New Delhi [India], January 25 (ANI): Uttar Pradesh is set to host the 7th edition of the UP Nature and Bird Festival on coming February 1-3 at Vijaysagar Bird Sanctuary in Mahoba district, State Forest Department along with its Eco-tourism division said.

"Located in the Bundelkhand region, the three-day-long Festival will witness an audience of national and international experts in the fields of birding, nature conservation, and wildlife tourism and photography," the Forest department said in a press briefing held at UP Sadan in Chanakyapuri, New Delhi on Tuesday.

During the press conference chaired by Mamta Sanjeev Dubey, Principal Chief Conservator of ForestHead of Forest Force (PCCFHOFF) UP, outlined the Festival schedule.

Beginning with an opening ceremony on February 1, the Festival will include field excursions, dedicated panel sessions, photo exhibits, book launches, and relevant partnership announcements. Opening its doors for building awareness among the youth towards conservation and appreciation for nature and wildlife, the event will also see an inflow of students from educational institutions in the surrounding areas. Re-affirming the prestigious partnerships with British Bird Fair and BirdLife International, the main focus area of the festival's 7th edition is 'Ecotourism for nature conservation'.

Previously known as the UP Bird Fair, a well-attended annual birding event, this year the UP Forest Department has expanded the showcase to include the pristine natural heritage of the region in addition to focusing on the incredible sightings of the avian species. The UP Nature and Bird Festival 2023 aims to inspire and accelerate nature-based ecotourism and appreciation of biodiverse-rich wildlife reserves and sanctuaries of Uttar Pradesh.

Mamta Sanjeev Dubey said, "Over the past few years, the UP Forest Department along with UP Tourism has created some beautiful circuits across the state's forests, its rich plethora of historical sites, ancient cities, landmarks, and natural beauty, offering responsible nature and culture-based experiences for tourists. We believe that a holistic and collaborative approach to nature-based ecotourism and cultural tourism is essential for sustainable progress as they are both undeniably co-dependent. While efforts have been ongoing to promote these circuits, we are now taking more active measures to develop an awareness of these possibilities to the world of travelers."She added that this edition of the UP Nature and Bird Festival 2023 will also introduce new destination offerings, enhance cultural and wildlife exploration possibilities, and strengthen the Bundelkhand tourism circuit narrative to key players and decision-makers of India's tourism who attend the festival.

Sunil Chaudhary, Additional Principal Chief Conservator Forest (APCCF) Wildlife Project Tiger and Nodal Officer UP EcoTourism; S N Mishra, Chief Conservator Wildlife Western, and other members attended the briefing. (ANI)