The 13th Asian Bird Fair, from November 21 to 22, 2024, brought together birdwatchers, environmental enthusiasts, and experts from across the region to celebrate the wonders of avian life across the globe and underscore the importance of conservation particularly that of wetlands. This is highlighted by this year’s theme “Wetlands We Treasure for the Future.”

This year’s ABF was marked by a series of engaging learning sessions and forums, offering the public a chance to learn from and connect with like-minded people from all around the world in meaningful ways. Held at The Tent in Las Pinas City, Philippines, the event attracted a diverse audience, from schoolchildren and families to seasoned birdwatchers and the general public.

The two-day event fair kicked off with an early start, welcoming participants with the first learning session. The featured Learning Sessions focused on educating younger audiences and introduced them to the wonderful world of birdwatching. These sessions provided an interactive and educational experience about birdlife and environmental awareness, helping foster a sense of responsibility toward nature among younger generations.

Students were also given passports which they had to complete by visiting booths around the event. This gave them opportunities to meet people from around the world and learn a thing or two through these interactions.

There were also four forums during the two days which featured speakers from the Philippines and the foreign delegates as well. The forum titled “Wetlands We Treasure for the Future” discussed the vital role of wetlands in biodiversity conservation and how they serve as critical habitats for countless bird species, particularly in Manila Bay. Speakers were from the Wild Bird Club of the Philippines, Society for the Conservation of Wetlands in the Philippines, and Oceana Philippines.

This was followed by a powerful forum, “Coming to Nature’s Rescue: What You Can Do”, which encouraged participants to reflect on their individual roles in protecting the environment, discussing both local and global conservation strategies as well as guiding the general public towards more active participation in conservation. Speakers were from TRAFFIC and the Wild Bird Society of Taiwan.

The third forum, “Where in the World Are You Birdwatching?”, took place on the second day. This discussion brought together birdwatchers from different parts of the world to share their unique birdwatching experiences, offering insights into the diverse bird life from around the globe. Speakers were delegates from Malaysia, the Philippines, Colombia, Uganda, and Australia.

The final forum, “Giving Back to Nature” featured delegates who shared ways individuals and communities can make a positive impact on biodiversity and ecosystems in their respective countries. Speakers were from Colombia, India, and the Philippines

Attendees also had the chance to attend a Nature Journaling Talk, where they were introduced to the practice of documenting their experiences in the field, encouraging everyone especially children to engage is such activities that bring them closer to nature.

The delegates were also treated to a glimpse of Manila through interesting dinners and field trips included in their itinerary for the ABF. These included a dinner in Barbara’s Restaurant in the old walled city of Intramuros, which featured cultural dances from across the Philippines. The World Bird Fair was also introduced in a dinner at the Golden Fortune Restaurant hosted by Ecotourism Taiwan.

A field trip to the Las Pinas-Paranaque Wetland Park on the last day provided birdwatching experiences and a short bird race too. Most of the delegates then proceeded with a tour of Intramuros to round off the final day of the event.

The final night was the Turnover Dinner sponsored by Seosan City, Korean which is the host of the 14^th Asian Bird Fair in 2025. The entire delegation was treated to cultural numbers from Korea including pungmul, a traditional Korean performance characterized by an ensemble with percussion instruments often performed during festivals, celebrations, and community events. The Turnover Dinner surely got everyone excited for next year’s Asian Bird Fair in Korea!

A Successful and Inspiring Event

The 13th Asian Bird Fair was not only an opportunity for people to come together and share their love for birds but also an inspiring call to action for everyone to take part in the fight for nature’s future. The fair’s blend of educational sessions, interactive forums, and engaging discussions made it clear that birdwatching and environmental stewardship are not just pastimes, but powerful tools for positive change. As the event concluded, participants left with a sense of accomplishment and a renewed dedication through the friendships made during the Asian Bird Fair. It is, after all, a true celebration of birds across borders.

The 13th Asian Bird Fair 2024 in Las Pinas, Philippines was made possible by the sponsors of the event: