More than 700 people took part in activities promoting citizen science, avitourism, and the protection of bird habitats in Baja California Sur.
Through a diverse program of activities held from March 18 to 21 as part of the Shorebird Festival of La Paz, we promoted environmental education, biodiversity conservation, and the protection of vital bird habitats in the region.
In coordination with the Bird Laboratory of the Autonomous University of Baja California Sur (UABCS), and with support from the Gonzalo Río Arronte and Alumbra Foundations, we organized a program for different audiences with the aim of promoting environmental education, citizen science, and avitourism as tools for ecosystems.
“The festival included four days of activities. The first day featured the seminar Birds of La Paz, Good Birdwatching Practices, and Citizen Science. The seminar included five presentations, two of which highlighted the importance of the Ensenada de La Paz for birds. Another presentation focused on the potential of avitourism as an activity that can diversify ecotourism opportunities in the municipality,” explained our advisor Víctor Ayala, a member of the Bird Laboratory and research professor at UABCS.
The event brought together 111 people, who reflected on good practices, ethics in birdwatching, and the potential of ecotourism. The program also included outreach activities, such as documentary screening featuring conservation messages, which drew 72 attendees.
Environmental Education That Connects with the Community
One of the festival’s highlights was the Birds and Environmental Care Educational Fair, which brought together 17 institutions and 25 informational booths and attracted more than 450 people.
The event provided an opportunity for students, teachers, and the general public to learn about conservation, monitoring and sustainable development projects.
“The goal is to create a space for science outreach where people can become more aware of environmental issues, learn about some of the projects and the diversity of birds in the area, and strengthen ties between institutions and the community, aiming to contribute to bird conservation in the state,” Ayala said.
Citizen Science and Conservation in Action
The festival concluded with guided birdwatching walks at the artificial wetland of the Municipal Youth Ecopark, with 98 people of all ages participating.
Between 40 and 50 species were recorded during these activities, including the Belding’s Yellowthroat, an endemic species of the region.
“People always really enjoy this activity and leave happy. Some people had never been to the Ecopark before, so the experience is very exciting for them,” explained our advisor.
The festival also highlighted the importance of the Ecopark and the Ensenada de La Paz, a habitat mosaic that includes mangroves, coastal wetlands, and mudflats that are essential to water birds.
Through this third edition of the festival, we strengthened environmental education, promoted citizen science, and encouraged the community to engage with and take ownership of knowledge, laying the groundwork for long-term conservation.
We invite you to join us in our upcoming activities and become part of efforts to protect birds and their habitats.
Translated by: Grecia Martínez
Reviewed and edited by: Alejandra Picos
