MANILA—Birdwatchers, conservationists
and eco-tourism promoters from all over Asia and elsewhere have
their eyes on the Philippines, which is hosting Asia's first-ever
region-wide bird festival.
The Wild Bird Club of the Philippines said the First Asian Bird
Fair will be held in Davao City from 24-26 September 2010, tandem
with the 6thPhilippine Bird Festival, the country's premier avian
conservation and eco-tourism event. The milestone event is co-hosted
by the Philippine Eagle Foundation and the Davao City government.
The First Asian Bird Fair-themed “Nurture
Nature, Save our Future”—is a common initiative of
the Wild Bird Club of the Philippines, the Bird Conservation Society
of Thailand, the Chinese Wild Bird Federation, the Wild Bird Society
of Taipei, the Malaysian Nature Society and the Nature Society
(Singapore).
The Asian Bird Fair, which highlights the respective bird festivals
of the participating countries, seeks to enrich eco-tourism through
birdwatching and promote the natural and cultural heritage of
host cities.
The Asian Bird Fair and 6th Philippine Bird Festival will be held
at the Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao on 24-25 September, in time
for the autumn migration of birds from Japan, China and parts
of Siberia. Entrance to the Asian Bird Fair exhibit area is free
of charge, according to organizers.
Highlights of the fair include the Bird Conservation Forum and
turn-over ceremony to representatives of the Chinese Wild Bird
Federation, host of next year's Asian Bird Fair in Tainan City.
International and Philippine delegates will also tour the Philippine
Eagle Center and Eden Garden Resorts while in Davao.
WBCP president Michael Lu said the fair will include photo exhibits,
presentations and fun activities for the young “and young
at heart.” Children can also look forward to a guided tour
at low tide of the tidal flats fronting the Waterfront Insular
Hotel, where children can have a close look at marine species
like fiddler crabs and mudskippers as well as spectacular views
of herons, egrets and shorebirds.
Lu expects the event to draw bird watchers, conservationists,
eco-tourism promoters, sustainable development providers, and
nature lovers from around the country, Asia and Europe.
Alice Villa-Real, chair of the committee organizing
the 1st Asian Bird Festival and 6th Philippine Bird Festival.,
said the latest initiative is a significant move to draw attention
to pressing conservation issues.
“We can make a significant difference to protect the rich
bird life and habitats of our islands, whilst promoting responsible
enjoyment of nature and encouraging related sustainable businesses
in the local communities,” Villa-Real pointed out.
International groups participating in the Asian
Bird Festival are Chinese Wild Bird Federation, Bird Conservation
Society of Thailand, Malaysian Nature Society, Nature Society
of Singapore, Wild Bird Society of Taipei, the Shanghai Wild Bird
Society, Fujian Birdwatching Society, Kaoshiung Wild Bird Society,
Wild Bird Society of Tainan, Hong Kong Birdwatching Society, Eco-education
and Resources Center, Asian Raptor Research and Conservation Network,
Borneo Bird Club, Hornbill Research Foundation, the Biodiversity
and Nature Conservation Association, Bird Conservation Nepal and
the Oriental Bird Club confirmed participation in the event.
Local organizations joining are Conservation
International, Fauna and Flora International, Katala Foundation,
WWF-Philippines, Birding Adventure Philippines, Kaakbay, Malagos
Garden Resort, Monfort Bat Cave & Conservation Foundation,
Philippine Association of Wildlife Veterinarians, Philippine Wild
Bird Photographers, My Zoo Foundation, City of Alaminos (Pangasinan),
City of Balanga (Bataan) and the Municipality of Candaba (Pampanga).
Event sponsors include the Philippine Eagle Foundation, the City
Government of Davao, Team Energy Foundation, Primer Group, Aboitiz
Power, Phoenix Petroleum Philippines, Tanduay Distillers, Senator
Juan Miguel Zubiri, Fauna & Flora International, Philippine
Association of Wildlife Veterinarians, C. K. Lu Enterprises, Waterfront
Insular Hotel Davao, Grand Men Seng Hotel and NCCC Mall.
