Ecotourism is a fast-growing tourism sector, already worth USD 100 billion annually. According to The International Ecotourism Society, ecotourism is responsible tourism to natural areas that conserves the environment, supports the well-being of local people and educates visitors and hosts.

Done right, ecotourism can be a force for good, channelling resources to protect the places and species people seek to experience; creating employment opportunities for local people who need them most; and valuing and preserving local culture. Done poorly, ecotourism can put unsustainable pressure on wildlife and habitats, distort the local economy and change local customs and cultures irrevocably.

To help birding travellers make more informed choices Terra Incognita curated this community-generated list of amazing tours that seek to (i) conserve the environment, (ii) support local people and (iii) educate guests and hosts. The unique list below has been generated by a global community of travellers, bloggers, conservationists, tours guides, birders and ecotourism operators.

“Operators on the Ethical Bird Tours 2018 list are working hard to make a real positive impact on the planet through tourism”, said Dr Nick Askew – from Terra Incognita. “They are contributing through everything from partnerships with local conservation and community groups, reforestation projects, wildlife reintroductions and research efforts, to capacity building and environmental education for local communities. Some have donated hundreds of thousands of pounds directly to conservation charities”.

The list includes a transparent explanation of how each tour contributes to conservation, local communities and education. There are also independent reviews by people who have been on the tours about their experiences.

“We really wanted to find incredible tour providers who are doing great work and deserve more promotion”, said Kristi Foster, from of Terra Incognita. “Our aim is to create a community of passionate people who help make a difference through ecotourism, and to share their life-changing experiences”.

The list was launched during the British Birdfair 2018 – an annual event for birdwatchers that supports BirdLife International.

Ethical Bird Tours 2018 – Alphabetical Order

TitleContentCategoriesTags
Top Responsible Costa Rica Eco Tours 2019At Terra Incognita we’ve identified the Top Responsible Costa Rica Eco Tours 2019. This brand-new …Blog, Central & South America, Costa Rica, Top Ethical Tour Lists
Off the Beaten Track in Peru: Adventure meets Culture with Trek HoppersKristi from Terra Incognita went on a six-day trip with new operator Trek Hoppers in …Blog, Culture, Peru, Trekking
Belize | TREE Belize | Natural BelizeTREE’s mission is simple: Conservation Through Exploration. We specialize in three things. First and foremost …Belize, Central & South America, Ecotours by location
Peru | Trek Hoppers | Sacred Valley Homestay Trekking‘Trek hopping’ is a unique and different way to explore and experience the Andes regions …Culture, Ecotours by location, Peru, Trekking
Cambodia | Sam Veasna Center for Wildlife Conservation | Birding TourThe Sam Veasna Center for Wildlife Conservation (SVC) manages wildlife viewing trips with exclusive access …Asia, Birds, Cambodia, Ecotours by location, Focus, , , , , , ,
Ukraine | Salix Nature Tours | South Ukraine Steppe and CoastSalix is an Anglo-Ukrainian company established in 2000. We specialise in high quality birdwatching, nature …Birds, Ecotours by location, Europe & Central Asia, Focus, Ukraine, , , , , , ,
Mongolia | Bird Holidays Worldwide | Mongolia TourBird Holidays is one of the UK’s leading birdwatching and wildlife tour operators. Established in …Birds, Ecotours by location, Europe & Central Asia, Focus, Mongolia, , , , , , ,
Peru | Inkaterra | Ornithology in Reserva AmazónicaConserving the environment, preserving the native cultures, developing sustainable tourism in Peru. Inkaterra is a …Birds, Central & South America, Ecotours by location, Focus, Peru, , , , , , ,
Bolivia | BOLIVIA naturally | Endemic Macaws and Wildlife of Bolivia in Central South AmericaLooking for birdwatching in a different, unusual and exciting setting you never had thought of …Birds, Bolivia, Central & South America, Ecotours by location, Focus, , , , , , ,
Panama | Tranquilo Bay Eco Adventure Lodge | Birding Western PanamaTranquilo Bay has listed over 200 species of birds on-sight and over 500 from our …Birds, Central & South America, Ecotours by location, Focus, Panama, , , , , , ,
Cuba | Caribbean Conservation Trust | Cuba Bird Surveys with Nils NavarroThe Caribbean Conservation Trust (CCT) has been the leader in providing legal bird conservation programs …Birds, Central & South America, Cuba, Ecotours by location, Focus, , , ,
Seychelles | Birding Seychelles | Birdwatching TourSee some of the best birds in the Seychelles with local guide Steve Agricole from Birding …Africa, Birds, Ecotours by location, Focus, Seychelles, , , , , , , , ,
Guyana | Ron Allicock Birding Tours | Guianan Shield EndemicsGuyana really does offer something special: a small South American country nestled on the Atlantic …Central & South America, Ecotours by location, Guyana, , , , , , ,
Bhutan | Langur Eco Travels | Birding and wildlife tour in BhutanWelcome to Langur Eco Travels, one of Bhutan’s most successful Bird Watching, Wildlife Photography and …Asia, Bhutan, Birds, Ecotours by location, Focus, , , , , ,
São Tomé | SPEA – Portuguese Society for the Study of Birds | São ToméSão Tomé is a tropical paradise covered with rainforests, savannahs and mangroves. It hosts one of …Africa, Birds, Ecotours by location, Focus, São Tomé and Príncipe, , , , , ,
Estonia | Estonian Nature Tours | Estonia in AutumnAlthough not widely discovered yet, Estonia is the ideal country for observing one of the …Birds, Ecotours by location, Estonia, Europe & Central Asia, Focus, , , , , , , ,
Poland | Wildlife Poland | Premium TripGround clicking of evening Great Snipe lek, mystery corking of night Capercaillie and misty bubbling …Birds, Ecotours by location, Europe & Central Asia, Focus, Poland, , , , , , , , , , , ,
Spain | Birding Teruel | The Undiscovered RegionBirding Teruel offers a complete wildlife experience in one of the most diverse regions in …Birds, Ecotours by location, Europe & Central Asia, Focus, Spain, , , , , , ,
Spain | Birding Aragon | Birds of Aragon RegionMore than 300 different species in a territory crossing migratory routes, where migrants arriving from …Birds, Ecotours by location, Europe & Central Asia, Focus, Spain, , , , , , , ,
India | All India Birding Tours | Himalaya 20 daysThe northeast Indian hill country and adjacent Himalayas is an important centre of endemism and …Asia, Birds, Ecotours by location, Focus, India, , , , , , ,
Spain | Viajes Albur | Lagunas De VillafafilaIt is in our character not to give importance to what we have. In our …Birds, Ecotours by location, Europe & Central Asia, Focus, Spain, , , , , , ,
Uganda | Kagera Safaris | 21 Day Birding Uganda and Gorilla Trekking SafariThis will be your ultimate birding tour in Uganda. Our first birding site in Uganda …Africa, Birds, Ecotours by location, Focus, Uganda, , , , , , ,
Malawi | Central African Wilderness Safaris | North to South TourLooking for the holiday of a lifetime? Here at Central African Wilderness Safaris we offer …Africa, Birds, Ecotours by location, Focus, Malawi, , , , , , ,
Mongolia | Ecotours Wildlife Holidays | Snow Leopard and the amazing birds of MongoliaAfter running many successful bird and wildlife holidays over the years we have discovered the …Birds, Ecotours by location, Europe & Central Asia, Focus, Mongolia, , , , , , ,
Gambia | Experience Nature | Jewels of The GambiaThe Gambia has been a popular Birdwatching destination since the 1970’s and is still probably …Africa, Birds, Ecotours by location, Focus, Gambia, , , , , , ,
Bulgaria | Neophron Tours | Woodpeckers, Owls and Grouse TourThis tour gives a great opportunity to see all the nine resident species of woodpeckers …Birds, Bulgaria, Ecotours by location, Europe & Central Asia, Focus, , , , , , , ,
Japan | Toyooka Tourism Innovation | Reintroduction of the Oriental White Stork into the WildToyooka City, located in northern Hyogo prefecture, is home to the national natural treasure, the …Asia, Birds, Ecotours by location, Focus, Japan, , ,
Kenya | The Sustainable Birding Company | 15 Day Special Special & Endemics TourParadise is a word used far too often, but for birders, this tour truly is …Africa, Birds, Ecotours by location, Focus, Kenya, , , , , , ,
