{"id":328300,"date":"2024-08-30T11:30:24","date_gmt":"2024-08-30T15:30:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dominicanewsonline.com\/news\/?p=328300"},"modified":"2024-08-30T11:30:24","modified_gmt":"2024-08-30T15:30:24","slug":"scientists-and-conservationists-unite-to-save-caribbean-bird-diversity-at-birdscaribbean-conference","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dominicanewsonline.com\/news\/black-history-month\/scientists-and-conservationists-unite-to-save-caribbean-bird-diversity-at-birdscaribbean-conference\/","title":{"rendered":"Scientists and conservationists unite to save Caribbean bird diversity at BirdsCaribbean conference"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Bird conservation takes flight! Caribbean bird conservation educators, field biologists, conservation practitioners, and community leaders united at the BirdsCaribbean 24th International Conference in Santo Domingo to strengthen regional efforts in avian conservation<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The 24th BirdsCaribbean International Conference, held in Santo Domingo from July 18th to 22nd in collaboration with Grupo Jaragua, brought together over 335 wildlife professionals, ornithologists, educators, and ecotourism leaders from 30+ countries. As the largest bird conservation gathering in the Caribbean, the conference was a vital platform for regional collaboration, emphasizing the urgent need to protect the region\u2019s extraordinary avian biodiversity amidst escalating conservation challenges.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Dominican Republic, home to 33 endemic bird species, provided an ideal setting and inspired our theme,\u00a0From Mangroves to Mountains\u2014Safeguarding our Avian Treasures<\/em>,\u201d stated Dr. Lisa Sorenson, Executive Director of BirdsCaribbean. \u201cThe Caribbean is a biodiversity hotspot with over\u00a0700<\/strong>\u00a0species of birds, including\u00a0180<\/strong>\u00a0species found nowhere else in the world. Pressures like climate change and habitat loss have put these species at unprecedented risk.\u201d<\/p>\n

A key focus of the conference was collaboration and empowering local communities in conservation efforts, a mission shared by BirdsCaribbean and partners across the region. \u201cIn the Caribbean, conservation is often driven by dedicated citizens who create change through community mobilization,\u201d Dr. Sorenson highlighted. \u201cFrom birdwatching clubs that help curb illegal wild bird trade in Cuba to monitoring endangered forest birds in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the conference showcased impactful grassroots work.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Inspired by the approach of late Dominican lecturer and naturalist Sim\u00f3n Guerrero, keynote speaker Yolanda Le\u00f3n asked delegates to focus on one question when assessing the efficacy of their conservation initiatives\u2014Did the species find out? Was their well-being meaningfully improved?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The conference also highlighted the untapped economic potential of bird tourism for the region. Birdwatching is a rapidly growing US$600 billion+ global industry, yet avitourism remains underdeveloped in the Caribbean. Protecting habitats is crucial not only for conservation, but also to unlock this significant economic opportunity. During the Caribbean Birding Trail symposium, delegates explored strategies to grow avitourism in a way that supports both economic development and environmental preservation.<\/p>\n

Seven world-renowned keynote speakers, including Nobel Peace Prize recipient, Dr. Terry Root, and award-winning British broadcaster and writer, David Lindo, enriched the conference with diverse perspectives, covering topics like ecological restoration, the impacts of climate change, and the value of urban birdwatching. Altogether, the dynamic program addressed the most pressing issues in Caribbean bird conservation\u2014providing a forum for delegates to share the latest science, education, and on-the-ground conservation initiatives, and to gain invaluable insights and practical skills to support conservation efforts at home.<\/p>\n

At the Opening Ceremony, Vice Minister of Protected Areas of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Federico Franco, praised the conference\u2019s timeliness, emphasizing that biodiversity protection is one of the most important challenges of our era. \u201cWe are in a critical moment for Caribbean biodiversity\u2026 but we are also in a unique position to make change,\u201d he asserted. \u201cWhen we share science and knowledge\u2014we create opportunities to learn, connect, and develop solutions.\u201d<\/p>\n

In addition to knowledge sharing, the conference fostered crucial collaboration amongst Caribbean conservationists. A Mentor-Mentee lunch connected emerging professionals with seasoned experts, and field trips to key birdwatching destinations, like Sierra de Bahoruco and \u00c9bano Verde, allowed delegates to discuss shared conservation goals amidst the rich biodiversity of the Dominican Republic. These interactions laid the groundwork for increased collaboration, renewed dedication, and strengthened conservation capacity across the region.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe conference provided a vibrant platform for learning, networking, and collaboration. We were honored to be part of discussions on the latest research and conservation efforts, which have invigorated our own initiatives back home,\u201d enthused Trinidadian delegate Giselle Ragoonanan, Co-founder of the Trinidad and Tobago Bird Observatory and Research Centre.<\/p>\n

As the conference concluded, the vital role of the Caribbean as a global biodiversity hotspot was underscored more than ever. Collaboration is imperative to protect the region\u2019s avian treasures, and we urge stakeholders at all levels to unite in safeguarding our vast natural heritage for generations to come.<\/p>\n

The conference was made possible by many sponsors, including the Rufford Foundation, US Forest Service International Programs, Teleuniverso, American Bird Conservancy, National Audubon, Banco Popular, Caribbean Biodiversity Fund\/Fondo MARENA, C\u00faa Conservation Agency, Vortex Optics, Vermont Center for Ecostudies, Naturalist Journeys, Mass Audubon, Rare Species Conservatory Foundation, Ford Puerto Rico, Explora EcoTours, OVA Trails, Spirit Mountain Coffee, Fundacion Punta Cana, C\u00faa Birding Tours, ZOODOM, Grupo Acci\u00f3n Ecol\u00f3gica, CAD, Ministerio de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales, Ministerio de Turismo, Jard\u00edn Bot\u00e1nico Nacional, Fundaci\u00f3n Progressio, CapsToYou, and Solimsa.<\/p>\n