The 1st World Bird Fair Takes Flight in Taichung

By Maia Tanedo

From September 19–23, 2025, Taichung, Taiwan hosted the inaugural World Bird Fair (WBF) – a landmark event that brought together birdwatchers, conservationists, and ecotourism leaders from around the world. Organized by the World Birdfairs Council (WBC) with the Wild Bird Association of Taiwan (WBAT), the event welcomed participants from across the globe. Bird clubs, conservation groups, optics companies, outdoor gear suppliers, and bird tour operators representing 30 countries from around the world came together for the celebration.

The Wild Bird Club of the Philippines (WBCP) joined fellow birders and birding organizations at this historic gathering. Members who represented the club were Mike Lu, Cristina Cinco, Maia Tanedo, Edgar Alan Yap, Diuvs de Jesus, and Anna Gonzales. The Philippines was also represented by Birds in Focus, Inc. (BIF), the company behind Haring Ibon merchandise and Bird Finder Philippines tours, and Wild Expeditions Palawan.

Right before the Welcome Dinner, eco-tour operators from every participating country had a business meeting for introductions and initial networking.

The WBF was officially set in motion with a spirited Welcome Dinner, which featured cultural performances featuring Taiwan’s indigenous communities and a ceremonial exchange of gifts between visiting delegates, the Taiwan Tourism Administration, and other government partners.

The World Bird Fair exhibit was held at the Taichung Civic Plaza on September 20–21, transforming the outdoor space into a vibrant hub of birding, ecotourism, and conservation education. Around 120 booths comprising both international and local companies and organizations featured everything from optics gear to ecotourism tours to NGO conservation and education programs. To be exact, there were 48 birding organizations and eco-tourism operators from 30 countries across five continents!

The fair’s Opening Ceremony at the Civic Center received an official boost from the presence and participation of the Vice President of the Legislative Yuan, Johnny Chiang, who represents Taichung City’s 8th district. Although the weather was hot, it did little to deter the enthusiastic crowds who came to enjoy the 120 exhibition booths and join in workshops and activities designed to both educate and inspire.

Delegates, meanwhile, took part in open forums that tackled themes ranging from organizing bird festivals in their respective countries, to promoting conservation and developing tour destinations.

For the general public, the fair was equal parts educational and festive featuring a bird costume contest made from recycled materials, kids’ art and games, and performances at the main stage.

The evenings, as expected, proved to be as memorable as the fair’s day-time activities! Taichung City played host to a festive Taichung Night, complete with games and prizes from generous sponsors, while the Asian Bird Fair Fellowship Night featured a lively raffle fundraiser with items donated by delegates themselves.

After the 2-day World Bird Fair proper, delegates took a trip to Dasyueshan National Forest Recreation Area, one of Taiwan’s premier birding sites. Though birds were sparse due to rainy and windy weather due to an incoming storm, participants were thrilled to spot the female Swinhoe’s Pheasant and other Taiwan specialties, though the elusive Mikado Pheasant remained out of sight. A feedback session after lunch allowed delegates to comment and share their thoughts on the event.

The final evening concluded with the Turnover Dinner, where the symbolic World Bird Fair banner was officially passed to the next host city. In 2027, the 2nd World Bird Fair will be held in Cali, Colombia, with WBF Executive Committee member and South America Bird Fair chairperson Horacio Matarasso, together with the Colombian delegation, on hand to accept the honor.

For Taiwan, it was both a showcase of its avian richness and a call to continue aligning tourism with conservation. For the participants, the event was more than an exhibit – it was a celebration of connection: between birds, people, and nations.