-breasted Falcon. which guide is next.” Yucatan Jay PETÉN On a fine spring day, shortly García is one of 10 Petén after sunrise, Marciál Córdoba guides who finished the he Maya Forest is the drives through the park en- advanced course; a total of 54 largest tropical rainforest trance and immediately spots students from five communi- Tnorth of the Amazon a Great Potoo, posing as a tree ties completed the basic course. Basin, stretching across Belize branch above the road. “Some For García and his guiding and southern Mexico and people think the potoo is a bad colleagues at Tikal, the work northern Guatemala’s Petén omen,” says Córdoba. “It’s as- is steady. But at Uaxactun, a region. Petén contains about sociated with the underworld.” village some seven miles north half of Guatemala’s forests, Córdoba was 10 years old of Tikal with smaller Mayan including the Maya Forest when his father was assassinat- ruins, birding clients are harder Biosphere Reserve, which ed, a victim of Guatemala’s long to find. house Guatemala’s last Scarlet civil war. Soon afterward, the “We have many great guides Macaw breeding site, and boy joined his siblings in selling and many high-quality birds, critical habitat favored soda to Tikal’s thirsty tourists, and we charge half of what by the endangered Pink-head- carrying cases of bottles up and people pay at Tikal,” says guide ed Warbler. down hills and pyramids. Cór- Jóse Barrientos. “We even have Within the Maya Biosphere doba eventually became a field a woman who will cook food Reserve lie the ruins of Tikal, coordinator for the Wildlife for visitors. But most people an ancient Mayan ceremo- Conservation Society, Audu- arrive at Uaxactun on buses, nial center with magnificent bon’s partner in Petén. with box lunches and their own temples, pyramids, palaces, and Near the park’s pedestrian guides. When that happens we public squares. Inhabited from entrance, Córdoba spots Mel- are not earning anything.” the 6th century BCE to the vin Herlindo García, Kevin In their all-too-ample free 10th century CE, Tikal now Reyes, and José Pinelo—three time, guides have taken it upon receives hundreds of thousands graduates of the birding cours- themselves to fight littering; of visitors from around the es who are waiting for clients. they’ve built recycling bins, world each year. Tikal is also Whereas the going rate for a organized village cleanup days, a refuge for wildlife. For many half-day architecture tour in and put up anti-littering signs. visitors a close-up encounter Tikal is $60, specialized bird Córdoba hopes a new web- with a howler monkey, an guides command $100. site and new trail signs, which agouti, or a gray fox will be But there’s never any jos- were part of the Audubon/IDB at least as memorable as the tling for clients or any pressure project, will help to attract architecture. From temple tops to hire a guide. “This is a more visitors to Uaxactun. or forest edges, a birder might sacred site,” says García. “To “The ruins aren’t enough,” spot a Keel-billed Toucan, any protect the visitor experience, says Córdoba. “We need to

Guide Spotlight: Marlo García

“It’s understandable if someone is hunting a bird to feed his family,” says guide Marlo García. “But it’s such a shame to see a kid shooting a bird just to knock it out of a tree.” Like other members of the Petén Birders Club, García visits local schools to teach children about birds. If he sees a boy shooting at birds with a slingshot (a common pastime in Central America), he’ll invite the child to look through his binoculars. “I tell him, ‘I am a parajero too,’” García says, using the Spanish word that can mean either bird hunter or bird watcher. “I’ll tell him that this bird traveled thousands of miles to be here, and that it might be important for distributing seeds, or pollinating plants. “Once someone sees how beautiful birds are, the mentality starts to change.”

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market this as a place where “As guides we’re all in people can see birds and have it together. We practice adventures. We’re close to so English together, we many things to do: camping and learn about birds and hiking, artisans, restaurants.” the ecosystems we’re Córdoba believes that it’s working in, we help each going to take several years for other out.” bird tourism to gain traction in —Marlo García Uaxactun. In the shorter term, the Petén Birder’s Club and Audubon are working with the Guatemalan Institute of Tour- as the first morning rays—and ism to offer a birding-specific it seems to bring out just tour guide certification, which as many birds. As Córdoba will further differentiate trained walks through the exit gate, he birding guides from generalists. checks his tally. The late afternoon sunlight “Sixty-six species,” he says. at Tikal is just as enchanting “That’s not a bad day of birding.”

PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

WCS Guatemala

“The Audubon project provided us with another tool for development of local economic alternatives that are green and sustainable, and helped us engage the Q’eq- chi’ Maya community in conservation of the threatened Scarlet Macaw. It has [also] helped us to position WCS Guatemala as the main partner of the Petén Birders Club, an organically initiated local group of birders who became certified as the leading bird guides in Petén.”

—Roan Balas McNab, Program Director

“This has allowed us to do something we’ve been trying to do for a very long time: Help people see that conservation is part of the economy, and that pro- tecting natural resources can help their families and communities thrive.

—Marciál Córdoba, Field Coordinator

24 AUDUBON: BIRD-BASED TOURISM PROJECT AUDUBON: BIRD-BASED TOURISM PROJECT 25 BIRDS MEAN BUSINESS Creating economic opportunity to support conservation

Snapshot: $39M spent by tourists on birding (2014)

A different kind of island THE paradise BA HAMAS 26 AUDUBON: BIRD-BASED TOURISM PROJECT AUDUBON: BIRD-BASED TOURISM PROJECT 27 BIRDS MEAN BUSINESS Creating economic opportunity to support conservation THE BAHAMAS Program Stats

n the 30 minutes that Guide Spotlight: Lehron “Roni” Rolle Samuel Nelson has spent Bahama Oriole walking through Nicholls “I didn’t notice birds much before,” says Lehron “Roni” Rolle. While the goal of the project is to help create Town, at the north end “But now I see and hear them everywhere.” a new niche in ecotourism as a way to drive Iof Andros Island, he’s seen Rolle, a student at the Bahamas Agriculture & Marine conservation efforts, the benefits of the project 17 species of birds. But his Science Institute (BAMSI), did so well in the Audubon most-desired quarry has, thus guide-training course that University of Maryland ornithologist extend beyond traditional conservation and far, eluded him. Kevin Omland invited him (as well as trainee Latia Smith) to development efforts. Nelson looks up from under join the Bahama Oriole Project as a field assistant. his khaki flap hat, and cocks The project had been launched with the goal of reversing his ear toward a series of rising the Bahama Oriole’s decline through research, conservation, whistles. Following the sound, and education. On the first day of fieldwork in 2016, Rolle 49 9 5 he enters an unpaved parking discovered an active nest with two adult Bahama Orioles guides trained, guides trained, businesses lot behind the Pineville Hotel and several fledglings. The nest was not in a tree, as basic level advanced level promoting bird and comes to a halt under expected, but in a . On following days, Rolle’s tourism a coconut palm tree, a grin team found another nest in a thatch palm, and several more spreading across his face. pairs of birds with territories in the pine forest. The discovery “There you are,” Nelson of pine-forest nesting overturned previous assumptions about Where we work in The Bahamas says, squinting up at the broad Bahama Oriole breeding ecology. leaves. “I’ve got you now!” “With the finding we realized that there was more habitat The most endangered bird and potentially more birds than anyone thought before,” says in the Caribbean, the Bahama Rolle. “That was very good news for the bird.” Oriole, has set up house under a palm leaf, protected from rain the Caribbean. For birders, “We know it’s not an “In the 1950s, my grand- and all but the most tenacious though, Andros is a paradise. overnight thing that’s father and his cousin Jimmy predators. Depending on the time of year, going to radically went from being the best 85 Nelson, who radiates an a visitor can see world-travel- change the island flamingo hunters on Inagua to local business almost evangelical enthusiasm, ing shorebirds such as the Pip- economy right away. being some of the first wardens is one of nine graduates of the ing Plover or inland residents But we know that it’s who helped bring flamingos owners participated Bahamas advanced bird-guid- like the Great Lizard-Cuckoo. viable.” back from the brink,” says in trainings ing course. (The basic class had Other uncommon birds that —Carlene Woods Randolph “Casper” Burrows, 49 graduates.) spend at least part of the year one of three Inagua islanders “You could say that I live on Andros include the Bahama who completed both the basic Andros Island and breathe birds,” he says. Yellowthroat, Bahama Swal- and advanced bird-guiding “But I wasn’t like this before I low, Key West Quail Dove, courses. took the courses. That opened and West Indian Whistling Burrows specializes in my eyes to the richness of . showing sailors and other birds: their habitats, their Andros and Inagua Island, visitors the reclusive flamingos feeding and breeding patterns, some 370 miles to the south- in their natural habitat. everything. Now, as a guide, I east, are what Bahamians “We had 15,000 to 20,000 get to open other people’s eyes call “out islands” or “family hatchlings this year, which to what we have right here in islands,” off the beaten path means the total population is our backyards.” for tourists and most Bahami- getting up close to 100,000 Andros is not the Bahamas ans. Inagua ’s relative isolation birds,” he says. Inagua Island that most tourists imagine. and unusual habitats make it Back on Andros Island, On this and other less devel- an attractive environment for Samuel Nelson is joined by oped islands unemployment more than 200 species that Lehron “Roni” Rolle, a student is high and roads are flanked winter there, including the at the Bahamas Agriculture & with closed down shops and world’s largest breeding colony Our Partners: Marine Science Institute. abandoned house-construction of American Flamingos. The “I didn’t notice birds much projects. comeback of the flamingo, before,” says Rolle, who 29 91 716 With its stark, scrubby which was hunted almost to gratefully borrows Nelson’s new ebird users adults children educated landscapes and long, straight , is one of the Ca- binoculars. “But now I see and engaged roads, Andros often seems ribbean’s greatest conservation hear them everywhere.” Rolle more like western Texas than success stories. did so well in the guide-train-

