Our online Conference Merch Store for the upcoming BirdsCaribbean 25th International Conference is now OPEN! Order all your #BCTT26 merchandise online for pick-up in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, from 23 to 27 July 2026.
As we count down the days to gathering in sweet, sweet Trinidad and Tobago, it’s time to secure your exclusive conference merch! Trinbago culture is famous for its infectious energy, rich rhythm, and unparalleled flair, and our birds have just as much attitude and beauty! To celebrate our 25th anniversary, we’ve blended that creativity with our love for Caribbean birds to bring you a collection that is pure vibes. Whether you’re liming (hanging) with friends, heading to the next pump (social event), or out in the field, these pieces are designed to make a statement.
We’ve got a wonderful variety of items on sale to delight any fashionista, bird or nature lover, including conference t-shirts, hats, and buffs. These items double as souvenirs and keepsakes that will remind you of your amazing time in the Land of the Hummingbird for years to come. Plus, we have a new t-shirt design, “Parrots of the Caribbean” featuring all 11 endemic Caribbean parrots!
These items will make unique gifts for your family and friends. But the best part? Your order will directly support our work to help Caribbean birds and people thrive.Check out all the offerings at our e-shop https://bit.ly/BC-TT-Merch
Important Pick-up Notice: All merchandise items purchased on this site must be collected during the conference at the Hyatt Regency. We cannot ship items to anyone. If you can’t attend the conference, you can arrange with a friend or colleague attending the conference, or residing in Trinidad, to pick up your items for you.
The excitement doesn’t end online! Attendees can also stop by our merch table at the Hyatt Regency for a retail therapy break in between sessions to purchase something beautiful and fun that will help them remember the conference.
Our inventory is bound to be ram-cram with eager shoppers, and quantities are limited! So, as the local saying goes, “take front before front take you” – be sure to shop early to get your desired styles, sizes, and amounts.
Our conservation impact is stronger when we work together. We can’t wait to see you in Trinidad and Tobago!
Acknowledgments: A huge thank you to Andrea González del Rey and Ariel Contreras (Cúa Conservation Agency), Jessica Cañizares (BirdsCaribbean) and Eden Garrod (Eden Garrod Design) for the incredible designs, and to Josh Bajnath (Bajnath’s Estate) for providing us with hummingbird photos to create the buff.
The countdown is officially on for the Caribbean’s biggest gathering of bird conservationists, and we have an exciting milestone to celebrate. For the first time ever, the BirdsCaribbean International Conference will feature a Caribbean Parrot Conservation Summit dedicated entirely to the conservation of our remarkable endemic parrots. Read on to learn more about this must-attend event—and how you can reserve your spot!
From July 23–27, 2026, bird conservationists, researchers, educators, students, ecotourism professionals, and bird enthusiasts will gather in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, for BirdsCaribbean’s 25th International Conference. The program features inspiring keynote speakers, skills-building workshops, memorable field trips, and—the first-everCaribbean Parrot Conservation Summit: From Science to Solutions: Parrot Conservation under the Birds, People, Prosperity Framework.
Conservation leaders working to protect our Caribbean endemic parrots have been invited to participate in this inaugural Summit, creating an unprecedented opportunity to share knowledge, strengthen partnerships, and advance parrot conservation across the region.
The Caribbean is home to 11 endemic parrot species, each found nowhere else on Earth. From the St. Vincent Amazon and Imperial Amazon to the Cuban Amazon and Puerto Rican Amazon, these remarkable birds are among the Caribbean’s most treasured natural icons.
These charismatic ambassadors face mounting threats, including habitat loss, illegal trapping for the pet trade, climate change, and persecution when viewed as agricultural pests. As a result, all 11 species are on the IUCN Red List of threatened species, with most classified as Vulnerable or Endangered.
Despite these challenges, there is hope.
Across the Caribbean, local researchers and communities are already doing incredible work on their respective islands to protect their endemic parrots. With this foundation in place, the next logical step is to connect and upscale our efforts. Recognizing this need for regional unity, our partners at SoCal Parrot and Friends of the IUCN Wild Parrot Specialist Group stepped forward to support this inaugural Summit, helping bring our shared vision of a stronger Caribbean parrot conservation network to life.
Parrot people unite!
We are bringing together a diverse network of NGOs, government agencies, researchers, educators, conservation practitioners, and policymakers from The Bahamas, Cuba, Hispaniola (Dominican Republic and Haiti), Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Dominica, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, the Cayman Islands, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United States.
Leading the Summit is BirdsCaribbean Acting President Andrea Thomen, a conservationist from the Dominican Republic who has dedicated many years to protecting the Hispaniolan Amazon and Hispaniolan Parakeet through research, education, and community engagement to combat the illegal pet trade.
