About the Conference
The BirdsCaribbean International Conference is the region’s premier biennial forum on avian conservation,
bringing together a global network of wildlife professionals, ornithologists, educators, decision-makers, the eco-tourism industry, community leaders, and students. Our 2026 conference provides a platform to exchange the latest scientific research, methods, and innovative strategies to protect Caribbean birds and their habitats.
With over 300 delegates from 30+ countries attending in person
and thousands more engaging with our published conference proceedings and session recordings, this conference is a cornerstone for professional networking and capacity building. By fostering cross-country collaboration and learning, we strengthen the collective expertise of conservationists and decision-makers driving sustainable change across the islands.
Our Theme
Birds, People, Prosperity: Harnessing the Caribbean’s Natural Advantage
The Caribbean’s environment is not a resource to be exploited and depleted — it is our competitive edge to be invested in and protected. This theme frames Caribbean biodiversity as investable capital, positioning conservation and ecotourism as engines of shared prosperity. We challenge the outdated “development vs. environment” narrative and call for a bold recognition of our region’s true strength: proudly owning, protecting, and advancing the natural assets that can power a sustainable future.
This theme highlights the power of birds and nature as drivers of resilient economic growth. By investing in conservation and nature-based tourism, Caribbean nations can transform their extraordinary biodiversity into opportunity — strengthening local economies, supporting communities, and safeguarding ecosystems. It’s a call to value our natural heritage not only as a treasure to protect, but as a foundation for long-term prosperity.
OUR CONFERENCE CO-HOST
HADCO Experiences
Our 2026 co-host, HADCO Experiences, is at the forefront of eco-conscious travel in the Caribbean. As the operator of recently Green Key certified sites like the iconic ecolodge at the Asa Wright Nature Centre and Mt. Plaisir Estate Hotel, they demonstrate how sustainable business can fund habitat and species protection. Their commitment to “putting nature first” and preserving Trinidad and Tobago’s natural heritage through community-led stewardship and scientific integrity perfectly aligns with BirdsCaribbean’s mission to strengthen local conservation capacity.
Partners
The BirdsCaribbean International Conference is made possible through the collaboration of regional and international organizations dedicated to a sustainable future for our islands.
We are currently seeking partners who share our commitment to scientific integrity, community-led stewardship, and regional capacity building. By partnering with us for the 2026 conference, your organization will gain direct visibility among the Caribbean’s leading conservationists, researchers, and policy-makers.
We offer various tiers of partnership. Download our 2026 Sponsor and Exhibitor Prospectus to learn more about our different opportunities. Reach out to us directly at [email protected] and [email protected] if your organization would like to come on board as a flagship event partner.
IMPACT
The BirdsCaribbean International Conference is a catalyst for measurable conservation impact. By uniting a multidisciplinary network dedicated to studying avian life and addressing urgent threats—from habitat loss and climate change to the illegal bird trade—we turn collective expertise into on-the-ground results. Our conference serves as the region’s primary engine for professional development and scientific advancement, equipping local practitioners with technical skills in areas like adaptive management, data analysis, MOTUS tracking, community-centered strategies and standardized monitoring protocols necessary to manage their own natural resources.
Beyond sharing research, the conference fosters regional and international partnerships essential for protecting resident and migratory species, removing invasive species, and restoring habitats that no single island can manage alone. By removing barriers for students through mentorship and travel awards, we are securing a legacy of leadership. The insights generated here form the backbone of the policy decisions and species conservation action plans that will protect Caribbean biodiversity for generations to come.