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.

“Globally, the tourism market for wildlife watching and wildlife photography is growing, and bird

tourism is a significant part of this market. The Caribbean Birding Trail seeks to attract these markets to the Turks and Caicos Islands and the wider Caribbean. Integral to this is having well-trained guides who can help connect ecotourism travellers with the cultural and natural resources of the island, creating meaningful and authentic experiences,” said Sorenson.

When asked what they most appreciated, one participant commented, “The mix of different people and to be inspired by the facilitators to seek a profitable but sustainable way forward and also a healthy way forward for the spirit. The materials given were awesome! And more than I was expecting.

“The content of the workshop was outstanding, presented at the right pace and by the best instructors,” said another participant.

Known for its commitment to the conservation of the Caribbean’s natural resources and ecosystems, the Sandals Foundation funded the training workshops and other initiatives to support the creation of a cadre of trained bird and nature interpretive guides on the islands.

Heidi Clarke, Executive Director at the Sandals Foundation said the organisation was, “proud to support this programme which taught participants how to inspire people and engage audiences through storytelling aimed at preserving TCI’s incredible birds and nature.”

“Collectively,” Clarke continued, “We can build a stronger eco-tourism market in TCI that provides sustainable livelihoods and supports environmental conservation. Helping trainees learn about the bird tourism market and how they can tap into this rapidly growing and lucrative ecotourism sector will be beneficial for years to come.”

The Caribbean Birding Trail Certified Interpretive Bird Guide Training Workshop was hosted and coordinated by BirdsCaribbean and the Turks and Caicos National Trust, with additional support from the Department of Environment and Coastal Resources and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.

BirdsCaribbean is an international, non-profit organisation committed to the conservation of Caribbean birds and their habitats. The organisation aims to raise awareness and empower local partners to build a region where people appreciate and conserve bird populations and ecosystems, through education, science and advocacy.

Similarly, the Turks & Caicos National Trust (TCNT) is a membership, non-profit organisation dedicated to the preservation of the natural, historical, and cultural heritage of the Turks and Caicos Islands.