The International Birdwatching and Nature Tourism Fair in Comacchio (Ferrara, Italy), in the Po Delta Park in the Emilia-Romagna Region, is an event not to be missed for any birdwatching and nature photography fan. The event, which in past years registered an average of 30,000 visitors and 200 exhibitors, takes place in an area that represents a preferred destination for slow tourism and birdwatching.

Who are the exhibitors
The professional exhibition area is dedicated to optics, photography and equipment for birdwatching and nature photography, biodiversity, Slow Tourism, specialized press, sportswear, educational and environmental training, Tour Operators and natural destinations, Italian and foreign parks and reserves, organizations and associations, municipalities, provinces and regions.

Why should I exhibit
The International Birdwatching and Nature Tourism Fair is the only specialized Italian event dedicated to birdwatching and nature tourism, that at international level ranks second behind the British Birdwatching Fair. With its unique format the exhibition hall allows on-site testing of the latest products and systems, in an area overlooking the Fattibello Valley. The participants will be able to discover new photographic techniques and environmental tourism, which is rapidly growing if compared to traditional tourism. In addition there are many innovations too:

Photography

• Guest of honour of the 6th edition of the Fair is the Fotofestival 2012, organized in collaboration with AFNI – Associazione Fotografi Naturalisti Italiani, with the winners of the famous International competition Asferico 2012
• photographic excursions in the park's most interesting sites and lectures on photography during the 3 days of the event
• photo-exhibition Il mio Delta – Otto fotografi e il loro punto di vista sul parco del Delta del Po (My Delta – Eight photographers and their point of view on the Park), organised by Delta in focus photographers
• 6th edition of the photo-competition Delta in focus, organised in 4 categories: Birds of the Delta, Birds of the World, Natural landscapes and Slow Tourism
• digiscoping, in collaboration with Skua Nature
• photo-market: exchange-exhibition event for old, used and digital cameras and accessories.

Birdwatching

• meeting and field trip with Lars Svensson, the internationally renowned birdwatcher and author of the Collins Bird Guide, in collaboration with EBN Italia
• lectures on birdwatching in collaboration with Lipu, EBN Italia and other environmental organisations
• Birdgarden: practical activities for adults and children organised by Birdfeeding and Skua Nature
• Field trips with expert guides in the park's most interesting sites
• The Big Year, 12 months of absolute birdwatching: national competition organised by EBN Italia.

Why should I visit the fair
This is the first and only specialized and professional Country event, where in addition to meet the companies, visitors find themselves in the heart of the Po Delta Park, Emilia-Romagna, where they can discover its priceless natural heritage by foot, boat or bicycle.

Side events
During the event, you will be able to participate to several side events: hiking, boating, biking and horseback riding in the most beautiful sites of the Po Delta Park, educational workshops for families with children, tastings, photo exhibitions, conferences, sports gatherings and much more.

Data scheet

The Fair supports the Think Pink by BirdLife International, for the protection of Lake Natron in Tanzania and most important site for nesting of the lesser flamingo in East Africa.