Birdwatching excursions and short follow-up lectures are planned for the local communities to witness and
learn about bird migration in two different and contrasting areas of the bottleneck.
One excursion will lead participants to the raptors observation point in the village of Sakhalvasho, where also the guest-houses are situated. Experienced birdwatchers will talk about
bird migration, explain the participants the ecology of migration and give an introduction into the
identification of raptors. Additionally, some families will present their guest-houses and talk about ecotourism and their experiences since BRC began to work in the village.
The second excursion will go to the nearby Chorokhi Delta where many waders, egrets, herons, rails,
passerines, gulls and some raptors can be seen. Here the focus will be on demonstrating the high
concentration of roosting birds, explaining the need for healthy eco-systems, and the benefits of conserving migratory birds in the delta.
After the excursions, an event will be held at the conference hall of the Shota Rustaveli University where several speeches will be given about the bird migration, eco-tourism and the potential to increase the value of the bottleneck area for the local communities. Talks will be held by the representatives of Batumi Raptor Count, CMS Raptors MoU, Shota Rustaveli University, and the Tourism Department of Ajara. There will also be a small painting exhibition about bird migration done by pupils from the local school in Sakhalvasho.