Tourism authorities and representatives from the nature sector in Central America officially launched the regional birdwatching and recording event, which will take place simultaneously on March 14, 2026, in participating countries.
The event was held in a hybrid format, with Guatemala as the venue for the regional launch, and brought together national authorities and actors specializing in birdwatching and conservation.
The Central America Big Day’s main objective is to promote the conservation of bird species and their ecosystems from a sustainability approach, using observation and citizen recording as tools to generate information, strengthen local capacities and highlight the value of the region’s natural heritage.
The conference featured the participation of Bianka Espósito, Acting Director General of the Guatemalan Tourism Institute (INGUAT); Rolando Schweikert, President of the Guatemalan Chamber of Tourism (CAMTUR); Andrés Ehrler, Minister of Tourism of Honduras; and Boris Iraheta, Secretary General of the Central American Tourism Promotion Agency (CATA), who emphasized the importance of coordinating regional efforts that integrate conservation, environmental education, and responsible tourism promotion.
During the event, it was emphasized that the Central American isthmus constitutes a strategic biological corridor between North and South America, making it a key territory for migratory and resident species. In this context, birdwatching tourism is positioned as an opportunity to link local economic development with environmental protection.
On behalf of the local launch organizers, Claire Dallies, from Guatemala’s Nature Roundtable, explained the intersectoral coordination developed for this edition. Mercedes Silva, representing MITUR/CORSATUR of El Salvador, reiterated her country’s institutional commitment to the initiative. Representatives from Belize, Nicaragua, Panama, and the Dominican Republic also participated, reaffirming the regional nature of the event.
The regional dynamics for the use of specialized platforms for birdwatching were presented by Oliver Komar, Ph.D., from the Zamorano Center for Biodiversity, who detailed the registration methodology and the adjustments implemented for this second edition, aimed at expanding participation and reducing technical barriers.
As part of the preparation for the March 14th event, a series of virtual training seminars will be held for participating countries, focused on strengthening technical capacities, standardizing registration processes, and facilitating the incorporation of new observers throughout the region.
The Central America Big Day 2026 will promote citizen participation, strengthen scientific knowledge, and project Central America as a destination committed to conservation and sustainability.
Source: Cata Centroamérica.
