Birdwatching Course Trains Community Members in Soure
The chosen location was the symbolic Caju-Una Beach. The environment is considered privileged for nature tourism, especially for birdwatching.
A partnership between the State Secretariat of Tourism (Setur) and the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio) promoted, from September 22 to 26, in the Cajuúna community, the Birdwatching Course. The training was conducted by instructor Éder Melo and accompanied by the Professional Qualification Management of Tourism at Setur.
The chosen location was the symbolic Caju-Una Beach, where a tributary of the Amazon River meets the Atlantic Ocean, creating a scene of rare natural beauty and unique biodiversity. The environment is considered privileged for nature tourism, especially for birdwatching.
For the Secretary of Tourism of Pará, Eduardo Costa, the action represents another step in valuing the tourism potential of the State. “Marajó has an incomparable natural wealth, and initiatives like this qualify the community, generate job opportunities, and encourage the preservation of the territory. Nature tourism is one of Pará's great differentiators, and we are preparing our people to be protagonists in this process,” he stated.
During the course, participants learned recording techniques, the use of specific applications and digital platforms, as well as deepening their knowledge about the behavior of coastal and migratory birds, such as the Scarlet Ibis and the Spoonbill, emblematic species of Marajó. The training also highlighted the stories and cultural expressions linked to the world of birds in the region.
Integrating the course offerings provided by Setur, the training aimed to prepare local residents to work in the birdwatching tourism segment. The initiative reinforces the sustainable use of biodiversity, expands income generation opportunities, and strengthens community culture, aligning environmental conservation with social development.
Since 2020, Setur has expanded its activities in promoting birdwatching, focusing on professionals and communities located around Conservation Units.
Birdwatching, as bird observation tourism is known, has been growing in Brazil. Currently, the country has about 50,000 observers. According to data from Sebrae, Brazil is home to 18% of the world's bird diversity. Worldwide, there are over 100 million birdwatchers, generating about $90 billion a year.
