Center for Ornithology and Biodiversity (CORBIDI)

The Center for Ornithology and Biodiversity (CORBIDI) is a Peruvian organization dedicated to the study, understanding, conservation, and education about the country’s biodiversity. As part of its mission they do everything possible to integrate people from all parts of society into educational activities that promote appreciation and protection of Peru’s awe-inspiring nature.

The community of people with visual impairments often has few opportunities for outdoor educational activities and learning about biodiversity. That is why CORBIDI initiated an innovative program with the central objective of conducting bird observation workshops designed specifically for people with visual disabilities. In collaboration with the Blind Rehabilitation Center of Lima (CERCIL), the municipal administration of Pantanos de Villa (PROHVILLA), and with the support of a mini-grant from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, they carried out a series of inspiring educational activities about birds for members of the blind community. The activities were a total success!

In Peru, there is an emerging community of bird watchers with a great desire to learn and participate in their local areas using available technology. This suggests innovative approaches to observing birds, such as bird identification by sound and teaching people how to record f bird audio from the environment. CORBIDI helps to capture the attention of this community and raise awareness about the importance of using such audio resources as an inclusive tool, allowing visually impaired people to join this growing community of bird lovers. Support for the audio recording workshops was provided by university students and experienced scientists under the leadership of Priscila Pellissier. Participants were captivated by all the sounds!

Bird Observation Workshop with People with Visual Disabilities at CERCIL

CORBIDI worked with students from CERCIL and local guides in a workshop about birds using materials to establish a methodology for bird observation as an entertaining and relaxing activity.

Students rotated through prepared stations. They focused on wetland birds and learned through touch about bird species using available materials such as various bird plush toys and crochet dolls. They joyfully explored the textures and shapes of various species and learned about their sounds and how to identify them. It was wonderful and inspiring!

CORBIDI thanks the students of CERCIL, the municipal administration of Pantanos de Villa, and the Laboratory of Ornithology at Cornell University for their support in conducting educational activities for the blind community.

Website developed by Daniella Garcia Almeida.