{"id":29164,"date":"2026-02-20T13:15:41","date_gmt":"2026-02-20T18:15:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.birdscaribbean.org\/?p=29164"},"modified":"2026-03-22T11:39:48","modified_gmt":"2026-03-22T15:39:48","slug":"birdscaribbeans-2026-conference-in-trinidad-theme-revealed","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.birdscaribbean.org\/2026\/02\/birdscaribbeans-2026-conference-in-trinidad-theme-revealed\/","title":{"rendered":"BirdsCaribbean\u2019s 2026 Conference in Trinidad \u2014Theme Revealed!"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\u2019s International Conference. This year\u2019s conference\u2014our Silver Anniversary!<\/strong>\u2014will take place in Trinidad and Tobago at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad<\/strong> from 23-27 July 2026<\/strong>. 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.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The stunning Trinidad and Tobago endemic, the Trinidad Motmot, can be seen on both islands. (Photo by Vayun Tiwari)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The theme for the conference is:<\/p>\n

\u201cBirds, People, Prosperity: Harnessing the Caribbean’s Natural Advantage.\u201d<\/h3>\n

The Caribbean\u2019s environment is not a resource to be exploited and depleted \u2014 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 We challenge the outdated \u201cdevelopment vs. environment\u201d narrative and call for a bold recognition of our region\u2019s true strength: proudly owning, protecting, and advancing the natural assets that can power a sustainable future.<\/p>\n

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 \u2014 strengthening local economies, supporting communities, and safeguarding ecosystems. It\u2019s a call to value our natural heritage not only as treasures to protect, but as a foundation for long-term prosperity.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor too long, we\u2019ve been told that economic growth must come at the expense of the environment,\u201d<\/em> said Executive Director Lisa Sorenson. \u201cThis conference challenges that narrative. By focusing on \u2018Birds, People, and Prosperity,\u2019 we are building a future, grounded in science and community leadership, where the Caribbean\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\"Scarlet <\/a>
Scarlet Ibises fly in by the hundreds at the renowned Caroni Swamp (Photo by Jerome Foster) <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
\"White-tailed <\/a>
White-tailed Sabrewing (Photo by Jerome Foster) <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>\n

Agenda highlights: What to expect<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Just as important, this conference is a catalyst for professional growth. It\u2019s 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 \u2014 and momentum builds.<\/p>\n

We will also organize pre-, post-, and mid-conference field trips to some of Trinidad and Tobago\u2019s 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 \u2014 Tobago\u2019s Main Ridge Forest Reserve \u2014among many others. We\u2019ll be offering a selection of unforgettable 1-,2-,3-day (and possibly even longer) trips over the 5 days before and after the conference \u2014 stay tuned, because you\u2019ll want to book early!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"The <\/a>
The Tufted Coquette is a favorite sighting at HADCO Experiences at Asa Wright Nature Centre (Photo by Paul Tavares) <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
\"The <\/a>
The Critically Endangered Trinidad Piping-Guan can be spotted the lush forest at Grand Riviere (Photo by Gareth Hughes) <\/div> <\/div>
\"Tobago's <\/a>
Tobago’s Main Ridge Forest Reserve is the oldest legally protected forest reserve in the Western Hemisphere. (Photo by BBC Wildlife Magazine) <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\"Group <\/a>
Mark wins the bid! (Photo by Daniela Ventura) <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
\"A <\/a>
David Lindo, The Urban Birder, inspired delegates with his keynote on connecting with nature in urban spaces. (Photo by Christel Mohammed) <\/div> <\/div>
\"Woman <\/a>
It wouldn’t be a BirdsCaribbean Conference without dancing! <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
\"Group <\/a>
Daniela, Maya, Todd, and Saul at the poster session. <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>\n

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\u2019ve also arranged preferred accommodation rates for our delegates and will be sharing those booking links soon!<\/p>\n

The Call for Keynote and Plenary Speakers<\/strong> and Call for Proposals\u00a0 for Workshops, Symposia, Round-table Discussions<\/strong> is OPEN now<\/strong> – details here<\/a>; deadline to submit is Friday, 27 March<\/strong>. The Call for Abstracts for oral and poster presentations will open by 30 March.<\/p>\n

For now, spread the word and block the dates on your calendar.<\/p>\n

If you haven\u2019t already, sign up for the BirdsCaribbean listserv<\/a> \u2014 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<\/a> \u2014 we\u2019ll send the latest news on exciting Caribbean bird research and conservation projects, as well as opportunities to get involved.<\/p>\n

Sponsorship & Support<\/h3>\n

We\u2019re thrilled to have HADCO Experiences<\/a> \u2014 our Pawi-level sponsor and official Conference Co-Host<\/strong> \u2014 and the Ministry of Trade, Investment and Tourism, Government of the Rebublic of Trinidad and Tobago<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n

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 \u2014 benefiting both people and wildlife.<\/p>\n

To ensure the conference\u2019s success, we need your support.<\/em> 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<\/a> bring frontline conservationists, students, and educators from across the region to share knowledge, build skills, and strengthen our collective impact.<\/p>\n

