Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Chief Information Officer Roservirico Tan said “birders, bird watchers, conservationists and tourism promoters from all over the country and abroad are expected to flock to the Paseo del Mar to attend the event,” which will run from Feb. 28 to March 1.
Tan disclosed that international organizations such as the Malaysian Nature Society, Bird Conservation Society of Thailand, Asian Raptor Research and Conservation Network, Wild Bird Society of Taipei, Tourism Malaysia and Swarovski Optik will be participating in the festival, alongside local organizations and institutions including the Katala Foundation (Palawan), Birdwatch Palawan, Penagmannaki (Negros Oriental), Haribon Foundation, Earth Island Institute, the Philippine Native Plant Society Conservation Society and Save Freedom Island Movement
Tan said tons of activities are lined up during the said bird fest. He encouraged the public to come and view the bird fest which will be held at the Paseo Del Mar. “It is open to the public, free of charge. It will feature bird watching trips, an exhibit on the natural history and bird photos by the city’s leading and amateur nature photographers, films and lectures, and fora on eco-tourism and birdlife management.”
“An activity center featuring bird-themed folklore, crafts and games will be on top for the young and the young at heart, “ Tan added
This year’s bird fest activity is anchored on the theme Pajaros: Bula sin Miedo, sin Lingasa”— Zamboanga’s Spanish-based Chavacano for “Birds: Fly without Fear, without Worries.”
The activity aims to promote the bird watching hobby as a nature tourism activity and drum up support for conservation and restoration of coastal wetlands and the Pasonanca Natural Park, right in the heart of Zamboanga City.
The bird festival is also part of this year’s Feb. 26 Dia de Zamboanga celebration, jointly-hosted by the City of Zamboanga, the Department of Tourism IX and the DENR IX.