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Combining bird watching with conservation field work
in the Middle East
This is an initiative by me for a conservation volunteer network involving sites in the Middle East. The idea is to bring interested and skilled European birdwatchers and researchers to experience local field work and to engage with the local conservation community. They will participate as visitors, without payment and for the benefit of both conservation work and their own pleasure, as part of a private birding trip.
As of now, in March 2011, the following partners have agreed to cooperation and to recieve participants:
General Badia Commission in Syria (Bald Ibis project, Sociable Lapwing surveys, Talila Reserve)
Aras Bird Research Station in Turkey (bird ringing and community contacts)
Batumi Raptor Count in Georgia (bottle neck site with autumn counts and spreading awareness)
RSCN in Jordan (bird ringing at Azraq wetland and breeding bird surveys at other sites)
The BirdLife International Middle East Secretariat in Amman is a key partner.
Background 
There is a trend of growing interest among Europeans, including bird watchers, students and eco tourists to combine travels with volunteer work and environmental conservation help. The benefits are many: to get experience and learn and at the same time enjoy bird watching and local culture.
Middle Eastern conservation projects and organizations as hosts for these persons would fill important aspects like the mutual benefits of exchange in skills and experience, continuing the cross-cultural networks and friendships and serving a sustainable development. Visiting bird watchers will contribute with their skills and knowledge to fruitful cooperation and a strengthened conservation effort. Local authorities can assist and develop a so far little known way of international cooperation.
I have spent several periods in the field at these sites and have good experience in how such projects can be done, an extended network of contacts and deep knowledge of the society and current situation in the region. I also spent a period of internship at the BirdLife office in Amman during 2010.
Core principles
- the basic idea of volunteer work
- budget prices and shared expenses during the periods (probably 2-4 weeks)
- the mutual benefits for nature, local community and visitor
- applying sustainable development thoughts; supporting small scale communities, utilizing local (and if possible organic) food, support sustainable agriculture, hunting et cetera
- spreading awareness and interact with locals on daily basis
- cross-cultural understanding preventing xenophobia and intolerance
- upon return to Sweden/Europe; write reports, publish photos and texts, spread the word!
Financing
To be developed as the projects evolve on a case-to-case basis. The main idea is that cheap accommodation, travels and food will be utilized and costs kept low and with the help of the hosting partner. The volunteer worker will, as of now, be expected to cover the costs. Swedish bird tour operator AviFauna has generously offered to cover parts of the Swedish participants cost.
Hopefully efforts can be done to search the existing grants and funds available for support. Any help from the hosting partners is greatly appreciated.
Expectations on the participant
- to contribute with his/her time, knowledge, efforts and resources without financial rewards, for the good of nature and helping conservation work
- to partake in the daily routines at the project or other work as it fits with the local staff
- to travel, live and eat on local conditions and have a open approach on these issues
- to cover expenses and be responsible for his/hers trip, planning, insurance and similar things.
Expectations on the hosting partner
- to receive, accommodate and help, but not pay for, the visitor during the period
- to assist in necessary paperwork, permits and contact with authorities
- to secure a firm and serious contact person for the visitor to turn to in need
- be ready to explain the project, show the area, put the participant in work (give tasks, show routines, introductions) and treat as a volunteering guest associate
- in days of little use for the participant, provide help with alternative activities
Important note
This is not a package tour and not a guide-lead trip. It is a not-for-profit initiative that takes NO responsibilities, insurances or guarantees for the participant or the hosting partner. There is no Swedish organization or group or other profiting part behind this. This is intended as a source of information, inspiration and connecting people, projects and ambitions.
Please email me info@tomasharaldsson.se if you wish to participate in this!