Networking, Birdwatchers and Conservation in Mexico

In Mexico, conservation projects have started to integrate the tourism component as an alternative to raising sufficient funds to keep the activities running. However, many of the projects that are managed by small companies or organisations have had many problems to develop these components autonomously. Two Mexican biologists, with careers spanning more than 12 years, have embarked on an exciting journey to connect those small land owners with tourism potential and the people who would value supporting them to keep their organisations working. During the talk at Nature Vancouver’s Birders’ Night, Pilar Gonzalez and Zinthia Lopez will talk about the professional and personal experiences that have led them to develop tourism experiences for the conservation of “small” local lands in Veracruz, Jalisco and Nayarit, Mexico. Our theory is that the conscientious, dedicated and fair work of Mexican professionals can open the door to new conservation initiatives based on birding as a tourism product that has a positive impact. So we will tell you about those friends who have inspired us and how our tourism proposal can help them. We will talk about Xocotitla Conservation Area, Veracruz River of Raptors, San Pancho Bird Observatory, Puerto Vallarta Macaw Sanctuary and others.