Setur holds 'Birdwatching' course in Magalhães Barata
The main objective of the initiative was to prepare the local community to welcome visitors interested in birdwatching, an activity that is growing in Brazil and around the world.
The municipality of Magalhães Barata, located in the northeast of Pará, took another important step towards strengthening ecotourism in the region by holding a 'Birdwatching' course aimed at local residents, trail guides, and nature tourism practitioners. The training was promoted by the State Secretariat of Tourism (Setur), with the support of the Tourism Directorate of Magalhães Barata, representing the municipal government.
The classes took place from October 13 to 17, in the entrepreneurial space of the Brazilian Service of Support to Micro and Small Enterprises (Sebrae), and included practical activities carried out in the community of Nazaré do Fugido and on the Cachação Trail, located in the municipal seat. The course was taught by instructor and ornithologist Lucas Borcem, a professional with extensive experience in identifying Amazonian birds and training environmental guides.
According to the State Secretary of Tourism, Eduardo Costa, the investment in training represents a commitment from the government of Pará to ecotourism and the appreciation of local leadership. "Pará is consistently investing in training local people so that the State is not only seen as a destination but as a protagonist in sustainable tourism. Qualification is the foundation for transforming natural potential into opportunities for social and economic development," highlighted the secretary.
The main objective of the initiative was to prepare the local community to welcome visitors interested in birdwatching, an activity that is growing in Brazil and around the world, and which finds great potential in Magalhães Barata, thanks to the rich biodiversity of the Amazon region. The municipality stands out for hosting a wide variety of bird species, such as the beautiful maracanãs, the imposing guará, the colorful maitacas, and the handsome gavião-pernilongo – birds that enchant both novice observers and experienced ornithologists.
During the course, participants learned bird identification techniques, proper use of binoculars, good environmental conduct practices, and strategies for safely and informatively guiding groups on ecological trails. The importance of species conservation and the role of sustainable tourism in local development were also addressed.
According to the director of Tourism in Magalhães Barata, Ronaldo Adriano Ferreira, the initiative aims to value natural resources, generate income for the local population, and enhance the recognition of Magalhães Barata as a destination focused on nature tourism, respecting the environment and regional culture. "The training represents an important advancement for responsible tourism in the region. We are encouraging the community to take the lead in protecting our biodiversity while benefiting from new economic opportunities," emphasized the director.
Birdwatching, also known as birdwatching, is an increasingly sought-after practice by tourists, researchers, and nature lovers. According to the Ministry of Tourism, Brazil has about 1,971 bird species cataloged, with 293 being endemic, placing it among the top destinations for birdwatchers in the world. The WikiAves platform already registers over 42,000 registered observers, a number that has been growing annually. This activity drives a wide economic chain, involving accommodation, food, transportation, specialized guides, and other services related to nature tourism.
