Donald Brightsmith and Dusti Becker will be giving a talk on Thursday 23rd June, 7.00 - 8.30 p.m about this topic

I received an e-mail today from Earthwatch informing me that Donald Brightsmith and Dusti Becker will be giving a talk on Thursday 23rd June, 7.00 - 8.30 p.m at the Royal Geographical Society, 1 Kensington Gore, London. The subject is "South American Forest Birds - Ecotourism, Enterprise & Extinction."  The theme is summarised as follows: "From the stunning bird bio-diversity of Ecuador's Loma Alta cloud forests to the beautiful and highly prized macaws in the Tambopato region of Peru - how best can local communities conserve their environmental heritage?"

The role of eco-tourism in conservation is very contentious. One only has to consider the situation, for example,  with the Lear's Macaw, where these highly endangered macaws were being enticed  with corn to certain trees to be photographed by tourists in a hide.

The talk is free, but a ticket is required for admission. You can obtain these by contacting Earthwatch on 01865 318856 or e-mailing events@earthwatch.org.uk