Olbin Bejarano

Olbin Bejarano is a native of Puerto Cortes, on the Honduran Caribbean north coast. At the age of 12 he began to carry out his first conservation projects while studying at the local school, and by the age of 15 was immersed into the world of birds by monitoring migratory species with the English organization Operation Wallacea in The Cerro Merendon mountains of Honduras. This experience and his strong community ties led to his desire to train children and young people in the conservation of natural resources. He currently lives in the municipality of El Porvenir where, together with other young people, he founded the school of art, conservation, and guides (Aretesanos y Guias de El Pino) which employs artistic activities to promote conservation. His organization has led to the formation of many of Honduras’ finest birding and nature guides, and hosts the yearly birding and conservation festival on Honduras’ north coast. Olbin studies at the Autonomous University of Honduras and in his spare time continues to develop a network of birding destinations that are integrated with local communities throughout the country in a successful effort to teach locals of the importance of birds, birdwatching and conservation. Olbin is currently a member of the Honduran Ornithology Association, and is one of Honduras' top birding and nature guides, having led groups from all over the world through both Honduras and Guatemala.