With Covid-19 continuing to affect aspects of our daily lives, like other tour companies we have been unable to run any tours for four months and still with no end in sight. Our thoughts have been with the dedicated local guides, hosts and drivers, many of whom we have worked with for many years and have become close friends. The situation so far has particularly affected those in Indonesia where the majority of our tours would have run, with nine tours cancelled already, and potentially more to follow.

From Sumatra, through Java, Bali, Lesser Sundas, Sulawesi, Moluccas to West Papua, birding tourism provides a considerable income in many areas that we visit, indeed for some it is their only means of income. On a typical tour we not only make considerable donations to local conservation initiatives but also employ drivers and skilled local guides (some of whom are ex-poachers and are particularly hard-hit) whose help is invaluable in both locating endemics during our visits and promoting conservation at other times. These payments support the individuals and their families and also in the case of parts of West Papua, entire village communities. Since Indonesian tours will not begin again until next summer many of these people will have no income for an entire year.

We have received incredible moral support from our Birdtour Asia participants during these difficult times, including those concerned about the many people who are supported financially by our visits. We have been doing our best to help where possible and appreciate that many others would like to do likewise, with that in mind we will be co-ordinating with our Indonesian partners to ensure donations reach those most in need.

Whatever donation funds we receive by the 18th August, Birdtour Asia will donate an additional 50% of the total money raised by you. While this may not cover their usual income from our tour visits, it will go some way in supporting and helping them and their families at this extremely difficult time, and letting them know we’re thinking of them.