The Bi-National Macaw Festival has been held since 2002 to promote conservation of the Great Green Macaw (Ara ambiguus) in Nicaragua and Costa Rica. As Great Green Macaws do not recognize borders it is very important for Costa Rica and Nicaragua to carry out specific actions to raise awareness regarding the need to maintain biological connectivity between forest fragments in the northern zone of Costa Rica and the buffer zone of the Nicaragua's Indio-Maíz Biological Reserve. In this way we ensure the viability of resident and migrant species.
The main goal of the festival is to provide incentive for the protection and conservation of the Great Green Macaw in the San Juan River Basin, specifically in southern Nicaragua and northern Costa Rica, through cultural and recreational activities related to this topic. However, the festival also provides an opportunity for the two neighboring countries to learn about each other in a peaceful atmosphere and gain a new perspective.
Recreational, cultural, tourist, sport and informational activities are conducted during the festival. The festival also hosts dances and music about the Great Green Macaw, art and photo contests, storytelling and poetry about birds, handicrafts, informational kiosks and most importantly provides landowners who protect macaw nests with a monetary prize and a certificate.
Cultural activities have been held in Sarapiquí and San Carlos (Costa Rica) since 1997. Here the small festivals culminated in awards for property owners who reported, protected, and watched over the macaw nests. The most spectacular result of this initiative was the reduction in macaw chick pillaging for illegal trade.
Rainforest Biodiversity Group has been involved with the Bi-National Macaw Festival since 2002, and has assisted on planning committees for the festival as well as supporting the festival each year by making annual donations to the event.
Funds from donors are necessary in order to hold the festival every year. Click here to donate to the festival through the RBG website.
