Batumi Birdwatching Festival

The Batumi International Birdwatching Festival was established in 2012. Its aim is to promote birdwatching, develop ecotourism and showcase Adjara's unique natural heritage. The region is home to one of the world's most important raptor migration corridors, where hundreds of thousands of birds of prey are counted every autumn, with numbers exceeding one million in many seasons. This spectacular migration is shaped by the unique geographical location, landscape and climatic conditions of the eastern Black Sea coast. Every year, this natural phenomenon attracts ornithologists, birdwatching enthusiasts and nature lovers to Adjara.

The villages of Sakhalvasho and Shuamta (Chaisubani), in Kobuleti Municipality, are particularly important birdwatching locations, with dedicated observation platforms for monitoring raptor migration. Here, Batumi Raptor Count (BRC) conducts annual autumn counts and monitoring of migrating birds of prey. In addition to these locations, Mtirala National Park, the Chorokhi Delta, the Ispani peatlands and other natural areas of Adjara offer diverse birdwatching opportunities.

The festival programme includes lectures, presentations, educational meetings and field excursions led by Georgian and international specialists. Participants have the opportunity to observe bird migration alongside experienced ornithologists, learn about bird research and conservation, and take part directly in birdwatching activities.

Birdwatching tourism is an important branch of ecotourism that contributes to the protection of natural heritage, raises environmental awareness and supports the development of the local economy. The involvement of local communities is particularly important, as welcoming visitors creates additional opportunities for family-run guesthouses, local guides and small businesses.