Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept. 24: The Andaman and Nicobar Islands’ bird diversity is being introduced to young tourism professionals as a potential avenue for sustainable and responsible nature-based tourism. A two-day Bird Tourism Workshop for students of the BBA Tourism–Eco-Tourism Club at JNRM was held on September 21 and 22 as part of World Tourism Day 2026 activities.
The workshop focused on practical skills and knowledge required for bird-based tourism, including bird identification, bird-watching techniques, binocular use, field ethics, habitat understanding and nature interpretation. It also examined livelihood opportunities that can emerge from responsible tourism activities.
Local bird expert and founder of Andaman Bird Tour Arun Singh conducted the sessions, introducing students to endemic and other significant bird species found in the islands. He also provided practical guidance on ethical birding and responsible wildlife observation.
The programme incorporated a community and tourism perspective through an interaction with the President of the North & Middle Andaman Chamber of Commerce, who discussed the scope of community-oriented eco-tourism and nature-based tourism, particularly in North and Middle Andaman.
The second day moved the learning from the classroom to the field, with students undertaking a birding expedition to Chidiyatapu and Chidiyatapu Reserve Forest. The field exercise provided hands-on exposure to observing and identifying endemic, forest and coastal bird species, while linking bird-watching practices with habitat protection and responsible interaction with wildlife.
The Department of Tourism, Andaman and Nicobar Administration, supported the workshop as part of World Tourism Day 2026 activities. This year’s theme is “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism.”
The initiative also sought to broaden students’ understanding of tourism beyond conventional sightseeing by connecting education and skill development with conservation awareness. It encouraged exploration of emerging roles in bird guiding, nature interpretation and responsible tourism while drawing attention to the islands’ natural heritage.