Building a united front for parrots and people
Our goal is to create a dynamic space where conservationists can share experiences, strengthen collaborations, identify common barriers, and advance practical solutions. To make this happen, the Summit is divided into two interactive components: a symposium and a workshop.
During the symposium, we’ll highlight recent advances in research, population monitoring, education, community engagement, species recovery, habitat management, policy, and conservation action across the region.
Moving beyond presentations, the interactive workshop will provide participants with the time and structure to network, identify shared priorities, and develop opportunities for cross-island collaboration.
The St Vincent Amazon Problem Tree created by workshop participants. (Photo by Lisa Sorenson)
St. Vincent Amazon Solutions Tree created by participants.
The reality is, many Caribbean parrot conservationists work on small islands with limited staff, resources, and often have few opportunities to exchange ideas face-to-face with colleagues confronting similar challenges. While every island is unique, many of the threats and opportunities are intertwined.
Together, we are stronger than any one island can be alone. By sharing what has—and hasn’t—worked, we can scale up our successes.
Our goal is for each participant to leave with new ideas, stronger partnerships, practical tools they can apply at home, and a renewed sense of momentum for parrot conservation across the region.
Whether you work directly with parrots or simply care about the future of Caribbean biodiversity, this historic Summit offers a unique opportunity to learn from colleagues across the region, build lasting partnerships, and help shape the future of parrot conservation.
Every two years, a powerful gathering of scientists, educators, students, conservationists, tour guides, and artists from across the Caribbean and beyond come together at BirdsCaribbean’s International Conference. This year’s conference—our Silver Anniversary!—will take place in Trinidad and Tobago at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad from 23-27 July 2026. More than 300 international delegates are expected to convene in the twin-island nation to share the latest advances in Caribbean bird science, conservation and education.
The stunning Trinidad and Tobago endemic, the Trinidad Motmot, can be seen on both islands. (Photo by Vayun Tiwari)
The theme for the conference is:
“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 treasures to protect, but as a foundation for long-term prosperity.
“For too long, we’ve been told that economic growth must come at the expense of the environment,” said Executive Director Lisa Sorenson. “This conference challenges that narrative. By focusing on ‘Birds, People, and Prosperity,’ we are building a future, grounded in science and community leadership, where the Caribbean’s natural assets drive both resilience and regional wealth. Join us as we harness our natural advantage and build a future where nature and prosperity grow together.”
To learn more about the conference, submit an abstract, register, sign up for a field trip, and more, visit the conference website.
Scarlet Ibises fly in by the hundreds at the renowned Caroni Swamp (Photo by Jerome Foster)
White-tailed Sabrewing (Photo by Jerome Foster)
Agenda highlights: What to expect
The 2026 program is designed to turn vision into action. From scaling the Caribbean Birding Trail and advancing landbird and seabird monitoring, to empowering communities to protect their iconic species, the agenda will feature dynamic symposia, hands-on workshops, and forward-looking discussions.
Just as important, this conference is a catalyst for professional growth. It’s where cross-island partnerships are formed, new collaborations begin, and the next generation of conservation leaders step forward. Whether you are a seasoned expert or emerging professional, this is where connections are made — and momentum builds.
We will also organize pre-, post-, and mid-conference field trips to some of Trinidad and Tobago’s most spectacular birding hotspots. Delegates will have opportunities to visit world-renowned sites, such as Asa Wright Nature Centre, Caroni Swamp, Nariva Swamp, Mt. Plaisir Estate Hotel (and the nearby Pawi Lodge!), and the oldest legally protected forest reserve in the Western Hemisphere — Tobago’s Main Ridge Forest Reserve —among many others. We’ll be offering a selection of unforgettable 1-,2-,3-day (and possibly even longer) trips over the 5 days before and after the conference — stay tuned, because you’ll want to book early!
The Tufted Coquette is a favorite sighting at HADCO Experiences at Asa Wright Nature Centre (Photo by Paul Tavares)
The Critically Endangered Trinidad Piping-Guan can be spotted the lush forest at Grand Riviere (Photo by Gareth Hughes)
Tobago’s Main Ridge Forest Reserve is the oldest legally protected forest reserve in the Western Hemisphere. (Photo by BBC Wildlife Magazine)
And what would a BirdsCaribbean conference be without our famous not-so-silent Silent Auction, the BirdsCaribbean Raffle (hello, brand-new spotting scope!), the Photo Contest (and new binoculars!), and the new crowd favorite: the Epic Caribbean Bird Song Showdown? Expect energy, laughter, and a whole lot of bird-loving fun.
Mark wins the bid! (Photo by Daniela Ventura)
David Lindo, The Urban Birder, inspired delegates with his keynote on connecting with nature in urban spaces. (Photo by Christel Mohammed)
It wouldn’t be a BirdsCaribbean Conference without dancing!
Daniela, Maya, Todd, and Saul at the poster session.