28 AUDUBON: BIRD-BASED TOURISM PROJECT AUDUBON: BIRD-BASED TOURISM PROJECT 29 BIRDS MEAN BUSINESS Creating economic opportunity to support conservation

ing course that University of “I’ll admit I was skeptical birds than anyone thought Maryland ornithologist Kevin about whether this before,” says Rolle. “It was very Omland invited him (as well project could make good news for the bird.” as trainee Latia Smith) to join a real difference, but Earlier this year, the Ba- the Bahama Oriole Project as a I think the sustained hamas Ministry of Tourism field assistant. effort is beginning to made it a national priority to The Bahama Oriole Project pay off.” promote Andros and Ina- was launched with the goal —Scott Johnson gua islands to birders. On of reversing the bird’s decline both islands, bird-lovers are through research, conservation, beginning to show up more and education. Previous re- often, booking hotel rooms search had suggested that there and hiring guides. Birding is were only about 300 individu- palm, and several more pairs now becoming a significant als of the of birds with territories in the alternative for local economic species, found only on Andros pine forest. The discovery of development. Island. Researchers thought pine-forest nesting overturned “I’ll admit I was skeptical that the oriole nested only in previous assumptions about about whether this project coconut trees, which are dying Bahama Oriole breeding could make a real difference,” due to disease. ecology. says Scott Johnson, a science On the first day of field- “This is an important find officer with the Bahamas work in 2016, Rolle discovered if we want to ensure a secure National Trust who taught the an active nest with two adult future for this very rare bird,” advanced course. “But I think Bahama Orioles, and several says Shelley Cant-Woodside, the sustained effort has started fledglings. The nest was not director of science and policy to pay off. Conservationists in a coconut tree, as expected, at Bahamas National Trust. are building relationships in but in a Caribbean pine. On “With the finding we the community and people feel following days, Rolle’s team realized that there was more that they’re benefitting from found another nest in a thatch habitat, and potentially more the work that’s being done.”

PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

Bahamas National Trust

“The bird-based tourism project is helping to drive conservation and playing a pivotal role in transforming the mindset of people on Andros and Inagua islands. Now people see us and they say, ‘Oh, you’re the bird people. Our presence is really being felt on the island.’

— Scott Johnson, Science Officer

“We tried to launch a bird-based tourism product in 2009, but the training was very light and it never took off. This time with Audubon’s help we were able to get committed and really go for it. Bahamas tourism is now fully on board with birds!

