Binoculars4charity

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Photos: Rugezi Ornithology Center

In early 2026, Binoculars4charity donated ten binoculars, two spotting scopes, three tripods and one monopod to the Rugezi Ornithology Center (ROC), a youth-led non-governmental organisation based in northern Rwanda.

Founded in 2022, ROC is dedicated to bird conservation, scientific research and environmental education. Through citizen science, school birding clubs and community outreach, the organisation is inspiring a new generation of conservationists while contributing valuable data for bird research across Rwanda.

The donated equipment has already been put to extensive use in a wide range of activities. One of the highlights was the Rwanda Waterbird Count 2026, where volunteers, students and ornithologists used the binoculars and spotting scopes to identify and count waterbirds at wetlands and lakes across the country. The collected data contribute to national, regional and international waterbird monitoring programmes.

The equipment is also playing an important role in the Rwanda Bird Atlas Project, a nationwide citizen science initiative documenting the distribution of bird species throughout the country. Birding clubs at schools and universities use the donated optics during training sessions and field excursions, allowing young participants to develop practical bird identification skills while learning about conservation and biodiversity.

Beyond education, the equipment is supporting scientific field surveys in wetlands and lake ecosystems that are increasingly threatened by agricultural expansion and improper waste disposal. ROC is collecting baseline data on bird diversity and abundance, providing an important scientific foundation for future conservation planning and habitat protection.

By making quality optical equipment available to students, volunteers and researchers, this donation is helping to strengthen bird monitoring, conservation research and environmental education throughout Rwanda.

We are proud to support the dedicated team at the Rugezi Ornithology Center and look forward to following their contribution to bird conservation in Rwanda.

To learn more about the work of the Rugezi Ornithology Center, please visit their website and follow them on Facebook and Instagram. In addition, you can find a detailed donation report here.

Finally, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who donated the binoculars, spotting scopes and accessories. Your generosity helps ensure that valuable equipment continues to support bird conservation, research and environmental education wherever it is needed most.

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Photos: Kosovo Ornithological Society

Recently, the Kosovo Ornithological Society (KOS) received a donation consisting of three binoculars, two spotting scopes, and two tripods. The equipment was put into use immediately during field activities and bird monitoring programmes across Kosovo.

KOS is the only organisation in Kosovo fully dedicated to ornithological research, bird monitoring, conservation, and capacity building. The organisation implements national and international projects, conducts field research, delivers educational programmes, and collaborates with governmental and international partners to promote bird conservation and environmental awareness.

One of the first areas where the donated equipment was deployed was the Henci Wetland, currently the only legally protected wetland area in Kosovo. This important habitat provides refuge for numerous bird species but is facing increasing degradation pressure. KOS is actively monitoring the site, documenting its ecological condition, and advocating for stronger protection measures.

The binoculars and spotting scopes have significantly improved the organisation’s ability to observe birds at long distances and identify species accurately. The spotting scopes have proven particularly valuable during group visits and volunteer activities, allowing participants to observe waterbirds without causing disturbance.

Beyond supporting research and conservation, the equipment is also helping to inspire the next generation of conservationists. KOS regularly involves young people, students, and volunteers in monitoring activities and environmental education programmes. Access to quality optical equipment enables participants to gain practical field experience and develop essential observation skills.

We are proud that our donation is contributing to these important efforts and helping dedicated conservationists protect biodiversity while inspiring future generations of researchers and nature enthusiasts. For more information about the work and ongoing activities of KOS, please visit their Facebook page.

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Photos: Garrido’s Birdwatching Club

In December 2025, a donation of seven binoculars finally reached its destination after a long and adventurous journey by container vessel from Europe to Cuba. The equipment is now actively being used for environmental education and conservation work by the Garrido’s Birdwatching Club in Baracoa.

In February 2026, the binoculars were used for the first time during an excursion with local children. The aim was to promote birdwatching as an alternative to bird trapping and to inspire young people to value nature and conservation. According to Porfilio Correa, Coordinator of the Garrido’s Birdwatching Club, the enthusiasm was remarkable: thanks to the binoculars, the children were able to observe details of plumage, behaviour and habitats of native bird species – details that would otherwise have gone unnoticed.

Founded in 2018, the club is engaged in birdwatching, monitoring endemic and migratory species, and environmental education. A key focus of their work is in biodiversity-rich areas such as Alejandro de Humboldt National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Around 100 people benefit each year from field trips, workshops and awareness campaigns.

We are truly delighted that this donation will help inspire young people to protect their local biodiversity and strengthen the club’s activities, especially amid the challenging living conditions in Cuba. A heartfelt thank you goes to all donors, friends and collaborators who made this donation possible.

