Purpose of the Session

This interactive workshop will bring together researchers, conservation practitioners, educators, and conservation leaders working on Caribbean parrot conservation to reflect on past efforts, assess present challenges, and strengthen regional collaboration for the future. Building on discussions from the Caribbean Parrot Symposium earlier in the day, participants will work together to identify priorities, share lessons learned, and develop practical strategies for coordinated conservation action across the region.

Background and Rationale

Over the past several decades, important parrot conservation initiatives have taken place across the Caribbean, ranging from intensive species recovery programs (e.g., Puerto Rican Amazon) to successful community-led habitat protection and public engagement campaigns (e.g., St Lucia Amazon). These efforts have contributed to population recovery, habitat conservation, increased national pride, and reductions in threats such as illegal poaching and trade.

At the same time, many Caribbean parrots continue to face serious challenges, including habitat loss, hurricanes and other natural disasters, illegal trade, persecution, invasive species, and emerging threats that remain poorly documented. Conservation practitioners across the region often work in isolation, with limited opportunities to share experiences, data, tools, and lessons learned.

This workshop will provide an opportunity to strengthen connections among Caribbean parrot conservationists while laying the foundation for a revitalized regional Parrot Working Group under BirdsCaribbean. Through collaborative discussion and group exercises, participants will explore how greater coordination, knowledge-sharing, and collective action can improve conservation outcomes for Caribbean psittacines.

Session Objectives

• Identify barriers limiting collaboration among Caribbean parrot conservationists
• Examine gaps in knowledge-sharing, communication, and regional coordination
• Review current monitoring, research, management, and conservation efforts across the Caribbean
• Identify emerging threats, conservation priorities, and opportunities for collaboration
• Explore tools, strategies, and funding opportunities to strengthen regional conservation efforts
• Develop practical next steps for revitalizing a Caribbean Parrot Working Group and collaborative network

Session Structure and Format

The workshop will begin with brief introductions, participant expectations, and a summary of key themes emerging from the Caribbean Parrot Symposium held earlier in the day. Facilitators will also present findings from a pre-workshop stakeholder survey and a preliminary “State of Caribbean Parrots” overview summarizing current conservation actions, needs, gaps, and barriers across the region.

Participants will then engage in a series of facilitated group exercises and discussions focused on major themes in Caribbean parrot conservation, including:

• Monitoring and population assessment
• Legal protection and policy gaps
• Habitat management and conservation actions
• Illegal hunting, poaching, and trade
• Emerging threats and invasive species
• Capacity building and knowledge exchange
• Funding opportunities and regional collaboration

The workshop will conclude with a collaborative planning session focused on identifying priority actions, communication strategies, leadership needs, and mechanisms for maintaining momentum and strengthening coordination among Caribbean parrot conservationists.

Target Audience

Researchers, conservation practitioners, NGOs, government agencies, educators, outreach professionals, students, early-career professionals, and others involved or interested in Caribbean parrot conservation.

Expected Outcomes

• A revitalized regional network or BirdsCaribbean Parrot Working Group
• Stronger collaboration and communication among Caribbean parrot conservationists
• Identification of priority conservation actions, knowledge gaps, and capacity-building needs
• Development of shared tools and resources, including a regional conservation directory and bibliography
• Establishment of a communication framework and schedule for continued collaboration