Birding and how it can save the world

Birding, or birdwatching, if you will,  can have a surprisingly positive impact on local communities in several ways. In many parts of the world, especially in developing countries, many people do not have decent job opportunities to support themselves and their families. This lack of opportunity often leads individuals to pursue harmful forms of "work" that can seriously harm the local or global environment. Many of these individuals do not take pride in what they do but desperation leaves them with few choices.

As many of you know, I am Brazilian and a biologist. Before moving to the U.S., I worked for many years on environmental education activities in underprivileged communities in Brazil. I witnessed firsthand the lengths to which necessity can push people to do destructive things to their living areas. Some of the harmful activities I encountered included illegal hunting, trafficking of wild animals, and capturing and selling wild birds. I could spend all day sharing these experiences, which were difficult for both me and those involved; they often felt ashamed of their actions but felt they had no other option.

The expansion of true-blue birding activities in Brazil is a crucial tool in combating environmental degradation while supporting local communities. One incredibly important positive is birding boosts local economies through ecotourism. Birdwatchers often travel huge distances to observe rare or unique species, spending money on lodging, food, guides, and equipment. This influx of cash supports small businesses, creates jobs—such as tour guides and hospitality roles—and has proven to encourage infrastructure improvements in rural or lesser-known areas.

A second huge positive is that birding fosters conservation. When birdwatching becomes popular, local communities and governments tend to prioritize the protection of habitats to attract more visitors. This means preserving forests, wetlands, and coastlines that might otherwise be developed or neglected. Healthy ecosystems benefit not only birds but also support biodiversity, clean water, and climate resilience, all of which are essential for local communities.

Maybe I’m being a bit idealistic, but I genuinely believe that birdwatching can contribute significantly to saving the world. Another hidden benefit is that birding can present an educational opportunity where locals, particularly children, often engage in birdwatching, nature hikes, and preservation while learning about their environment and wildlife. This can inspire a long-term interest in science and stewardship, strengthening the community’s relationship with its land.

As more birders visit these areas, the income generated from birding increases for the local economy. As this activity grows, more affected regions and communities will benefit—like a snowball effect!

Today, in many parts of Brazil, we can see people who live close to nature supporting their families through birding tourism. Many of our local partners are expanding their small properties, planting seedlings, and reforesting degraded areas to attract birds that have become locally extinct. They already have seen great results!

We participated in a project in the Amazon rainforest to train local community members to become bird guides in the region. Binoculars donated by KOWA and other materials were provided to promote this activity among locals. All of this is happening simply because birdwatching is growing more and more popular in Brazil.

What are your thoughts about it?