In the Dominican Republic, birdwatching tourism has significant potential as a complementary tourism offer, due to the island´s great diversity of endemic and migratory species, and also because tourism is the most important industry in the country. Hispaniola has 306 species of birds, half are migratory and 31 of them are endemic species.
The Avitourism Academy has four main purposes:
1. Educate the local population of the west coast region about the importance of birds as a natural resource.
2. Train local guides in bird watching, and at the same time, create new sources of employment related to green tourism.
3. Create birdwatching excursions for visitors to the country.
4. Use the academy to promote nationally and internationally the conservation of endangered species, specifically the Gavilán de Hispaniola (Hawk of Hispaniola).
This Hawk (Buteo ridgwayi) is endemic to the island of Hispaniola. Their population ranges between 200 and 300 throughout the island, concentrated exclusively in the Los Haitises karst system, also a National Park.
Dominican Republic has unique natural resources in the world, whose conservation depends in many cases on the interest and concern of its inhabitants. Birdwatching or Avitourism is a recreational activity that helps to support the conservation of endangered species, facilitate contact with humans and nature, and can be a potential economic source for the country.