You can follow the activities of the Garrido’s Birdwatching Club on their Facebook group.

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Photos: Avian Conservation Uganda Society

Binoculars4charity is pleased to support the Avian Conservation Uganda Society (ACUS), a Ugandan-registered, membership-based non-profit founded in February 2022 with the mission to promote the appreciation, understanding and conservation of Uganda’s rich birdlife.

ACUS works actively in public education, bird monitoring, habitat protection and community engagement. With over 100 registered members and a broad network of more than 1,500 supporters — including ornithologists, conservationists, students, farmers and tourism professionals — the organization reaches people across the country. A strong focus lies on youth involvement and education, particularly through the establishment of bird clubs in schools and local communities. Currently, ACUS supports 15 bird clubs and aims to significantly expand this network in the coming years.

Birdwatching plays a central role in ACUS’ work. Through regular excursions, community monitoring teams and student research initiatives, people learn about birds and their role in healthy ecosystems. To strengthen these activities, Binoculars4charity donated 10 binoculars and 1 spotting scope to ACUS. This equipment will enable more inclusive and effective birdwatching excursions, improve bird monitoring and reporting, and inspire new generations of bird lovers.

“This donation is a significant boost to our organization’s capabilities,” says Arshley Brian, Excursionist Field Leader at ACUS. “The binoculars and spotting scope will greatly enhance our birdwatching excursions, community awareness activities and monitoring work, helping us bring people closer to Uganda’s birdlife.” ACUS emphasized that the donation addresses a long-standing shortage of optical equipment and will greatly enhance their outreach, education and conservation efforts.

We thank ACUS for their dedication to protecting Uganda’s avian heritage and are proud to support their inspiring work. Partnerships like this show how access to the right tools can empower communities to better understand and protect nature.

For more information about the Avian Conservation Uganda Society and their work, visit their website or follow them on Facebook and X/Twitter.

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Photos: Kenyan Youth Biodiversity Network

The Kenyan Youth Biodiversity Network (KYBN) has sent us their latest news and photos, which we are delighted to share. The ten binoculars we recently donated have already been put to good use during a bird walk in Karura Forest and other birdwatching expeditions. This optical equipment directly supports KYBN’s citizen science project monitoring bird species in restored mangrove ecosystems. The project aims to document the importance of mangroves for coastal birds and to encourage stakeholders to conserve these vital habitats for the benefit of present and future generations.

The donated materials also help young people learn the art and science of birdwatching — skills that can inspire future careers as local tour guides or complement their academic studies.

We previously donated spotting scopes to KYBN; you can find the report on our initial donation further down this page. More information about KYBN’s activities is available on their website and on their Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube channels.

We join KYBN in extending heartfelt thanks to all donors and partners who make this work possible!

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Photos: Conservation Heritage – Turambe

Conservation Heritage – Turambe (CHT), a Rwandan non-governmental organisation dedicated to environmental education and community-based conservation, is the latest beneficiary of a donation of eight binoculars and two spotting scopes. This equipment will play a vital role in enhancing CHT’s nature education and outreach programmes in the Musanze and Nyabihu districts, particularly in the areas surrounding Volcanoes National Park, which is home to the endangered mountain gorillas.

Established in 2013, CHT works closely with local communities, particularly schoolchildren, to promote environmental awareness and encourage peaceful coexistence with wildlife. The newly donated optical equipment will be incorporated into several key initiatives:

• Educational wildlife viewing trips: CHT organises regular visits to Volcanoes National Park and occasionally to Akagera National Park, for local schoolchildren. The binoculars and spotting scopes will significantly enhance these experiences by allowing students to observe animals in their natural habitat and deepen their appreciation of Rwanda’s rich biodiversity.
• Nature education programmes: The equipment will be used in citizen science and conservation education activities to make learning more interactive and engaging. Students and community members will be able to observe birds, primates and other wildlife closely, fostering a deeper understanding of the importance of biodiversity and environmental stewardship.
• Community outreach events: During events aimed at raising environmental awareness, the donated devices will be used to provide participants with hands-on learning opportunities, thereby encouraging greater public involvement in conservation efforts.

These programmes are expected to benefit over 500 schoolchildren and numerous community members. By making wildlife observation more accessible, the equipment will empower local residents, especially young people, to play an active role in protecting Rwanda’s unique ecosystems.

“We are deeply grateful for your support”, said Pacifique Nshimiyimana, Conservation Education Coordinator at CHT. “These tools will significantly enhance our fieldwork and conservation efforts in our work here in Rwanda, and we look forward to using them to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.”

We are delighted to support CHT, and we would like to express our sincere gratitude to the donors who generously provided the equipment, as well as to everyone who played a role in ensuring its safe delivery to Rwanda.

