Purpose of the Session

This workshop will build on ongoing efforts to strengthen national and regional capacity for Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) of birds and biodiversity. Participants will gain an introduction to passive acoustic monitoring techniques and hands-on experience deploying acoustic recorders and analyzing audio data using free software and AI-assisted tools, with a focus on avifauna conservation and monitoring.

Background and Rationale

The Environmental Management Authority (EMA), in collaboration with the University of the West Indies (UWI) and the GEF-BIOREACH Project, recently completed a major initiative focused on the conservation and recovery of the critically endangered Pawi (Pipile pipile), Trinidad’s endemic and Environmentally Sensitive Species. A key component of the project involved the use of Passive Acoustic Monitoring to support research and conservation management.

The project also emphasized community engagement and citizen science through a series of capacity-building workshops that trained more than 80 participants in deploying audio recorders, analyzing acoustic data, and understanding acoustic modeling approaches. These workshops demonstrated the value of PAM as a practical and accessible conservation tool.

As acoustic monitoring technologies and AI-assisted analysis tools continue to advance, there is growing potential to expand their use across the Caribbean for biodiversity monitoring, research, and conservation management. This workshop will extend these training opportunities to regional conference participants through a practical, field-based learning experience at Asa Wright Nature Centre.

Session Objectives

• Provide an overview of Passive Acoustic Monitoring techniques and applications in avifauna conservation and management
• Introduce acoustic analysis approaches and AI-assisted tools for biodiversity monitoring
• Provide hands-on experience calibrating, deploying, and retrieving acoustic recorders
• Share best practices for acoustic data collection, management, and analysis
• Strengthen national and regional capacity for Passive Acoustic Monitoring and community-based biodiversity monitoring

Session Structure and Format

This workshop will take place at Asa Wright Nature Centre during the afternoon of the mid-conference field trip day on 25 July. Participants will spend the day at Asa Wright and may choose to enjoy morning birding on the famous veranda and trail system before participating in the afternoon Passive Acoustic Monitoring workshop. Participants may also apply to attend the morning workshop on bird sound recording and editing.

The afternoon session will begin with a classroom-based introduction to Passive Acoustic Monitoring techniques, acoustic analysis, and the use of PAM tools in avifauna monitoring and conservation management. Participants will then take part in a field component at Asa Wright, venturing out onto the trails to gain practical experience calibrating, deploying, and retrieving acoustic recorders while learning best practices for collecting high-quality acoustic data in tropical environments.

The workshop will conclude with a demonstration of how acoustic data can be processed and analyzed using free software and AI-assisted tools to support biodiversity monitoring and conservation decision-making. Lunch at Asa Wright is included. Space is limited to 20 participants. If you are interested in attending, please complete the short application form below.

Target Audience

Researchers, conservation practitioners, NGOs, government agencies, students, early-career professionals, ecotourism and bird guides, and members of the general public.

Expected Outcomes

• Increased regional capacity for Passive Acoustic Monitoring of birds and biodiversity
• Improved participant skills in deploying acoustic recorders and analyzing audio data
• Expanded understanding of how acoustic monitoring can support conservation management
• Strengthened networks supporting citizen science and community-based biodiversity monitoring
• Greater use of PAM tools and approaches across the Caribbean for research and conservation planning

Registration and Cost

Space is limited to 20 participants per workshop, and advance application is required.

Click here to apply

Participation includes:

• Round-trip transportation to Asa Wright Nature Centre
• Access to Asa Wright’s trails and facilities for the day
• Lunch at Asa Wright Nature Centre
• Workshop participation and materials

Cost:

• US $79 to attend one workshop
• US $89 to attend both workshops

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* Please note that pricing is subject to minor adjustment based on final transportation and participation costs.

Sponsored conference delegates will have the workshop field trip day covered through their sponsorship support.