The Issue:

The rapid growth of birdwatching tourism in Colombia is outpacing the development of responsible tourism practices, creating increasing pressure on sensitive bird habitats and wildlife. As more visitors arrive, many guides, operators, and tourists lack practical knowledge on how to minimize disturbance, leading to behaviors that can disrupt feeding, breeding, and nesting. The issue stems from a lack of accessible, field-based guidance and local capacity to manage visitor impacts. Rather than focusing only on the symptoms, the project addresses this gap by providing practical tools, training, and education that help guides, operators, and visitors adopt responsible birdwatching practices. By improving visitor management and building local stewardship, the project aims to ensure birdwatching tourism supports, rather than threatens, the long-term conservation of Colombia's exceptional bird diversity.

What are Measurable Outcomes Expected from the Funding of this Project?

• 150 local tourism professionals (guides, operators, and community members) consistently adopt responsible birdwatching practices across three priority destinations.

• 200 students from 6–7 local schools demonstrate at least a 40% increase in conservation knowledge and positive attitudes toward bird protection.

• 30% reduction in harmful birdwatching behaviors (including excessive playback, off-trail movement, and overcrowding) at the three target birdwatching sites.

What Would a Successful Project Result In?

Responsible birdwatching practices become the standard across three priority destinations, with at least 150 local tourism professionals adopting new field guidelines, a 30% reduction in harmful visitor behaviors, and healthier bird habitats that support both conservation and sustainable tourism.