The XII South American Bird Fair with its headquarters in Mindo has been made possible thanks to the voluntary and “ad honorem” work of a professional team of people who are passionate about birds and committed to the conservation and sustainable development of tourism in Ecuador. We would like to introduce you to the team that has made this event possible.
XAVIER AMIGO Catalonian, born in France, has lived in Quito for 30 years. Naturalist guide and birder who became fond of birds in Ecuador. In 2004 he formed his own tourism company, specializing in natural and scientific tourism. Since then he began to explore the South American continent in search of new experiences. Since 2020 he has been a member of the international committee of the South American Bird Fair, representing Ecuador. He is the general manager of the National Organizing Committee of the South American Bird Fair, Mindo.
ROCÍO MERINO UTRERAS She has contributed to environmental conservation in Ecuador, with her experience in the creation of Private Reserves and rural empowerment projects. As a member of the National Organizing Committee of the Mindo 2023 South American Bird Fair, she has shared her knowledge in the area of administration and management, collaborating effectively with public and private entities in order to make this event a milestone in the region.
FRANCISCO SORNOZARenowned Ecuadorian ornithologist and founder of the Jocotoco Foundation. His work in conservation includes the creation of 11 Reserves that protect the biodiversity of Ecuador. Author of specialized publications, in September 2018, Francisco discovered a new species of hummingbird, the Blue-throated Woodstar. He is part of the National Organizing Committee of the South American Bird Fair, coordinating the Bird Watching Outings to guarantee a quality experience. His contribution in ornithology is of great value to the event.
MÓNICA BURBANO MONTALVO Ecotourism specialist, with 20 years of experience in conservation projects, environmental education, sustainable production, consulting, public service, business management, events and universities. She worked for the Ministry of Tourism of Ecuador, promoting and developing nature tourism in the country. She was in charge of updating the National Avitourism Strategy of Ecuador 2010, the publication of several visitor’s guides to the country’s natural protected areas, birdwatching guides and birdwatching routes, also for primates and cultural sites. She has been part of the board of directors of an important sustainable tourism project in the region and has been in charge of an important publishing company. She’s is a volunteer for issues of dissemination and support management for this event, and is part of the Organizing Committee.
SANDY ESPINOZA FERNÁNDEZAdministrator of Tourism and Hotel Companies, focused on Bird Tourism for 5 years, involved in Citizen Science and Environmental Education activities, director of the Jardines Silvestres (wild gardens) project, coordinator of the Quito Bird Collective, member of the Organizing Committee of the Urban Christmas Bird Count Quito. She has participated as a speaker in various bird festivals and given talks on urban birds, urban gardens and climate change. She received the Quito 2019 Environmental Distinction for the care of Natural Heritage, especially Quito’s native birds and flora, Sustainable and Responsible Quito 2019 Recognition in the Initiatives category that promotes the Conservation of Urban Green Areas. She was also part of the Women for the Climate Quito 2018 with the Jardines Silvestres (Wild Gardens) Quito project as a tool that provides the mitigation of climate change and conservation of natural heritage; recognitions granted by the Municipality of the Metropolitan District of Quito. It provides its support for the organization of the Mini Children’s Fair, Management of Social Networks, Communication, and management of the Volunteer Program
JULIA PATIÑO Nature lover and bird guide with more than 20 years of experience. She lives in Mindo and her passion and love for birds are her main motivation for being part of the organization of the XII South American Bird Fair.
BRENDA DURÁN Originally from the parish of Mindo, nature lover, she shares her knowledge as an Engineer in Tourism Business Administration, being responsible for registering registrations at the XII South American Bird Fair. Brenda will be the ‘go to’ person for all issues related to your participation in the different activities carried out during the Fair
JUAN FREILE Ecuadorian ornithologist. Author of Birds of Ecuador (Helm Field Guides, 2018) and Birds of Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands (Helm Wildlife Guides, 2023) and dozens of publications on birds and biodiversity in Ecuador. Member of the organizing committee of the Ecuadorian ornithology meetings. Main editor of the magazine Cotinga and the Ecuadorian Magazine of Ornithology. Juan is part of the organizing committee of the South American Bird Fair, in charge of academics.
IGNACIO DE LA TORRE An Agronomist by profession, who has worked on reforestation projects with native plants in the Province of Manabí. Bird fanatic, currently residing in Mindo. President of the Ecuador Biodiversity Association, organization in charge together with the National Committee of organizing the Mindo 2023 South American Bird Fair.
DAVID BRITO From the Canary Islands, Spain. He visited Ecuador in 2006 for the first time on vacation. Resident in Ecuador since 2010, and since 2015 he has managed his hotel and tourism business in Mindo. He is co-in charge of everything related to the logistics of hotels and restaurants for the Bird Fair.
DAVID GAIBOR Born in Quito, Ecuador, 20 years living in Mindo. Hotelier, photographer and bird lover. Graduated from the Faculty of Tourism and Environmental Preservation from UTE University. Davis is the owner of Hostal Ananaw in Mindo, where he had the opportunity to carry out some field work on Flora and Fauna of the Chocó Andino Cloud Forest, and environmental preservation. Member of the National Committee of the South American Bird Fair, Ecuador and responsible for the area of Hotels, Restaurants and Dinners of the participants.
DIEGO PATIÑO Ecuadorian, born in Loja He has been living in Mindo for 43 years, where he has worked as a carpenter for more than 35 years. Between the years 1990 and 1995, he was a field assistant for a thesis on the Andean Cock-Of-The-Rock and for a documentary on the same species. From 2000 to 2014 he worked with the Jocotoco Foundation, on the construction of its different birding Lodges. There he learned, in his spare time, to love birds. Since 2002 until today he has been the route leader in the MINDO-TANDAYAPA Christmas Bird Count. He was co-organizer, for several years, of the local counts and also of the three birdfairs in Mindo. He is currently the national coordinator and head of the logistics commission of the South American Bird Fair.
NATALIA ESCOBAR She was born and raised in Mindo, in the middle of the exuberant cloud forest, and from there her love and passion for nature and conservation was born. She has been working as a naturalist and birdwatching guide for 12 years, which motivated her to be part of the local committee for the organization of the South American Bird Fair in Ecuador. She is co-in charge of managing bird watching outings.
