National Geographic at Karoni Bird Sanctuary | local features
Winston Nanan Karoni Bird Sanctuary continues to receive international acclaim as a major destination in the ecotourism industry in Trinidad and Tobago, not only for the beauty of its ecosystem and wildlife but for its consistent year-round availability as part of an ecotourism destination. .
While other locations thrive as seasonal attractions for local, regional and international patrons, Caroni maintains its diversity and appeal year-round. This has contributed to the influx of visitors to this small area compared to other deltas in the region.
The recent docking of one of the world’s most advanced fleet of expedition ships, National Geographic, has brought in our waters over 48 explorers to embark on tours to sites and attractions such as Yerette (home of the hummingbird) in the Maracas Valley, Hacienda Jacana in Talbaro, Central Experiment, and the Bird Sanctuary Caroni.
Tourism Trinidad Ltd welcomes this visit and appreciates that the explorers were able to immerse themselves in the natural attractions of Trinidad.
“Trinidad remains an ideal destination for ecotourism and outdoor adventures, and we remain committed to attracting visitors from all over the world to showcase our biodiversity, and develop authentic and memorable experiences. Today’s visitors seek the joy and enrichment of travel through powerful storytelling and immersive experiences, and Trinidad offers That and much more.
For this reason, we also commend Nanan Bird Sanctuary Tours, the official tour operator of Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic, for their ongoing partnership with the group and their flexibility and innovation in developing unique tour packages that international visitors can put on their Trinidad bucket list.”
Caroni Bird Sanctuary Tours is not only a company run by the third generation of the Nanan family, but a private excursion company that undertakes private excursions with birdwatching companies from all over the world.
This culminated in Nanan Tours being the tour operator of choice for Lindblad’s and National Geographic’s in-demand private expedition ships in this country. This process spans many decades that began when the late Winston Nannan, a member of the Hall of Fame, formed a bond with Lindblad. The sanctuary’s signature boat tour began in the 1930s.
Lindblad Expeditions- National Geographic has implemented a transformative travel experience to such extreme places as Antarctica, the Galapagos Islands, Polynesia, the High Arctic, the Falkland Islands, Patagonia, Costa Rica, and Panama, with conservation goals in mind and creating the most profound places, in Land projects in the name of conservation.
By introducing travelers to sightings like these, they inspire a deep commitment to protecting the flora and fauna of the wilds. The explorers were deeply impressed by the original status of the Karoni Bird Sanctuary, and the long-standing efforts to keep it safe by the Nanan family.
The explorers last visited Lindblad Expeditions in 2013 when the late Winston Nann joined them on their Orinoco tour after hosting them here.
As the boat housed Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic, Tourism Trinidad Ltd, and members of the media descend through the canal, the wildlife residents chose that moment to show up in all their glory.
Nanan Tours manager Allister Nanan and tour guide Khamraj added their own whistling techniques to summon the additional presence of birds such as hawk, swallow, greater ani, yellow night heron, little blue heron, pygmy kingfisher (one of four species of kingfisher. in the sanctuary), owl Tropical screechers and spotted sandpipers, all of which had excursion cameras focused on lush foliage the entire time.
Nanan drew everyone’s attention to the presence of silky anteaters on the branches of the mangroves and cassava curled in camouflage between the leaves.
A pair of black tree ducks chose that moment to make their way upstairs. Seeing a hooded cardinal caused a stir among bird-watchers due to its conspicuous colors of red, black and white. This bird decorates the 50 dollar bill of our country.
Nanan explained that species not found in our country came here and found a sanctuary and have stayed ever since, adding to our bird diversity list.
Amid the astonishing arrival of our national bird, the scarlet ibis, followed by a snowy egret, to reside in the mangroves of the lake, expedition leader Lucho Verdesoto expressed his deep appreciation for being in this incredibly pristine ecosystem.
“This is a sight that you cannot see in many places in the world. It is so unique, which is why we want to see unique things that are protected and people like you care about these places.”
“Our company is committed to places that show this kind of commitment as well. Nanan Tours, we are very proud of our cooperation with them.”
Verdesoto is a marine biologist from Ecuador. Working as a naturalist in the Galapagos Islands among pristine landscapes and a large amount of wildlife was what motivated him to dedicate his entire life to conservation tourism.
“The people who come here with our company are people from all over the world. They have chosen to explore, not on a cruise ship but on an expedition-style ship that will expose them to the true nature of the area.”
This column asked Verdesoto for his thoughts on the effects of tourism on the natural environment.
“Tourism will always affect an area. Whether you influence it in a positive or negative way depends on what you do while in the area. We try to make a positive impact in the areas we visit. We encourage our guests to promote the area locally and internationally, so that people can come and love The area and they want to protect it.”
“There’s no way people can protect something they don’t know, so we give it to them and they in turn love it and want to protect it.”
Colombian biologist and director Federico Pardo of National Geographic later expressed his thoughts on the tour.
“There is always great biodiversity. The scarlet ibis of the Karuni swamp is a natural sight. I would say it is important for small developing countries to view nature as a great wealth. For now and in the long run, nature will be one of the most valuable resources we have.” As countries we offer for tourism and we offer to our citizens. I think Trinidad has it all.”
While half of Karoni’s total population of 30,000 crimson ibis settled in this part of the swamp to spend the night, gorgeous sunsets formed a wonderful backdrop for departing backpackers.
Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic will continue its expedition in this region to Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana and Brazil. At the end of the trip, there will be a specific video about these destinations.