BIRDING PEOPLE - Guyana Birding News Vol 2
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Gajendra Nauth Narine (Andy), President,
Guyana Amazon Tropical Birds Society (GATBS)
Founded in 2003, the Guyana Amazon Tropical Birds Society (GATBS) was established primarily to: protect the avifauna of Guyana; create reserves and protected areas within the country; promote birdwatching as an educational and leisure activity; and take inventories, carry out surveys and species counts, and identify and record birds.
Founder and President of GATBS, Gajendra Nauth Narine (Andy), took some time away from his constant bird research and conservation work to answer some questions for us.
Where in Guyana were you born? Georgetown
Did you grow up with a love of nature? Yes, my father was in the pet trade business and we always had birds around. I always wanted to go to the hinterland, and I made my first trip to Bartica just after high school.
How did you first become a birder? I was working with a tour company in the Rupununi and had the opportunity to go into the field whenever researchers came to visit. My personal interest grew from those experiences, and then in 1996 I had the opportunity to work with and learn from [renowned birder] Davis Finch.
When and why did you form the GATBS? GATBS was founded in 2003. Guyana has so many birds but the interpretation was lacking, and I considered it a personal challenge to make it happen. There was no curriculum in our classrooms, no environmental field trips, and I wanted to do something that I felt would make a difference in Guyana.
How many members do you have? We currently have 98 registered members, about half of whom are school children.
Can you talk about some of the projects that GATBS is undertaking and some of the activities the group has planned? GATBS is involved in the regular monitoring and counting of birds, particularly during the migratory period, as well as the management and monitoring of wildlife harvesting for the pet trade in an effort to ensure sustainability. We work closely with the Guyana Tourism Authority to promote eco-tourism, and right now we�re in the process of setting up an online reference database on the birds of Guyana.
Can you talk about your work with at-risk children? I noticed that birding was something that can become addictive for kids. It's especially beneficial for at-risk kids because they're enthusiastic about playing a role in society. We help send kids to workshops at the EPA and Iwokrama, and it gives them a way to feel like they're a part of Guyana. It supports their education and also provides them with employment opportunities in the tourism sector.
How is GATBS working to educate people about conservation? GATBS members work with other local societies, giving lectures and conducting field trips to promote conservation. As mentioned above, we also counsel youngsters to try to instill a deeper sense of conservation in Guyana.
What is involved in training to be a guide? What is GATBS doing to assist with guide development? You can't learn to be a guide just by reading texts; you have to regularly go out in the field. Through my tourism company Guyana Feather Friends I provide GATBS members and aspiring guides with the opportunity to go into the field with me and help lead tour groups in a hands-on approach to learning.
What is your vision for the future of birding in Guyana? The greatest part of our whole program is the people of Guyana, and I see them becoming more environmentally friendly and conservation-focused. Birding is the key to conservation in Guyana.
For more information on the Guyana Amazon Tropical Birds Society, visit www.guyanabirdssociety.com, or send Andy an email at guyanabirds_society@yahoo.com.
