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: andrewrothman@yahoo.comInfo@CostaRicanBirdRoute.com