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 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 We challenge the outdated “development vs. environment” narrative and call for a bold recognition of our region’s true strength: proudly owning, protecting, and advancing the natural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.”
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!
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.
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