A series of awareness and engagement programmes are underway across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as part of the build-up to the first Island Bird Festival, scheduled to be held from February 14 to 18, with the Department of Environment and Forests organizing pre-festival activities in coordination with local groups and forest divisions.
The pre-events have been conducted simultaneously in forest divisions spanning the length of the archipelago, from Nicobar in the south to Diglipur in the north, indicating a territory-wide approach to the upcoming festival. These activities are being organized in collaboration with the Andaman Avian Club and have drawn participation from students, teachers, members of the public, PRI representatives, researchers, birdwatchers and officials and staff of the Department of Environment and Forests.
The focus of the pre-festival initiatives has been on raising awareness about birds, their habitats and the importance of conservation. The islands, known for their rich and unique avifaunal diversity, host several endemic and migratory species, and the events are intended to encourage interest in ornithology and foster a sense of responsibility toward biodiversity among participants of different age groups.
Among the activities conducted are guided ecological walks designed to help participants understand local ecosystems and bird habitats in a practical setting. These walks offered opportunities to observe birds in their natural surroundings while also learning about ecological linkages and conservation concerns associated with island environments.
Interactive competitions formed another key component of the outreach. These included activities such as setting up feed-the-birds stations, build-a-nest challenges and bird-themed sketching sessions, alongside quizzes focused on birds and their conservation. Such formats were designed to make environmental learning more participatory and accessible, particularly for younger participants.
The department indicated that the response to the pre-events has been encouraging, with people from different age groups taking part. The programmes have been positioned as a means to generate momentum ahead of the main festival in February, while also integrating environmental awareness into community-level engagement.
Further pre-festival programmes are scheduled to be held on January 31 and February 7, continuing the outreach across different parts of the islands. These additional events are expected to sustain public interest and expand participation in the run-up to the main festival dates.
The upcoming Island Bird Festival is being described as a platform that will bring together conservationists, researchers, bird enthusiasts and the general public. By combining educational activities, field-based exposure and community engagement, the festival aims to highlight the ecological importance of birds and promote conservation-oriented attitudes.
Information regarding the festival, including programme schedules and registration details, has been made available on the website https://forest.and.nic.in/ibf of the Department of Environment and Forests. The broader initiative reflects efforts to integrate environmental education with public events, using the region’s natural biodiversity as a focal point.
Through the pre-festival events, the department and partner organizations are seeking to build a wider base of awareness and interest in birdlife and conservation issues. The activities are being framed not only as celebrations of avian diversity but also as steps toward long-term environmental stewardship in the islands.
