Tourism Dept to Host Public Lecture on Bird Watching to Boost Off-Season Eco-Tourism in A&N Islands

In a bid to promote niche tourism segments during the off-season, the Department of Tourism, Andaman and Nicobar Administration, in collaboration with the Avian Club Andaman and Nicobar, is set to organize a public lecture on bird watching on July 26. The event will be held at 11 AM in the Training Hall of the Department of Disaster Management, with the aim of highlighting the islands’ rich avifaunal diversity and fostering responsible tourism practices.

The session will feature ornithologist and Avian Club President Arun Singh, a prominent voice in the field of bird conservation and eco-tourism in the islands. The lecture will provide valuable insights into the unique bird species that inhabit the archipelago, encouraging eco-conscious travel and environmental stewardship.

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are home to more than 270 species of birds, including several endemic species that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. The region’s pristine forests, wetlands, and fragile island ecosystems offer an ideal environment for birdwatchers, nature enthusiasts, and environmentally aware tourists.

This initiative aligns with the Tourism Department’s broader objective of diversifying its offerings to attract visitors year-round. By focusing on eco-tourism and nature-based experiences, the department seeks to extend tourist stays and encourage conservation-oriented livelihoods, particularly during the monsoon and lean seasons.

The Department of Tourism has extended invitations to local residents, students, tourists, and tourism stakeholders to participate in the knowledge-sharing lecture and interactive session. The aim is not only to generate awareness about the islands’ avian richness but also to build a more informed and environmentally sensitive tourism ecosystem.

The lecture also supports the Administration’s long-term vision of integrating sustainability into tourism by promoting off-season travel opportunities that contribute to community welfare while preserving the islands’ ecological integrity.

Participants can expect to learn about birdwatching hotspots across the islands, conservation challenges, the role of local communities in habitat preservation, and how tourism stakeholders can collaborate to promote eco-friendly travel experiences. The interactive session is expected to serve as a platform for exchange between experts and attendees, facilitating grassroots-level awareness and action.

By spotlighting birdwatching as a sustainable and enriching tourism activity, the event marks a significant step in shaping the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as a leading destination for nature-based and conservation-driven tourism