Introduction

The success of children-led conservation efforts is a testament to the power of youthful passion and determination in safeguarding our natural world.

Humanity’s survival hinges on preserving birds and their habitats, emphasizing the profound interconnection between humans and the natural realm. Recognizing this bond, efforts to conserve bird species and their habitats become paramount for the well-being of both present and future generations. The Birdwatchers’ Society’s ‘School of Birds’ initiative prepares the tech-savvy and socially conscious next generation to appreciate the intertwined fate of humanity and avian species. Through hands-on education, these budding conservationists deeply understand the importance of preserving biodiversity. From organizing bird-watching excursions to raising awareness of native flora, these children are catalysts of change. Their actions can influence communities to restore and protect critical ecosystems, sparking a ripple effect of positive environmental stewardship. Their tireless efforts will not only benefit bird populations but also inspire broader engagement in environmental stewardship. As these young advocates continue to spread their wings, their impact on conservation will undoubtedly soar, leaving a lasting legacy for generations to come.

Birdwatchers’ Society & Early Bird organised “How to be a Birding Buddy” workshop in Kolkata over two-half days, in collaboration with the Birdwatchers’ Society. We focused on how to engage with children of all ages and backgrounds, aligning with BWS’ School of Birds program. Spread over two days ~ Day 1 covered an introduction to games, art activities, tips on conducting talks, and a group activity to design a game; Day 2 had sessions on bird walks & resources, a group activity and how to make an impact.
The energy and enthusiasm were palpable throughout.

● More field walks, not restricted to only birds, introducing newer activities and more involved hand-holding support before and after sessions.
● Interactive indoor sessions including nature documentary viewing, DIY workshops, art-integrated sessions, games and quizzes.
● Age-appropriate climate change sensitization sessions.
● Exploration the scope of nature camps in nature reserves of West Bengal and beyond.
● Introduce more complex puppets by incorporating multiple movements typical of birds into a single puppet. Such dynamism can also be incorporated by introducing 3-D puppets as well as new mechanisms for controlling the movable parts.
● Introduce children to 2-D and 3-D masks for more intuitive role-play where the children have to become the characters themselves.
● Incorporate more bird behaviours to further delve into themes of ecology and eventually conservation.
● Exploring the scope of exhibitions on children’s creative output and wildlife documentation.