Andaman And Nicobar Unveil Birdwatching Drive To Elevate Eco-Tourism
In a fresh stride toward sustainable travel, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands have launched a vibrant new initiative to spotlight their growing appeal as a birdwatching paradise. With its rich biodiversity and unique island ecosystems, the archipelago is positioning itself as a top destination for eco-conscious travellers and nature lovers.
As part of this campaign, a public lecture was held on July 26 in collaboration with the Avian Club of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The event aimed to generate awareness about the islands’ spectacular avian diversity—many of which are endemic—and underline the potential of bird-based tourism in driving responsible, low-impact travel.
“From endemic species to untouched landscapes, Andaman and Nicobar offer a unique blend of biodiversity and serenity ideal for bird lovers and eco-travellers,” said Jyoti Kumari, Secretary of Tourism. She highlighted the need to promote sustainable tourism practices while drawing attention to underexplored segments like birdwatching.
Ornithologist Arun Singh, along with the President of the Avian Club, led the lecture. Singh noted that the islands boast more than 30 endemic bird species, making the region an emerging hotspot for global birding tourism. “Since the pandemic, interest in birdwatching here has grown significantly, with more domestic and international travellers arriving in search of rare and region-specific species,” he shared.
Birders are particulary interested in the Andaman wood pigeon, Andaman crake, and Andaman serpent eagle. There are also rarer species in the region like the ruddy kingfisher, beach thick-knee, and the black-naped tern that make the immensity of the sky and endlessness of the coast enticing.
Singh also reflected on the ecological pressures on bird habitats such as the recent and voluminous wetland reclamation, land-use changes, the spread of invasive species, and illegal hunting of birds. In addition, the reformed tourism landscape in the archipelaog had its own infra-structural challenges – great birding trails can’t be accessed due to covid-19, trained ornithological guides are difficult to find, and there are gaps in scientific research that need to be confronted in order to maximize the benefits of birdwatching tourism.
“Even with these challenges, the administration is already taking steps to develop this niche area and incorporate it with other conservation objectives,” Singh said. “Bird tourism can be a pathway to sustainable development and community conservation with the right awareness and infrastructure.”
The future is bright for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as one of Asia’s best destinations for nature-based tourism, with its pristine forests, wetlands, and isolated islands. The development of the region’s rich avifauna is a way of attracting, not only tourists to the destination, but also thoughtful, environmentally trained responsible explorers.
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