Taiwan is set to make history by hosting the first-ever World Bird Fair (WBF) in Taichung from September 19 to 23, 2025. This prestigious event, organized by the World Birdfairs Council (WBC) in collaboration with Taiwan’s Tourism Administration, the Taiwan Wild Bird Society, and the Taiwan Ecotourism Promotion Association, aims to promote bird conservation and ecotourism on a global scale.
A Milestone in Global Birdwatching Events
The World Birdfairs Council (WBC) has previously organized regional bird fairs, such as the South American and Asian Bird Fairs in 2024 and an international bird tourism fair in 2025. However, the Taiwan event will be the first-ever global bird fair, bringing together environmental groups, bird conservation organizations, ecotourism operators, and birdwatching enthusiasts from 25 countries.
This marks a significant milestone for Taiwan, as it positions itself as a hub for sustainable and eco-friendly tourism while also showcasing its rich biodiversity and conservation efforts.
Event Highlights and Schedule
The World Bird Fair 2025 will feature a variety of activities, including:
1. Birdwatching Ecotourism Symposium
A high-profile symposium on birdwatching and conservation will take place, where experts from around the world will discuss:
- The future of bird-centered tourism
- The importance of bird conservation
- Sustainable tourism practices
- The role of birdwatching exhibitions in promoting awareness
2. Exclusive Birdwatching Tour in Daxueshan National Forest
Participants will have the opportunity to explore Taiwan’s renowned birdwatching paradise, Daxueshan National Forest Recreation Area, on September 22-23. This forest, located in the central mountains, is home to numerous endemic bird species, making it a prime location for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.
3. Free Public Exhibition in Taichung
While the main event is ticketed, the WBC has announced a free-entry exhibition in Taichung’s Civic Plaza on September 20-21. This exhibition will allow the general public to experience:
- Live bird photography showcases
- Interactive wildlife conservation exhibits
- Talks by renowned ornithologists and conservationists
- Displays by eco-tourism companies and birdwatching tour operators
4. Networking and Business Opportunities
The event is also expected to serve as a networking platform for birdwatching professionals, travel agencies, and conservation groups. With the rapid rise of ecotourism post-COVID-19, stakeholders will explore potential business collaborations and sustainable tourism models.
Why Taiwan?
Speaking at a promotional event featuring representatives from 16 WBC member countries, Tourism Administration Director-General Chou Yung-hui emphasized that ecotourism has recovered faster than any other tourism sector since the pandemic.
Hosting the inaugural World Bird Fair is not just an opportunity to showcase Taiwan’s rich birdlife and conservation efforts, but also to highlight the country’s commitment to eco-friendly and sustainable tourism.
Taiwan is home to over 674 bird species, including rare endemics like the Taiwan Blue Magpie, Mikado Pheasant, and Swinhoe’s Pheasant. With a diverse range of ecosystems, from coastal wetlands to high-altitude forests, Taiwan has long been recognized as a birdwatching paradise in Asia.
FAQs
What is the World Bird Fair?
The World Bird Fair (WBF) is an international event organized by the World Birdfairs Council to promote bird conservation, birdwatching, and ecotourism. The 2025 fair in Taiwan will be the first-ever global edition of the event.
When and where will the event take place?
The event will be held from September 19 to 23, 2025, in Taichung, Taiwan. A free-entry exhibition will be held on September 20-21 in Taichung’s Civic Plaza, while birdwatching tours will take place on September 22-23 in Daxueshan National Forest Recreation Area.
Who can attend the World Bird Fair?
The event is open to:
Birdwatching enthusiasts
Ecotourism professionals
Wildlife conservationists
Researchers and ornithologists
Tourism agencies and travel companies
The general public (for the free exhibition in Civic Plaza)
How can I participate?
Buy tickets for the symposium and guided birdwatching tours (official website will be announced soon).
Attend the free public exhibition in Taichung’s Civic Plaza on September 20-21.
Join networking sessions if you are a professional in conservation or ecotourism.
Will there be any online sessions for international participants?
Yes, select sessions from the Birdwatching Ecotourism Symposium will be streamed online for international participants. Details will be released closer to the event.