Planning is well underway. Our conference website (currently under construction) will soon feature details on the program, logistics, field trips, travel scholarships, and registration. We’ve also arranged preferred accommodation rates for our delegates and will be sharing those booking links soon!
The Call for Keynote and Plenary Speakers and Call for Proposals for Workshops, Symposia, Round-table Discussions is OPEN now – details here; deadline to submit is Friday, 27 March. The Call for Abstracts for oral and poster presentations will open by 30 March.
For now, spread the word and block the dates on your calendar.
If you haven’t already, sign up for the BirdsCaribbean listserv — the best place to receive conference updates and news about funding and training workshops. We also share all announcements on our social media so give us a follow (@BirdsCaribbean). Finally, subscribe to our monthly newsletter — we’ll send the latest news on exciting Caribbean bird research and conservation projects, as well as opportunities to get involved.
Sponsorship & Support
We’re thrilled to have HADCO Experiences — our Pawi-level sponsor and official Conference Co-Host — and the Ministry of Trade, Investment and Tourism, Government of the Rebublic of Trinidad and Tobago already on board. Their leadership and commitment to regenerative tourism and sustainable Caribbean development are helping make this landmark event possible, and we are deeply grateful for their partnership.
HADCO Experiences, who were recently awarded the prestigious Green Key certification for the Asa Wright Nature Centre and Mt Plaisir Estate Hotel, champions environmental stewardship at the core of all their operations. This partnership reflects our shared vision of a Caribbean where conservation and sustainable tourism thrive together — benefiting both people and wildlife.
To ensure the conference’s success, we need your support. For every conference, we offer travel and attendance scholarships to ensure that financial constraints do not prevent deserving delegates from attending, contributing, and benefiting from the conference proceedings. We want to ensure that BirdsCaribbean conferences always remain accessible and inclusive spaces that foster the next generation of Caribbean conservation leaders. Your contribution can help bring frontline conservationists, students, and educators from across the region to share knowledge, build skills, and strengthen our collective impact.
Interested in sponsoring a delegate or becoming a conference sponsor? Please contact: Alexia Morales — Alexia.Morales@BirdsCaribbean.org Lisa Sorenson — Lisa.Sorenson@BirdsCaribbean.org
We’re thrilled to share that BirdsCaribbean’s 25th International Conference—our Silver Anniversary!—will be held in Trinidad & Tobago, July 23–27, 2026.
Registration is OPEN.
Early Bird Registration Deadline: 15 May 2026 – Register here.
Book early to secure your spot on one or more of the many amazing pre-, mid-, and post-conference field trips we are offering, in partnership with HADCO Experiences.
The Call for Abstracts to give an oral or poster presentation is OPEN.
To stay up-to-date with the latest news and announcements about the conference, sign up for ourBirdsCaribbean listserve and follow us on social media (@BirdsCaribbean)
Prepare for a powerful gathering of the brightest minds in Caribbean ornithology. At BirdsCaribbean conferences, we don’t just talk about a future where birds and people thrive — we forge it together. Join us to explore cutting-edge conservation strategies, groundbreaking research, transformative education, and concrete actions that will protect the region’s extraordinary birdlife for generations to come. The conference website will be launching soon!
Powerful keynotes from regional and global conservation leaders
Hands-on workshops to level up skills in monitoring, education, tech, and management
Latest research & case studies on avian ecology, habitat protection, monitoring, ecotourism, education, policy, and community engagement programs
Invaluable networking to power your career and spark collaborations
Immersive cultural experiences across the twin-island nation
Unforgettable field trips to world-class birding sites, such as Asa Wright Nature Centre, Caroni Swamp, Nariva Swamp, the Main Ridge Forest Reserve (Tobago), and many more!
Plus the fan favorites: our famously not-so-silent Silent Auction, the BirdsCaribbean Raffle (hello, brand-new spotting scope!), the Photo Contest (hello, new binoculars!), and our new crowd hit: the epic Caribbean Bird Song Showdown—all set against the lush, bird-filled landscapes of Trinidad and Tobago.
This is your official heads-up to hold the dates. More details will be shared in the coming weeks on the venue, costs, registration, field trips, workshops, call for symposia and workshops, abstract submissions, and travel scholarships.
Sponsorship & Support:
We’re thrilled to have the Government of Trinidad and Tobago and HADCO Experiences—our Pawi-level sponsor and official Conference Co-Host—already on board. Their leadership and commitment to regenerative tourism and sustainable Caribbean development are helping make this landmark event possible. HADCO’s partnership reflects our shared vision for a Caribbean where conservation and sustainable tourism thrive together—benefiting both people and wildlife.
To ensure the conference’s success, we need your support too. Your contribution can help us bring frontline conservationists, students, and educators from across the Caribbean to share knowledge, build skills, and strengthen our regional network for bird and habitat conservation.
Interested in sponsoring a delegate or becoming a conference sponsor? Please contact:
