News

• The LEADER cooperation project “Birding Aragón” offers information and resources for planning and carrying out visits to the natural environments of the autonomous community
• The Aragonese Local Action Groups and two tourism entities propose this ecotourism model that is responsible towards the territory.

Birdwatching is an activity that attracts around three million travelers worldwide each year. Aragon, with 18 protected natural areas , more than With 200 Natura 2000 sites —representing 40% of the territory—, a wide variety of habitats, and 370 different species of birds, it has the perfect conditions for developing bird tourism.

In this context, the Aragon Tourism Authority , belonging to the regional government , created the Aragonese Professional Association of Ornithological Tourism and Ecotourism (APATOE) and the " Birding Aragon " brand to promote this activity at the regional, national, and international levels. At the same time, the Local Action Groups   The Aragonese Local Action Groups (LAGs) had already worked with birdwatching tourism, so they decided to partner on a LEADER cooperation project . “The objectives we pursued were very similar, and the cooperation between the entities involved was very beneficial for rural areas,” explains their coordinator, Sandra Fidalgo. The initiative “supports small ecotourism businesses located here, promotes territories and resources sustainably, and raises awareness of the natural environment we have.”

The collaboration was initially planned between 2019 and 2023, but given its success, it is now in its second edition, which will last until 2028. After its completion, the “Birding Aragón” brand will continue to operate with APATOE.

Goals

The main objective of the project is to promote ornithology as a sustainable and environmentally friendly tourism resource , but it also raises the following:

• Promotion of ecotourism .

• Creation of collaborative networks .

• Dissemination , awareness and promotion.

Actions

During these years, “Birding Aragón” has carried out the following actions:

1. Promotion : development of activities in the territory to publicize ornithological tourism (such as the “ Gallocanta Crane Festival ” or the “ Birds and Humans ” outings), participation in events, publication of materials (ornithology brochures), merchandising , communication and social networks.

2. Innovation : development of the website and mobile application and publication of calls for pilot projects from other entities on bird conservation and environmental education, for example, “ Birdwatching ”, which is in its second edition.

3. Local management and coordination : providing information to partners, contacting suppliers, and organizing the activity schedule.

4. Training for schoolchildren and business owners.

5. Partnerships with other entities, such as interpretation centers.

The coordinator adds that they are currently working on new activities related to ecotourism, to broaden the scope beyond ornithology.

Results

The website “Birding Aragón” compiles the information and resources needed to organize a birdwatching trip. It features a guide to 230 bird species classified by sighting areas, 21 birdwatching routes based on different habitats, activity books for children, and downloadable brochures. In addition, it includes a directory of local businesses and specialized services: accommodations, guides, travel agencies, and nature photography studios.

Participants and funding

The GAL ADRI Jiloca-Gallocanta   It is the coordinating entity of this public-private cooperation project in which 17 LAGs from the region are currently participating.   It has a budget of approximately €160,000, financed 80% through the LEADER intervention of PEPAC, 7% by APATOE and 13% by Turismo de Aragón .