—Liz Brace, Education Officer

30 AUDUBON: BIRD-BASED TOURISM PROJECT AUDUBON: BIRD-BASED TOURISM PROJECT 31 BIRDS MEAN BUSINESS Creating economic opportunity to support conservation

Snapshot: Saffron Toucanet 4.1% Total Contribution of Travel & Tourism to GDP (2014)

A next-level tourism destination PARAGUAY 32 AUDUBON: BIRD-BASED TOURISM PROJECT AUDUBON: BIRD-BASED TOURISM PROJECT 33 BIRDS MEAN BUSINESS Creating economic opportunity to support conservation PARAGUAY Program Stats

guides, and the opportunity to see many of the 436 woodland and grassland species recorded While the goal of the project is to help create here, San Rafael is the one of a new niche in ecotourism as a way to drive the best places in the country conservation efforts, the benefits of the project to research or enjoy birds. extend beyond traditional conservation and The park is surrounded by small-scale farms and indig- development efforts. enous villages. In an effort to limit deforestation on these private lands, Audubon’s part- 74 18 162 ner organization, Guyra Par- guides trained, guides trained, local business aguay, has been working with basic level advanced level owners participated farmers to experiment with in trainings tourism and alternative crops or growing methods. In several villages, farmers have planted Where we work in Paraguay organic yerba mate, which thrives under shade trees. “We can already see the difference,” says farmer Eguer Arnalod Beis, who planted his araguay does not have a balance between unsustainable “The guide training first yerba mate last year. “The Los Tres Gigantes/ reputation as a birder’s exploitation and deforestation, came at the perfect plants grow better and we’re Pantanal Paraguayo paradise, and the coun- and conservation of natural time, just as we were seeing more birds, especially the try currently attracts so habitats and the people and starting to get calls toucans and tinamous. Most Pfew birders that participants that depend on them. people don’t know that you can from international tour in the country’s guide-training Paraguay has one of the operators. Now we can make money off a crop and con- program say it’s difficult to highest deforestation rates in confidently say that serve the birds and trees also.” imagine that guiding could be the world, with much of the Paraguay has the people Though Paraguay doesn’t a full-time career. That may destruction concentrated in the who can take your have a history of robust en- be about to change, as word Chaco, the second-largest for- people birding.” vironmental activism, “envi- gets out about Paraguay’s avian ested region on the continent. —Oscar Rodriguez ronmental consciousness is riches. The compact and easily A similar scenario is playing growing,” says Alberto Esquiv- traveled country hosts some out in the country’s east, where el, who instructed the basic 700 bird species, including the interior Atlantic forest has guiding course. “The other day Asunción Bay many sought-after birds that been reduced to seven percent my father-in-law was talking are easier to see here than of its original size. Most of about saving the jaguars. That anywhere else. Even within that exceptionally fertile land was a first!” the city limits of Asunción, the has been converted to industri- Esquivel’s students were San Rafael capital, birders have spot- al-scale farms that can produce a diverse group—students, National ted more than 260 species, up to three harvests per year of educators, attorneys, econo- Park including the near-threatened soy and other crops. mists, even a nuclear physi- Guide Spotlight: Evelyn Brítiz Buff-breasted Sandpiper. Among the increasingly cist—whose motivations for “When you’ve been to all disconnected remnants of the participating were as varied The interest in birding and nature may seem new to Paraguay- 348 the other birding hot spots, Atlantic forest is San Rafael Our Partners: as their careers. Guillermo ans, says Evelyn Brítiz, “but it also reflects a longing to recon- children educated come to Paraguay and see the National Park, which was Cristaldo took the course to nect with older, deeper rhythms that remind people of how exotic birds that your friends declared Paraguay’s first IBA inform his work as a ranger they fit into the community of life on Earth.” haven’t seen,” says guide-train- in 2005. The park’s headquar- at San Rafael National Park. With landscapes and society changing so rapidly, Paraguay- ee Andrea Ferreira. ters crown a stunningly scenic Jamilo Vera, an ans sometimes forget that many of the country’s traditional Ferreira adds that the knoll situated at the transition student, saw in the course an songs and stories feature birds, says Brítiz, who leads informal 3 31 83 sooner bird lovers can get to zone between natural south- opportunity to generate more weekend bird-watching tours. businesses promot- new eBird adults engaged Paraguay, the better—for birds ern grassland and Atlantic interest in the natural sciences, “If we can use as a way to make nature more ing bird tourism users and all kinds of wildlife. The forest. With its comfortable and to connect bird-lovers with accessible, we’ll be able to connect more people to an environ- country’s future hangs in the guesthouses, Audubon-trained citizen-science opportunities. ment that they’ll have an interest in saving.”

