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Experiences for Conservation
Andrew RothmanFounder
Rainforest Biodiversity Groupwww.rainforestbiodiversity.org
Birding a.k.a BirdwatchingWhat is a Birder?
Someone who observes birds (sight/ sound)for recreation
Who is a birder? Fermata Data (Eubanks)
51% = femaleMedian age = 5494% = AngloMean years of education = 16Mean household income = $71,121Percent Retired = 37%
Birder Data
• How many people bird? (US Forest Service)
• 66.1 million Americans age 16 and up bird
• 33 % of all Americans 16 and up participate in birding
• Birder population up from 12% in 1993 to 33% in 2001
• More people bird then hunt or fish
Considerations for Eco-tourism
Large market Increasing popularity
Market willing to travelBirders average 10 trips a year55 days of birding a year avg
Economic Impact (Eubanks, Kerlinger, Isaacs)
$50 a day / birder$506 a trip/ birder$1,500 - $3,400 year / birderIn 1981 birders spent over $20 billion
Relation to CommunitiesStudy by Eubanks,et al:- The direct expenditures of birders averaged
$506 per trip- Of which $432 being spent in the state
where the birding activity occurred.
Other Considerations:- During their trips 35% said birding was
most important activity- However 37% was one of many activities - Opportunity to incorporate birding into
other activities - Use birding to attract visitors to not only
see birds but do other things in community
Distribution of trip expenditures ($505.84)
Clearly birding trips have economic impacts on regions and communities.
Augusto Silva
Experiences in Developing a Birding Trail in
Costa Rica
Endangered Flagship Species
Current Range
Former Range
90 % Loss of HabitatThe Great Green MacawThe Great Green Macaw
San Juan – La SelvaBiological Corridor
• Government lacks funds for further protection
• International funds drying up
• Conservation falling on to shoulders of private landowners
• Lack Money, Security, Support
• Leaves habitat vulnerable to degradation
Our HypothesisThe development of a nature tourism trail
within the CBSS has the potential to adequately supplement the income of local landowners to reduce loss of wildlife habitat
Why a Birding Trail?Tourism is largest contributor to GNP in CR =(available market)Great Birding = (good product)Good Transportation =(easy access to product)Trails in US becoming more common =(familiarity with product)Meet the needs of conservation
Additional habitat protection, connectivity
Meet the needs of landownersMoney, Security, Support
Route Development Scheme1. Flagship species (conservation focus)2. Partnerships3. Financial Plan: Is it a worthwhile
Investment?4. Sustainable Standards5. Site Selection Criteria6. Selection of Sites7. Contracts8. Site Development (Action Plans)9. Map and Guide / Signage10. Marketing 11. Training12. Site Monitoring13. Site Evaluation14. Site Maintenance
Initial Results13 sites selected6 new reserves created 1297 newly protected hectares (3178 acres)5001 total hectares (12,253 acres) under protection within CRBR2000 Map and Guides ProducedBird Monitoring Initial ToursLandowner Workshops
Augusto Silva
Income Generation for Landowners and Communities
Entrance FeesFoodLodgingGuidesPackaged ToursReservationsGuide MapBird Route Experience Reminders (a.k.a souvenirs)
Marketable PointsGreat Birding1st Birding Trail in Costa RicaDirect Connection to ConservationGreen / Sustainable Tourism
DevelopmentCultural ExperiencesLocal Food“Off the beaten path”Rainforest Experience“Money” Birds:
Great Green MacawToucansColorful tropical birdsNeotropical Migrants
Marketing StrategyWebDirect MailingsMedia
MagazinesNewspaper Coverage
Compound Marketing SitesOperatorsWholesalers
International and In-Country
Focal MarketsIndependent BirdersNature Enthusiasts/Eco-travelersHigh-end BirdersBackpackers
Marketing of the CRBR
Sustainability in the CRBRSustainable Tourism
• Code of Ethics (ABA)• Sustainable Standards
• Ensure sustainability• Visitor Incentive• Implementable
Training Programs• Sustainable Tourism• Guide Training• Business Capacity• Environmental Education
How can Birding work for you and your community?
Assess your birding resources:
•What attributes do you have to draw in birders?
•What is your birding related infrastructure and services?
•What are the conservation benefits?
•How can you develop a Service Birding Program?
•Identify how the community can help birders.Ex. Gas station attendants know what the project is and how to get to the birding location.
Assess Community Resources:
•What are the desired community benefits?
•Who are allies and partners?
•What community attractions can you package birding with?
Ex. Native American History Festival
•How birders can help the community?Ex. Coordinate fundraisers with birding events
Augusto Silva
Service BirdingDefinition: Birding Tours that give back to the communities.
This may be in the form of a donation or a service such as assistance with constructionof a school, providing schools with books, reforesting trees, conducting workshops or any other service that helps the local community in which the visitor has come to birdwatch.
www.servicebirding.com
Partners and Sponsors
Contact InfoRAINFOREST BIODIVERSITY GROUP, INC7 N. Pinckney St Suite 220
Madison, WI 53711
PHONE: 608-698-3448
Fax: 608-245-9787
Websites: www.rainforestbiodiversity.orgwww.CostaRicanBirdRoute.com
Email: [email protected]@CostaRicanBirdRoute.com