Manuel T. Cayon Business Mirror 30 Aug 10;
DAVAO CITY—Asia’s premier avian-conservation and eco-tourism groups will hold their first regional fair of migratory birds and endangered avian species in their bid to widen conservation efforts and to encourage attraction of tourists to the beauty of ecology in their undisturbed habitat.
This city will claim the honor of hosting this pioneering event in Asia from September 24 to 26 this year, to coincide with the holding of the Sixth Philippine Bird Festival, also the country’s major bird-conservation and eco-tourism event.
The Wild Bird Club of the Philippines said in a statement the Asian Bird Fair would be held in time for the migration of birds in autumn from Japan, China and parts of Siberia. Some of these birds flock to warmer countries like the Philippines.
Organizers here said participants, visitors and local residents will get a glimpse of some of these birds in a guided tour at the tidal flats at the Davao Gulf during low tide.
The place is just off the beachfront of the Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao, the venue of the bird fair.
Spectators would have a close look at marine species, like fiddler crabs and mudskippers, as well as spectacular views of herons, egrets and shorebirds.
The bird fair will highlight the respective bird festivals of participating countries, handled by such organizations as the Bird Conservation of Thailand, the Chinese Wild Bird Federation, the Wild Bird Society of Taipei, the Malaysian Nature Society, and the Nature Society of Singapore.
The fair includes a bird-conservation forum and turnover of hosting rights next year to the Chinese Wild Bird Federation in Tainan City. International and Philippine delegates will also be toured to the Philippine Eagle Center and Eden Garden Resorts here.
“The Asian Bird Fair seeks to enrich eco-tourism through bird-watching, and promote the natural and cultural heritage of host cities,” said Michael Lu, president of the Wild Bird Club of the Philippines.
Lu said he 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, chairman of the organizing committee, said “this latest initiative would be 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 while promoting responsible enjoyment of nature and encouraging related sustainable businesses in local communities,” she said.
Aside from the main conservation groups, others attending are the Shanghai Wild Bird Society, Fujian Bird Watching Society, Kaoshiung Wild Bird Society, Wild Bird Society of Tainan, Hong Kong Bird Watching 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.
Local groups include Conservation International, Fauna and Flora International, Katala Foundation, WWF-Philippines, Birding, Adventure-Philippines, Kaakbay, Malagos Garden Resort, Monfort Bat Cave and Conservation Foundation, Philippine Association of Wildlife Veterinarians, Philippine Wild Bird Photographers, My Zoo Foundation, the City of Alaminos and the City of Balanga.
The Philippine Eagle Foundation and the city government of Davao are the cosponsors of the fair.
