Connecting Birds and People: Environmental Interpretation as a Key Tool in Bird Conservation and Appreciation

Facilitated by Dayamiris Candelario, Centro Ambiental Santa Ana, CASA INTER - Metro; Yaritza Bobonis, Fundación Amigos de El Yunque; and Eliezer Nieves, Universidad de Puerto Rico. 

Emails: dayamiris45@gmail.com, bobonis@gmail.com, rezeile@hotmail.com

Purpose: The workshop will present environmental interpretation, its concepts and methodologies as an effective communication tool to connect the knowledge and meanings of birds, their ecosystems and conservation efforts with the community. Through interactive methods, some of the most fundamental concepts of interpretation as applied to bird conservation will be explained, various techniques appropriate for "interpreting" birds will be discussed, and examples from real contexts will be illustrated. Environmental educators, nature guides, researchers, and NPA managers will appreciate the applicability of these techniques in order to conserve birds and their habitats in an effective and relevant way, thus inspiring diverse audiences.

Overview: The National Association for Interpretation (NAI) defines Interpretation as a purposeful communication approach that facilitates meaningful, relevant, and inclusive experiences that deepen understanding, broaden perspectives, and inspire engagement with the world around us. The development of this branch of communication arose from the need to promote the conservation of areas of great natural and cultural value such as national parks, forests, and NPAs, and to manage the negative environmental impact that visitors could cause. Given the current environmental scenario, in which Caribbean ecosystems are subjected to environmental pressures related to climate change, it is even more necessary that those responsible for conserving Caribbean avifauna and its ecosystems have effective tools to bring more people to the conservation of these areas. Beyond refereed publications, scientific conferences and peer-to-peer discussions, bird conservationists could benefit from expanding their skills in communicating the language they know so well and extending it to decision-makers, communities, students, and visitors from abroad.

Objectives: 

• Introduce participants to concepts of environmental interpretation and its importance in promoting appreciation for Caribbean birds

• Share practical examples of interpretation for bird-focused activities

• Explore effective communication tools to deliver messages in a provocative and relevant way that engages audiences for conservation

Session Structure: The session will consist of lectures on environmental interpretation and the realization of dynamics and practice exercises. Also, examples and case studies in relevant and real contexts in which the techniques discussed have been used will be discussed. At the end, a list of references and training opportunities will be shared with the participants.