Organized by U.S. Cornell University's Lab of Ornithology, the global initiative engages close to 150 countries in a 24-hour challenge: spotting —and recording— as many bird species as possible.
In the Inca nation, the event is promoted by the Center for Ornithology and Biodiversity (Corbidi) with the support of Cracidae Peru Association.
As a result, Peru took the first place in the last two editions of the contest.
The competition will take place across the entire national territory, involving natural protected areas like Manu National Park, Tambopata National Reserve, Paracas National Reserve, El Sira Communal Reserve, among others.
So far, more than 500 Peruvians have registered for this year's Global Big Day, thus doubling the number of contestants in the two previous editions.
Such record number of participants was possible thanks to articulated efforts by PromPeru, Corbidi, Peruvian Association of Adventure Tourism, Ecotourism and Specialized Tourism (Aptae), State-run National Service of Natural Protected Areas (Sernanp), Foreign Trade and Tourism Ministry, as well as Peruvian Association of Receptive and Domestic Tourism Operators (Apotur).
Birdwatchers
PromPeru's Foreign Visitor Profile report reveals birdwatchers in Peru spend on average US$2,897, three times as much as the average tourist.
Thus, birdwatching proves a highly profitable activity with major potential in the Andean country.
Peru also enjoys a privileged location and rich bird biodiversity: the country is home to around 1,842 species, 120 of which are endemic.
In this sense, PromPeru has been promoting birdwatching tourism in local destinations through various activities, including UK's Birdfair, inviting international tour operators to bird-sighting spots and the Big Day.
(END) NDP/MAO/DHT/MVB