Interested in sponsoring a delegate or becoming a conference sponsor?<\/strong> Please contact:
\nAlexia Morales<\/strong> \u2014 Alexia.Morales@BirdsCaribbean.org
\nLisa Sorenson<\/strong> \u2014 Lisa.Sorenson@BirdsCaribbean.org<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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\u2019s International Conference. This year\u2019s conference\u2014our Silver Anniversary!\u2014will take place in Trinidad and Tobago at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad from 23-27 July 2026. More than 300 international delegates are expected to …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":29169,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[52,23,54,478],"tags":[488,112],"class_list":["post-29164","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-birdscaribbean-news","category-in-the-news","category-news","category-trinidad-conference-2026","tag-488","tag-trinidad-and-tobago"],"featured_image_urls_v2":{"full":["https:\/\/www.birdscaribbean.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Trinidad-Motmot-Aug-2018-Tobago-Vayun-Tiwari-ML202689761.png",1200,1003,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/www.birdscaribbean.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Trinidad-Motmot-Aug-2018-Tobago-Vayun-Tiwari-ML202689761-150x150.png",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/www.birdscaribbean.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Trinidad-Motmot-Aug-2018-Tobago-Vayun-Tiwari-ML202689761-450x376.png",450,376,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/www.birdscaribbean.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Trinidad-Motmot-Aug-2018-Tobago-Vayun-Tiwari-ML202689761-768x642.png",768,642,true],"large":["https:\/\/www.birdscaribbean.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Trinidad-Motmot-Aug-2018-Tobago-Vayun-Tiwari-ML202689761-900x752.png",900,752,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/www.birdscaribbean.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Trinidad-Motmot-Aug-2018-Tobago-Vayun-Tiwari-ML202689761.png",1200,1003,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/www.birdscaribbean.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Trinidad-Motmot-Aug-2018-Tobago-Vayun-Tiwari-ML202689761.png",1200,1003,false]},"post_excerpt_stackable_v2":"

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\u2019s International Conference. This year\u2019s conference\u2014our Silver Anniversary!\u2014will 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: \u201cBirds, People, Prosperity:…<\/p>\n","category_list_v2":"BirdsCaribbean News<\/a>, In the News<\/a>, News<\/a>, Trinidad Conference 2026<\/a>","author_info_v2":{"name":"Christel Mohammed","url":"https:\/\/www.birdscaribbean.org\/author\/christelm\/"},"comments_num_v2":"0 comments","jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.birdscaribbean.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Trinidad-Motmot-Aug-2018-Tobago-Vayun-Tiwari-ML202689761.png","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"rttpg_featured_image_url":{"full":["https:\/\/www.birdscaribbean.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Trinidad-Motmot-Aug-2018-Tobago-Vayun-Tiwari-ML202689761.png",1200,1003,false],"landscape":["https:\/\/www.birdscaribbean.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Trinidad-Motmot-Aug-2018-Tobago-Vayun-Tiwari-ML202689761.png",1200,1003,false],"portraits":["https:\/\/www.birdscaribbean.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Trinidad-Motmot-Aug-2018-Tobago-Vayun-Tiwari-ML202689761.png",1200,1003,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/www.birdscaribbean.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Trinidad-Motmot-Aug-2018-Tobago-Vayun-Tiwari-ML202689761-150x150.png",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/www.birdscaribbean.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Trinidad-Motmot-Aug-2018-Tobago-Vayun-Tiwari-ML202689761-450x376.png",450,376,true],"large":["https:\/\/www.birdscaribbean.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Trinidad-Motmot-Aug-2018-Tobago-Vayun-Tiwari-ML202689761-900x752.png",900,752,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/www.birdscaribbean.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Trinidad-Motmot-Aug-2018-Tobago-Vayun-Tiwari-ML202689761.png",1200,1003,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/www.birdscaribbean.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Trinidad-Motmot-Aug-2018-Tobago-Vayun-Tiwari-ML202689761.png",1200,1003,false]},"rttpg_author":{"display_name":"Christel Mohammed","author_link":"https:\/\/www.birdscaribbean.org\/author\/christelm\/"},"rttpg_comment":1,"rttpg_category":"BirdsCaribbean News<\/a> In the News<\/a> News<\/a> Trinidad Conference 2026<\/a>","rttpg_excerpt":"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\u2019s International Conference. This year\u2019s conference\u2014our Silver Anniversary!\u2014will take place in Trinidad and Tobago at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad from 23-27 July 2026. More than 300 international delegates are expected to…","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.birdscaribbean.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29164","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.birdscaribbean.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.birdscaribbean.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.birdscaribbean.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/24"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.birdscaribbean.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=29164"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.birdscaribbean.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29164\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":29284,"href":"https:\/\/www.birdscaribbean.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29164\/revisions\/29284"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.birdscaribbean.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/29169"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.birdscaribbean.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=29164"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.birdscaribbean.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=29164"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.birdscaribbean.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=29164"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}