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SEMARNAT Secretaría de Turismo de Yucatán PRONATURA Niños y Crías Programa CAPY, Amigos de Sian Ka’an A.C.
 
 
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WELCOME TO THE ANNUAL YUCATAN  BIRD FESTIVAL – TOH

“UNITE FOR BIRDS ”

In April of 2002, the Secretary of Tourism of Yucatan, with the full support of the newly elected Governor, set out to make the state of Yucatan a destination for nature tourism enthusiasts – with a special focus on birdwatchers. Members of the private sector, including conservationists, ornithologists and ecotourism operators were asked to join in creating an event that would unite local efforts to accomplish this goal. Out of this initial reunion, the annual Yucatan Bird Festival was born. It was given the name Toh – the Maya name of the colorful Turquoise-browed Motmot that is associated with the Maya archeological sites. Here it nests in tunnels dug into the crevices between the abundant stone structures, and even is known to occupy ancient “chultunes” where once water was stored. Throught the region, the Maya culture is very much an integrate component of daily life. Nowhere is the culture more explicit than in association with the natural world in which all the flora and fauna, and even soil types, are best recognized by their Maya names.
 
From the outset, the objectives of the festival were carefully identified among the different members of the organizing committee, composed of the state Secretary of Tourism, Ecoturismo Yucatán (inbound tour operator) and representatives of three different non-profit conservation organizations (NGOs): Pronatura Península de Yucatán A.C., Niños y Crias, A.C. and the CAPY bird conservation program of Amigos de Sian Ka’an, A.C. They include:

  1. Promote the rich diversity of bird species found in the state locally, nationally and internationally.
  2. Promote the state of Yucatan as a nature tourism destination.
  3. Create a consciousness and pride among local inhabitants on the importance of the Yucatan Peninsula for birds.
  4. Develop a conservationist culture among tourism operators.
  5. Develop an activity in rural communities that results in greater knowledge, education and work opportunities.
  6. Institute an annual event.
  7. Promote collaboration among private enterprise, NGOs, government and communities to work together.