34 AUDUBON: BIRD-BASED TOURISM PROJECT AUDUBON: BIRD-BASED TOURISM PROJECT 35 BIRDS MEAN BUSINESS Creating economic opportunity to support conservation

Community science is “We can already see the perched on the starting block booming, says Rob Clay, who difference.The plants in Paraguay. The country’s taught the advanced guiding grow better and we’re tourist infrastructure is limited, course. “We used to have to seeing more birds, accommodations are rustic, import Argentinian birders to especially the toucans and culinary traditions are help with the Back Yard Bird and tinamous. Most indistinct. Few of the trained Count and the Global Big people don’tknow that guides speak English well, and Day. This year for the first time you can make money off even fewer have vehicles that we were able to get enough a crop and conserve the are suitable for ferrying passen- Paraguayans to cover a circle.” birds and trees also.” gers around. “Suddenly everyone’s inter- —Eguer Arnalod Beis “Now we have to pin down ested in birding,” says Tatiana logistics that operators in other Galluppi of Guyra Paraguay, countries take for granted,” whose schedule has, of late, Tours. The seven tours that says Rodriguez, “such as lining become packed with radio and he has scheduled for 2017 up chefs and making sure television appearances. After are more than he’s had in the there’s a shuttle at the ready. a strong push by Galluppi, previous three years combined. “The word is getting out Paraguay’s Secretaria Nacio- “The guide training came at that we’ve got great birding nal de Turismo (SENATUR) the perfect time, just as we here,” Rodriguez continues. recently announced that it will were starting to get calls from “It’s going to take some time to invest in bird-based tourism, international tour operators. build momentum, but eventu- with targeted promotions in Now we can confidently say ally they will come. The trick international media. that Paraguay has the people now is to make sure that when So far this year, bird guide who can take your people they arrive we’ll be ready.” Oscar Rodriguez has fielded birding.” calls from specialized operators But bird-specific tourism, like BirdQuest and Sunbird and tourism in general, are still

PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

Guyra Paraguay

“Thanks to the Audubon project we’ve created the first significant group of Paraguayans who want to promote conservation efforts. These are mostly young people. The program has shown young people that they can make a difference. I believe that many of these young people will help our cause greatly in the future.”

—Alberto Yanosky, Executive Director, Guyra Paraguay

“It has become clear that birding is the most accessible way to connect people with nature. Now we have conservation leaders in training, and people willing and ready to mentor them.”

—Rob Clay, former Director of Research and Programs at Guyra Paraguay

36 AUDUBON: BIRD-BASED TOURISM PROJECT AUDUBON: BIRD-BASED TOURISM PROJECT 37 ENDORSEMENTS A Conservation and Sustainable Development Tool Program

Strengthening Bird-based Tourism

he Bahamas receives millions of visitors each year. These uatemala ha sido por décadas un destino turístico de cultura, pero con los entornos y atractivos naturales significativos que Reddish Egret visitors are travelling to The Bahamas to experience our posee, la tendencia de crecimiento de nuevos mercados alternativos de naturaleza y que desde el año 2010 el país forma parte natural beauty. Traditionally, natural beauty was referred del grupo de los veinte países megadiversos del mundo, el Plan Maestro de Desarrollo Turístico Sostenible de Guatemala to as the island’s sun, sand, and sea assets. However, the 2015-2025 se ha propuesto posicionar a Guatemala como un destino turístico de cultura y naturaleza. Tcurrent trend and the demand from the more environmentally GEn este contexto el segmento producto de observación de aves se ha identificado como una actividad estratégica para el fomento del conscious visitor is for a more modern type of vacation that goes ecoturismo en nuestro país. Desde el año 2004 el INGUAT juntamente con otras entidades de gobierno, sector privado, académico beyond the sun, sand, and sea model. This type of traveler desires y ONG´s ambientalistas han trabajado en una alianza estratégica conformada por la Mesa Nacional de Aviturismo, que ha generado to experience the true natural beauty of our Islands through resultados importantes para el desarrollo y promoción del producto de observación de aves en Guatemala, con ello el país ha logrado Nature Tourism. ubicarse como un destino en el horizonte de este mercado especializado y actualmente es incluido en la venta de paquetes turísticos de By participating in the Strengthening of Bird-based Tourism los operadores mayoristas mas importantes del segmento. as a Conservation and Sustainable Development Tool Program, with our partners the National Audubon Society and The El esfuerzo realizado en el desarrollo de este nuevo destino emergente para la observación de aves en la región mesoamericana, hizo Bahamas National Trust, we are now able to brand islands such que National Audubon Society incluyera a Guatemala en los cuatro países beneficiados por el Proyecto “Fortalecimiento del Turismo as Inagua and Andros as the birding paradise with professionally Ornitológico como Herramienta de Conservación y Desarrollo Sostenible”. trained birding guides. These guides are now capable of capital- izing on this lucrative field of nature tourism becoming entrepre- Desde que el proyecto estaba en su fase de formulación a inicios del año 2013 el INGUAT, con el soporte técnico de la Mesa Nacional neurs in their own right. de Aviturismo, fungió como enlace en la identificación y priorización de componentes para el fortalecimiento del Aviturismo en el We are very proud of the product which was produced from this país. Se Identificó como un tema fundamental la capacitación de guías en observación de aves que en ese entonces era la mayor debili- program and are now investing in this niche market to further assist dad del segmento en Guatemala y el levantamiento de información estadística de los visitantes que están llegando al territorio con este this venture into a sustainable product offering for The Bahamas. interés especializado de turismo de naturaleza. We wish to thank the National Audubon Society for choosing The Bahamas as one of the destinations to participate in this Adicionalmente a la participación técnica de la Institución, entre los aportes más importantes de INGUAT durante el desarrollo del pilot program and for molding The Bahamas’ Birding Tourism proyecto ha sido el financiamiento de los siguientes renglones: product. We look forward to future collaborations as we build upon this solid foundation. Año 2014, pauta publicitaria de Guatemala como destino de observación de aves en la Revista Ellison ‘Tommy’ Thompson Audubon por un valor de: $.15,000.00 Deputy Director General Año 2015, capacitación de guías comunitarios Bahamas Ministry Of Tourism de turismo $. 3,330.00 Año 2017, Bird Forum: cenas de bienvenida y clausura, $. 3,330.00 #1 Bay St boletos aéreos, viajes de fam y press de tour Nassau, New Providence, operadores y prensa especializa $. 31,033.00 P.O. Box N-3701 Total aportado en el marco del proyecto $. 52,693.00 Bahamas Phone:+1-242-397-2430 En nombre de los diferentes actores del turismo ornitológico del país y de la entidad que represento, deseo dejar patente mi agradec- www.bahamas.com imiento a National Audubon Society por haber incluido a Guatemala en este proyecto regional, cuyos resultados sin lugar a dudas han www.tourismtoday.com fortalecido el producto aviturístico del país.

Como entidad nacional de turismo reiteramos nuestro compromiso de seguir apoyando la observación de aves como un segmento que suma al desarrollo turístico sostenible de nuestro país y honrar el lema del lanzamiento del Plan Maestro de Turismo “Guatemala un destino cultural único en un entorno natural megadiverso”.

Lic. MBA Jorge Mario Chajón Aguilarn Director General del INGUAT

38 AUDUBON: BIRD-BASED TOURISM PROJECT AUDUBON: BIRD-BASED TOURISM PROJECT 39 BIRDS MEAN BUSINESS Creating economic opportunity to support conservation

Acknowledgments Piping Plover The National Audubon Society and the initiative Strengthening Bird Based Tourism as a Conservation and Sustainable Development Tool benefitted from the expertise, enthusiasm, and commitment of its many collaborators.

Nongovernmental Special thanks are extended Organization Partners to a few individuals and Asociación Vivamos Mejor companies who made The Bahamas National Trust contributions to the project. Belize Audubon Society Guyra Paraguay Alvaro Jaramillo Wildlife Conservation (Alvaro’s Adventures) Society-Guatemala Asher Jay Chirripó Consultores Government Partners Ericka Gates Ministry of Tourism, (Kayak Nature Tours) The Bahamas Floyd Hayes Belize Tourism Board, Belize Holbrook Travel Instituto Guatemalteco de Joe Steensma Turismo, Guatemala (Global Good Fund) Secretaría Nacional de John Sterling Turismo, Paraguay (Sterling Wildlife Biology) Loggerhead Productions Sponsors Mackenzie Wilson Ballard This initiative was made Mario Teul possible by a generous Marita Davison (CaravanLab) grant from the multilateral Martha Honey (Center for Investment Fund, Member of Responsible Tourism) the Inter-American Devel- Mesa de Aviturismo, opment Group. The Japan Guatemala International Cooperation National Audubon Society Agency provided matching (Communications, Con- funds and support for the tent, and Marketing teams) initiative. Additional funding Rockjumper Birding Tours and support was provided by Roni Martinez USFWS-NMBCA and Disney Ronna Nelson Conservation Fund. Steve Gast (Houston Audubon) Tom Clynes Tonny Hanna (BahamaGo)

40 AUDUBON: BIRD-BASED TOURISM PROJECT AUDUBON: BIRD-BASED TOURISM PROJECT 41 CONCLUSION A Conservation and Sustainable Development Tool Program

Economic Outcomes for Bird Guides How Birds Can Lead to Business in Central America

An independent analysis of iving real economic project sites in Guatemala and value to birds and Belize showed a remarkable habitats is an essential improvement of the economic component for outcomes for micro- and Gcreating local and regional small enterprises. conditions to save birds, other wildlife and their habitats partnership with local people. This pilot initiative represents the beginning of a more robust niche bird ecotourism sector 943.09% that can help build and sustain Increase in average not only bird and wildlife yearly income for micro conservation efforts, but and small enterprises in also align those efforts with Guatemala from bird socioeconomic development to watching. Average support and build more resilient local economies. The local incomes increased from leadership by the five nonprofit $923.63 to $9,634.26. organizations engaged across the Americas has been essential to the success of this program. Their support for this initiative and their work with local communities has helped secure long-term sustainability of the project. Replication 68% For the success of bird- Increase in average yearly based tourism initiatives, both The merits of this project—combining conservation with sustainable development and rural- income for trained bird in the short-term and in the community engagement—has been recognized and replicated by other organizations in the long-term, the tactics deployed Americas. For example, in Colombia USAID worked with Patrimonio Natural and Audubon to bring guides in Belize. Average during this initial pilot phase the guide-training program to the Caribbean coast and nearby Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. incomes increased from must be integrated thoroughly The curriculum and guidelines developed in this pilot project were deployed in six locations along $4,774.47 to $7,031.18. with a systematic approach the now-created Northern Colombia Birding Trail, resulting in the successful training of 43 local to addressing sustainable guides including members of the Wayuu, an indigenous group of people who live close to a major development issues for protected area along the Caribbean coast. The Colombia program is being scaled up across the communities near priority bird country through investment from the Colombian government through their national tourism fund and habitats. We hope (FONTUR), and will create several additional birding trails that link exceptional birding tourism that this document helps to destinations with critical conservation sites. It also will provide training and opportunity for rural provide examples and can serve communities near these areas to take advantage of the growing tourism industry in Colombia. as a base model for this type of And in Guatemala, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) expanded the approach to conservation. program in Petén by investing in trainings for the guides that work at the Tikal national park and 61% A key purpose of this archeological site. We hope that these projects are just the beginning, and groups in countries Increase in people booklet is to provide across Latin America and the Caribbean will adopt similar strategies to support conservation employed in bird-related guidance for those who through economic development tourism at project sites, want to invest energy, funds, We hope that these projects are just the beginning, and groups in countries across Latin from 56 to 92 individuals and other resources in bird- America and the Caribbean will adopt similar strategies to support conservation through based tourism efforts. economic development.

42 AUDUBON: BIRD-BASED TOURISM PROJECT AUDUBON: BIRD-BASED TOURISM PROJECT 43 BIRDS MEAN BUSINESS Notes

44 AUDUBON: BIRD-BASED TOURISM PROJECT

Photo credits: Cover, inside front cover-p. 1, 3, 5, 6-7, 8, 9: Camilla Cerea/Audubon; p. 10-11: Francesco Veronesi; p. 12: Benedicto Grijalva; p. 13: Courtesy of Asociacion Vivamos Mejor; p. 14: Courtesy of Wildlife Conservation Society; p. 15: Rachel Kolokoff Hopper/ Fotolia/Adobe Stock; p. 16-17: Camilla Cerea/Audubon; p. 18: Walker Golder; p. 19: Courtesy of Lehron Rolle; p. 20-21: Francesco Veronesi; p. 22: Tetsu Espósito; p. 23: Tom Clynes; p. 24, 25, 26: Camilla Cerea/Audubon.

Multilateral Investment Fund Member of the IDB Group audubon.org/ecotourism

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