As part of our commitment to community work and supporting the populations surrounding our conservation areas, we conducted training sessions on birdwatching and identification with members of the Emberá Katío El 18 Indigenous Reserve, located in the department of Chocó, near Quibdó, in the areas influenced by the ProAves Las Tángaras and Lora Carirrosada Reserves.
Over the course of seven days, participants acquired essential knowledge about bird observation, including the proper use of binoculars, effective use of field guides, species identification in the field, and the management of specialized applications for recording and consulting local birdlife.
The training covered key aspects of birdwatching guiding, fostering community ownership of the species inhabiting their territory, and providing tools for sharing their knowledge with both locals and visitors. This initiative presents an opportunity to leverage nature tourism as a sustainable economic alternative
The training was led by biologist Juan Carlos Luna, a member of Fundación ProAves and an ornithology expert, with the support of Hader Correa, Deputy Director of the Northwestern Region, and park rangers Luis Rubelio García and Hernán Bataquí. The group of trained Indigenous participants included both men and women, who will now have the opportunity to engage in birdwatching activities as a means to improve their economic conditions while deepening their knowledge of the biodiversity that surrounds them.
Through these efforts, we reaffirm our commitment to working in partnership with local communities, promoting birdwatching as a sustainable model that contributes to the conservation of birds and their habitats while also improving the living conditions of those residing near our Natural Reserves.