For more information about CHT’s activities, please visit their website, Facebook, X and Instagram profiles.

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Photos: Entebbe Birding Club

The Entebbe Birding Club (EBC) is a registered community-based organisation headquartered in Entebbe, Uganda. The club’s primary goal is to promote environmental conservation by protecting birds and their natural habitats. The club organises regular excursions, training sessions, and exploration activities across Uganda. Through these initiatives, the EBC aims to empower tourist guides, students, and community members by equipping them with the knowledge and skills to raise awareness of the threats posed by habitat loss and degradation. The club is also committed to providing practical guidance and solutions for habitat restoration. The EBC’s vision is to foster a future in which Ugandan communities are fully aware of the presence and behaviour of birds, their conservation needs, and the importance of protecting their natural environment.

The EBC currently has over 120 registered members, yet fewer than 40 of them own a pair of binoculars. To help bridge this gap, we donated 6 binoculars and 2 spotting scopes to the organisation. To celebrate the arrival of the equipment and emphasise the importance of youth-led conservation, the EBC hosted a special event at the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC). The event was broadcast live on NTV Uganda, showcasing how young Ugandans are raising environmental awareness through birdwatching. During the event, EBC members had the opportunity to test the donated equipment, receive hands-on training in how to use it properly, and join UWEC staff on a birding excursion. The participants’ excitement and appreciation from the participants were truly inspiring.

We were especially moved by the words of Miiro David, a leading EBC, who said: “Long live Binoculars4charity, long live Mother Nature.” We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the generous donors and to evreyone helped to ensure the safe transport of the equipment to Uganda. Your support is helping to build a new generation of conservation leaders.

To learn more about EBC’s activities and upcoming events, please visit their Facebook page.

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Photos: WSCC

We recently received news and photos from the Wildlife Science and Conservation Center (WSCC) in Mongolia. We sent them six additional pairs of binoculars after providing them with binoculars and spotting scopes some time ago (see our blog post). The binoculars are expected to benefit around 1,000 local children and students who visit the Khovd Bird Ringing Station (KBRS) in western Mongolia each working season. Since 2019, the KBRS has coordinated long-term monitoring programmes of migratory birds based on bird banding and has hosted environmental education and birdwatching activities for the general public. Further information can be found on the WSCC’s website and Facebook page, as well as on the KBRS Facebook page.

We are very grateful to our donors for enabling us to continuously support the WSCC!

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Photos: Atlas des Oiseaux de Côte d‘Ivoire

The optical equipment collected during the 2024 Swiss Ornithological Institute Partner Meeting was used to support the African Bird Atlas Project, a well-established citizen science initiative designed to capture bird distributional data across wide spatial scales. This contributes to our understanding of, and ability to conserve, the continent’s rich avifauna and ecosystems, while promoting sustainable land use.

In March 2025, nine binoculars and two spotting scopes were delivered to Grand-Bassam for the launch of the “Atlas des Oiseaux de Côte d‘Ivoire” project. According to Alain Jacot, a partner of the African Bird Atlas Project at the Swiss Ornithological Institute, “the current lack of optical equipment is one of the main issues that could hinder future ornithological activities in the region”. The equipment will be used by the Atlas project participants to collect bird observations according to an established protocol.

To continue supporting this important project on the African continent, we need more donations of optical equipment! Click the links to learn more about the African Bird Atlas Project and the involvement of the Swiss Ornithological Institute.

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Photos: Waterberg Development Initiative

By the end of 2024, ten pairs of binoculars and a spotting scope with a tripod had reached their final destination in South Africa. This equipment was donated to the Waterberg Development Initiative (WDI), a community-driven non-profit organisation that is dedicated to fostering sustainable tourism and economic development in the Waterberg region. With a mission to cultivate and sustain the area’s wildlife and tourism economy, the WDI focuses on raising awareness and providing education and training to anyone who wishes to participate. WDI actively identifies and addresses local needs, facilitates opportunities, encourages cooperation, and promotes infrastructure and service development through skills training, ultimately fostering local employment and community empowerment.

Lucas Namanyane, an avitourism partner at WDI, is thrilled with the donation: “What a privilege to have such a wonderful opportunity to work with such equipment! It has sparked so much debate and a need for training, education and experience”. The binoculars and spotting scope have been used in workshops at local schools and will support avitourism training and activities in various locations in and around the Waterberg region.

We are delighted to have been officially appointed as honorary partners of WDI and to support their work on avitourism and environmental education. We would like to thank all the donors who made this possible, as well as everyone who helped us deliver the equipment to South Africa.

For more information about the Waterberg Development Initiative and its activities, please have a look at their website and Facebook page.