Russia | Heritage Expeditions | Siberia’s Forgotten CoastCombining the best of our ‘In Search of the Spoon-billed Sandpiper’ and ‘Wake of Bering’ …Birds, Ecotours by location, Europe & Central Asia, Focus, Russia, , , , , , ,
Trinidad | Caligo Ventures | Best of TrinidadThis tour is designed to showcase the best of Trinidad. Compared to our classic 10-Day, …Birds, Central & South America, Ecotours by location, Focus, Trinidad and Tobago, , , , , , ,
Guyana | Naturalist Journeys | Guyana Unspoiled WildernessJoin Naturalist Journeys on a spectacularly wild adventure tour to Guyana, South America’s hidden gem. …Birds, Central & South America, Ecotours by location, Focus, Guyana, , , , , , ,
Ethiopia | Eshi Ethiopia Birding Tours | Birding to the Bale MountainsProbably you might hear it too many times in a day while you travel to …Africa, Birds, Ecotours by location, Ethiopia, Focus, , , , , , ,
Australia | Inala Nature Tours | Property Tour of Inala’s Private Conservation ReserveA wonderful opportunity to see some rare and threatened flora and fauna on Inala’s Private …Australia, Birds, Ecotours by location, Focus, Pacific, , , , , , ,
Guyana | Wilderness Explorers | Birding GuyanaThis birding tour is suitable for both experienced Neotropical birders and those wanting to visit …Birds, Central & South America, Ecotours by location, Focus, Guyana, , , , , , ,
Ghana | Adventure Birding Tours Ghana | Birding ToursWe are Ghana`s Birds and Wildlife specialist with dedication and determination. We offer Group Birdwatching …Africa, Birds, Ecotours by location, Focus, Ghana, , , , ,
Spain & Morocco | Inglorious Bustards Birding & Wildlife Tours | Birding Two ContinentsLegend has it that Hercules used his incredible strength to separate the continents of Europe …Africa, Birds, Ecotours by location, Europe & Central Asia, Focus, Morocco, Spain, , , , , , , , ,
India | Asian Adventures | North India Bird & Wildlife TourCreating unforgettable tours in India’s diverse wildlife and birding sanctuaries each offering distinct wildlife and …Asia, Birds, Ecotours by location, Focus, India, , , , , , ,
Albania | ACE Foundation | Wildlife of AlbaniaThe tectonic lakes of Ohrid and Prespa are some of the oldest lakes in the …Albania, Birds, Ecotours by location, Europe & Central Asia, Focus, , , , , , ,
Australia | Indian Ocean Experiences | Christmas Island Bird’n’Nature WeekWe invite you to uncover the remarkable surprises of this island full of natural wonders: …Australia, Birds, Ecotours by location, Focus, Pacific, , , , , , ,
Tobago | Corbin Local Wildlife Park | Animal Enclosures TourSurrounded by gentle hills and valleys overlooking the sea at Hope Bay, and situated in …Birds, Central & South America, Ecotours by location, Focus, Trinidad and Tobago, , , , , , ,
Portugal | Birds & Nature Tours Portugal | Birds & Conservation in Southern PortugalPortugal offers a fantastic diversity of habitats and consequently of birds in a relatively small area, …Birds, Ecotours by location, Europe & Central Asia, Focus, Portugal, ,
Costa Rica | Wildbird Tours | Spice MixOrganizing a trip is a challenging process. To see and do everything you want in …Birds, Central & South America, Costa Rica, Ecotours by location, Focus, , , , , ,
New Zealand | Foris Ecotours | 8 Day Birding AdventureExperience New Zealand Nature at its finest. – An unforgettable experience for all birders including: Stunning scenery, 100+ …Birds, Ecotours by location, Focus, New Zealand, Pacific, , , , , ,
Costa Rica | Costa Rica Birding & Birdwatching Central America | The Costa Rica’s Birding HotspotsThough relatively small in size, Costa Rica is home to one of the highest levels …Birds, Central & South America, Costa Rica, Ecotours by location, Focus, , , , , , ,
USA | Alamo Inn | Tours of TexasAlamo Inn B&B is the optimal location for avid birdwatchers. Located in Alamo, TX, we …Birds, Ecotours by location, Focus, North America, USA, , , , , , , ,
Portugal | Paradise in Portugal | Paradise in PortugalIf you’re thinking of a Nature-watching holiday in southern Europe, Birding-in-Portugal.com has everything you could …Birds, Ecotours by location, Europe & Central Asia, Focus, Portugal, , , , , , ,
South Africa | Rockjumper Birding Tours | Kruger Birding & Wildlife ChallengeThis unique and fun birding and wildlife challenge provides the opportunity to explore the world-famous …Africa, Birds, Ecotours by location, Focus, South Africa, , , , , , , ,
Peru | Manu Expeditions Birding and Wildlife Tours | North Peru MegasThis trip makes a transect from Tarapoto in the Huallaga Valley to Abra Patricia and …Birds, Central & South America, Ecotours by location, Focus, Peru, , , , , , ,
New Zealand | Supporters of Tiritiri Matangi | Tiritiri Matangi Guided TourTiritiri Matangi Island is a wildlife sanctuary and one of New Zealand’s most important and exciting …Birds, Ecotours by location, Focus, New Zealand, Pacific, , , , , , , , ,
Uganda | Birding Ecotours | Uganda – Shoebill, Green-breasted Pitta, Albertine Rift Edemics, Gorillas and Chimps 2019This tour allows one to find the most important birds and primates that Uganda has …Africa, Birds, Ecotours by location, Focus, Uganda, , , , , , , ,
Ghana | Ashanti African Tours | 17 Day Ghana Birding and Nature TourWith 12 of the 15 West African Upper Guinea endemic species occurring in Ghana; its …Africa, Birds, Ecotours by location, Focus, Ghana, , , , , , ,
Bulgaria | Wild Echo | Bulgaria in Spring TourTwelve days holiday exploring the prime birds’ habitats in Bulgaria and allows you to see …Birds, Bulgaria, Ecotours by location, Europe & Central Asia, Focus, , , , , , , , ,
Belarus | APB-Birdlife Wetland Centre | Untouched Wilderness of the Eastern EuropeBelarus, Europe’s Secret Wilderness, welcomes you to explore the still unspoilt beauty of its nature. …Belarus, Birds, Ecotours by location, Europe & Central Asia, Focus, , , , , , ,
Tanzania | Birdfinders | Tanzania TourThis tour takes us to less-visited parts of Tanzania, where a long list of different …Africa, Birds, Ecotours by location, Focus, Tanzania, , , , , , ,

Image Credit – Noel Pennington / Flickr.

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