Birds of a Feather: How the American Bird Conservancy is fostering freedom and diversity in birding By: Mykah Scott

Do you ever wonder what it feels like to fly? To be as boundless as a bird, uncaged and unburdened by the constraints of society — truly free to take flight. How can we incorporate the same sense of freedom and possibility that birds experience into our lives? For Naamal De Silva, Vice President of 'Together for Birds' at the American Bird Conservancy (ABC), the answer is through diversity and storytelling. The metaphor of a bird signifies more than just flight; it embodies the profound idea of freeing oneself from oppression. De Silva’s mission is to make the field of conservation more accessible to all, specifically to those whose voices have been historically marginalized.

According to De Silva, “There are important bird stories in pretty much every culture around the world, but we don’t really know them.” Studies indicate that only 3.0% of ecologists identify as Black; this low statistic is mirrored among Native American, Pacific Islander, and Indigenous Peoples, who also make up just 0.7 of ecologists.

The heart of her initiative is to foster visibility for underrepresented groups who are often left out of the conservation conversation. Born in Sri Lanka, De Silva grew up immersed in the island's rich biodiversity, sparking her love for nature. At age six, she and her mother immigrated to Washington D.C., where they lived in a series of apartments where the greenery and natural landscapes she had been accustomed to in Sri Lanka were no longer as accessible.

This shift deepened her perception of cultural diversity and environmental justice as she was exposed to multicultural narratives and connections to the environment, which planted the seeds for her career in conservation. De Silva’s work showcases the vital intersections of conservation and social justice, further connecting us to nature by emphasizing that authentic freedom is not only flight but also the liberation of marginalized voices in the fight for a healthier planet. A leading component of her mission of diversity in ecological careers is the ABC's Conservation and Justice Fellowship program, which offers a unique platform for individuals to explore the intersection of bird conservation and social justice.

This initiative bridges the gap between the protection of bird populations and the preservation of narratives that highlight the connection between human experiences and nature. This fellowship invites participants from various backgrounds and experiences, allowing them to narrate their stories of birds through artistic mediums. Matt Scott, Director of Storytelling and Engagement at Project Drawdown, believes: “Just through having different stories represented, we can have more people feel like they belong.” While De Silva’s interest in environmental education and justice had been evident in her commitment to conservancy, she became increasingly aware of the lack of marginalized individuals actually engaged in conservation individuals actually engaged in conservation.

De Silva explains that the fellowships are "all about possibility," emphasizing inclusivity and reciprocity. She continues by acknowledging that historically, biodiversity efforts have focused on protecting birds, wildlife, and wild places — often at the exclusion, marginalization, and oppression of certain human groups. The fellowship aims to change that narrative, ensuring that conservation efforts are inclusive of all voices and experiences, bringing a richer and more diverse perspective to the mission of protecting both nature and human communities.