Belize Joins Central Big Day to Celebrate Bird Diversity and Natural Wealth

Belize Joins Central America Big Day to Celebrate Bird Diversity and Natural Wealth

Belize City, Belize: March 2, 2026—Belize joins Central America Big Day 2026, a regional initiative that invites the public to observe and record bird species during a day dedicated to the conservation and appreciation of the region’s natural heritage. The event will take place on March 14 in coordination with tourism stakeholders, environmental organizations, and local communities.

Big Day is a one-day-only international birdwatching event during which people of all ages record the species they identify in their natural habitats. These observations contribute to the knowledge and protection of biodiversity while promoting sustainable tourism and environmental education.

March is a key time to host this event, as many migratory birds remain in the region before returning north, joining the resident species that live permanently in Central America. This combination, therefore, offers an ideal opportunity to observe a wide variety of species in a single day.

In Belize, designated sites for this year’s event include: Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, St. Herman’s Blue Hole National Park, Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, and Guanacaste National Park.

Workshops and activities at these locations will be supported by specialized guides and local partners, such as the Belize Audubon Society, to provide learning and participation opportunities for individuals at all levels of experience.

Members of the public can also participate by recording their sightings along their usual travel routes, within their communities, at other nature reserves and parks, or in nearby natural areas. Observations can be submitted through digital bird monitoring platforms such as eBird and iNaturalist.

Belize’s participation in this initiative reflects the commitment of its tourism institutions, environmental organizations, private sector, and local communities to advance biodiversity conservation and sustainable tourism development. The event promotes active citizen participation to protect the country’s natural heritage.

Central America Big Day is promoted regionally by the Central American Tourism Promotion Agency (CATA) as part of its strategy to strengthen birdwatching tourism and position the region as a premier destination for birding, grounded in conservation and environmental sustainability practices.

Click here to participate in this year’s event.