04th North Bengal Bird Festival & 1st Asian Bird & Butterfly Meet

The North Bengal Bird Festival emerged as a visionary initiative to spotlight the region’s rich biodiversity and to harness the potential of birding tourism in North Bengal. While Darjeeling has long been celebrated for its heritage charm, the spotlight now shifts towards the lesser-explored treasures of North Bengal’s wildlife sanctuaries and national parks. Despite the challenges posed by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the spirit of innovation and determination prevailed. North Bengal boasts major national parks and wildlife sanctuaries – Singalila National Park, Gorumara National Park, Jaldapara National Park, Neora Valley National Park, Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary, Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary and Buxa Tiger Reserve. Beyond the Pas, there are several Reserve Forests and natural habitats, including wetlands.

These pristine ecosystems are home to over 300 species of birds, a plethora of butterflies, thousands of insect species, and an abundance of diverse flora and fauna. Yet, this remarkable asset often remained overlooked. Hence, the inception of the North Bengal Bird Festival aims not only to showcase the avian wonders but also to promote conservation efforts and sustainable tourism practices in this ecologically vital region. In 2021, the Department of Tourism, Government of West Bengal, in collaboration with ACT (Association for Conservation and Tourism), who in turn bringing on board leading birding organizations and experts from across India, launched a post-COVID initiative known as NBBF (North Bengal Birding Festival). The primary objective of NBBF was to revitalize the livelihoods of grassroots-level rural tourism stakeholders surrounding the protected areas of North Bengal while simultaneously alleviating pressure on the region’s rich habitat. The inaugural year of NBBF focused predominantly on retraining local guides and enhancing the capacity of tour operators within the area. Notable efforts included field visits to Gajoldoba, Mahananda Barrage, and Rongtong, where over 80 boatmen and guides were trained in Gajoldoba, while 30 birding guides and operators received specialized training in the Mahananda and Rongtong areas. This initiative underscored a commitment to sustainable tourism practices, community engagement, and the preservation of North Bengal’s diverse ecosystems. Its second edition in 2022, the North Bengal Birding Festival continued its mission to promote awareness through birding tours, workshops, and community engagements in two of North Bengal’s most renowned national parks: Gorumara National Park and Neora Valley National Park. With the invaluable assistance of 18 bird experts and ornithologists, the festival facilitated immersive experiences for participants, deepening their understanding of avian biodiversity and conservation efforts. The highlight of the event was an exquisite exhibition showcasing breathtaking bird photography exhibition at the city centre in Siliguri, captivating audiences, bringing mass awareness and further fostering appreciation for the region’s rich natural heritage. This collaborative effort underscored the festival’s commitment to environmental education, sustainable tourism, and the celebration of North Bengal’s remarkable birdlife. Its third edition in 2023, the North Bengal Birding Festival aimed to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange by bringing together 29 birding and ecotourism experts from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal – countries sharing contiguous land with North Bengal.

This initiative sought to connect these experts with the birding hotspots of North Bengal, facilitating a deeper understanding of the region’s avian diversity and conservation efforts. The festival commenced with a dynamic business networking session, facilitating meaningful interactions between destination stakeholders and birding enthusiasts from BBIN countries. Additionally, a destination presentation program provided insights into the unique offerings of North Bengal’s birding destinations. Field visits to key locations such as Gajoldoba, Gorumara, Chilapata, and Buxa Tiger Reserve, specifically the Dukpa villages of Lepchakha, Tashigaon etc. were integral components of the event, offering participants firsthand experiences of the region’s diverse habitats and bird species, along with connected culture. Furthermore, the festival actively engaged local stakeholders in workshops aimed at promoting sustainable birding tourism practices and fostering a greater understanding of how birding tours can contribute to both conservation efforts and sustainable livelihoods within forest villages. This comprehensive approach underscored the festival’s commitment to environmental conservation, community empowerment, and the promotion of responsible tourism in North Bengal. Its fourth edition in 2024, the North Bengal Birding Festival expanded its offerings to encompass three days of immersive workshops, networking sessions, destination presentations, interactive sessions, and more.

This year, our focus is on further cultivating birding tourism in our region, prompting the participation of over 40 bird and butterfly experts from across India and BBIN countries. Additionally, more than 100 destination stakeholders from West Bengal and the northeastern states and bordering countries eagerly consented to join the event, underscoring the growing interest and commitment to sustainable tourism practices in the region. Following the enriching three-day program, participants will embark on a series of field visits spanning three days, exploring the scenic southeastern fringe of Neora Valley National Park, from Gorubathan, Samsing to Tangta. This hands-on experience will provide invaluable insights into the region’s lesser known diverse avifauna and ecosystems, reinforcing the festival’s dedication to fostering environmental conservation, community engagement, and the promotion of responsible tourism initiatives in North Bengal. Additionally, the 1st Asian Bird & Butterfly Meet: West Bengal is renowned for hosting the highest diversity of birdlife in India and boasts the largest number of birders in the country. Additionally, the state has seen a rise in the number of butterfly enthusiasts and experts who connect Indian butterfly habitats with international enthusiasts. This has led us to introduce the 1st Asian Bird & Butterfly Meet as part of the 4th edition of the North Bengal Birding Festival. The first of its kind of event in India will be held in Gajoldoba, one of the region’s most important bird areas, which is well-connected to the best birding spots in North Bengal. This year, we anticipate that birding and butterfly destinations from BBIN countries and promoters will network, exchange knowledge, and develop strategies for enhancing birdwatching and butterfly watching. There will also be opportunities for business tie ups and collaborations. The field surveys in new birding and butterfly areas in North Bengal shall continue.