By Cynthia Fonseca, Red de Observadores de Aves y Vida Silvestre de Chile (ROC)
As part of a joint initiative between the Red de Observadores de Aves y Vida Silvestre de Chile – ROC (Chilean Network of Bird and Wildlife Observers) and Manomet Conservation Sciences, a training session was held to build and strengthen the local community’s knowledge of shorebird and coastal wetland conservation at the WHSRN Site of Regional Importance Bahía de Coquimbo in Chile.
The event, held on November 16, brought together over 38 attendees, including students, residents, representatives of local organizations, environmental monitors from the National Forestry Corporation (CONAF), and staff from the Municipality of La Serena. Participants deepened their understanding through three presentations.
The first presentation, led by Franco Villalobos, Coordinator of the Waterbird and Wetland Program at ROC, focused on the physical and behavioral characteristics of both Nearctic and Neotropical shorebirds and key identification traits of the different species found in Chile.
Next, Geraldine Holtmann, Regional Manager at ROC, discussed the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network (WHSRN), highlighting its features, significance, and importance. This was followed by a presentation by Paloma Núñez, Director of the FIC-Coastal Wetlands Project at CEAZA, who detailed the threats facing various wetlands in Coquimbo and La Serena. Her presentation showcased results from the “Wetland Environmental Monitors” program, a collaboration between the GEF Coastal Wetlands Project, the Catholic University of the North in Coquimbo, CEAZA, and PEE-CONAF.
Photos: Courtesy of ROC
The event concluded with a field excursion led by Diego Herrera, a tourism guide from the Municipality of La Serena. Starting at the Monumental Lighthouse of La Serena, participants walked along the beach to the mouth of the Elqui River. During the outing, they observed several pairs of American Oystercatchers (Haematopus palliatus) with chicks of various ages, as well as other shorebird species such as the Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus), Southern Lapwing (Vanellus chilensis), and Willet (Tringa semipalmata).
The day closed on a high note, with participants expressing great enthusiasm to learn more and become involved in the conservation of shorebirds and their habitats in Bahía de Coquimbo. The event was a key opportunity to foster connections and strengthen conservation efforts in the area.
This initiative also reaffirms ROC’s commitment to supporting conservation processes at this WHSRN site through ongoing training, data collection, and implementing in-situ conservation actions.
We extend our gratitude to all participants, Manomet Conservation Sciences, and the Center for Advanced Studies in Arid Zones (CEAZA) – especially Paloma Núñez for her valuable contribution to the event.
Photos: Courtesy of ROC
Cover Photo: Bahía de Coquimbo, Chile. Photo: Sharon Montecino.
