Photo credit: Christel Mohammed/BirdsCaribbean. Retrieved from caribbean.loopnews.com
Twenty-four (24) bird and nature guides have been trained and certified in bird identification and guiding techniques in the recently concluded Sandals Foundation sponsored Caribbean Birding Trail Guide Training Program.
The event, which took place October 23 to 27, forms part of the Caribbean Birding Trail Project – an initiative of BirdsCaribbean aimed at promoting nature-based, authentic experiences that benefit local people and encourage the protection of the Caribbean’s natural resources, including 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 offerings. The sessions were also open to those who work in outreach and education about birds and nature.”
Participants explored the importance of preserving the Turks and Caicos Islands’ birds and nature while strengthening the island’s local ecotourism sector. They also learned bird identification, guiding techniques, and environmental interpretation—making connections to natural resources through story telling. Everyone received a package of materials including binoculars, a bird field guide, bird ID cards, CBT hat, endemic birds of the Caribbean, and many other resources.