Panaji, January 09, 2025: The 8th Bird Festival of Goa 2025 will be held from January 17 to January 19, 2025, at the picturesque Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary in Canacona, Goa. The three-day celebration will bring together bird enthusiasts, conservationists, and experts to explore the rich birdlife of Goa, with a focus on conservation, wildlife photography, bird tourism, livelihoods, and ornithology.
The inaugural ceremony will take place at the International Centre Goa, Dona Paula, Panaji, on January 17, 2025. The event will be inaugurated by the Minister for Forest Shri Vishwajeet Rane in the presence of the Chairman of Goa Forest Development Corporation and the Chief Secretary. During the ceremony, two books related to the Birds of Goa will be unveiled, offering a comprehensive guide to the region’s avian species. The Bird Mascots for Wildlife Sanctuaries in Goa will also be launched, marking a significant step in promoting wildlife conservation in the state.
The festival will feature a series of interactive sessions led by prominent experts in bird conservation and related fields. Dr. Dhananjai Mohan IFS, PCCF, HOFF Uttarakhand, a renowned ornithologist, will share his knowledge alongside Shri Indrajit Ghorpade, a bird photographer and conservationist. Dr. Pronoy Baidya, a scientist and ornithologist, will offer insights into the science of bird conservation, while Dr. Madhura Nimphadkar, an ecologist and GIS expert, will discuss the role of technology in wildlife conservation. Additionally, Shri Nirav Bhatt, a bird photographer, researcher, and ornithologist, will provide a unique perspective on the art of wildlife photography. The festival will also feature bird guides from Eco Tour SHG, who will offer their expertise as bird tour operators.
These sessions will provide attendees with valuable insights into sustainable conservation practices, wildlife photography, bird watching, and the science of ornithology, helping to raise awareness about the importance of preserving Goa’s avian biodiversity. In addition to the expert talks, participants will have the opportunity to join guided bird walks and trails through the lush forests and wetlands of the Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary.
Registration for the festival is open online through the official website of the 8th Bird Festival of Goa (https://birdfestival.goa.gov.in/) and will close on January 14, 2025. The registration fee is INR 3500, with a discounted rate of INR 1000 for student delegates.
