Preserving nature, the Emirati way

Emirati nationals have a deep appreciation for falconry. The love and respect for the iconic bird certainly goes back to their own unique history.
Deep-rooted in Emirati culture, traditional sport of falconry is passed down from generations to generations, underlining the importance of preserving the nature and its inhabitants.
During a press conference held recently at New York University Abu Dhabi, Majed Ali Al Mansoori, International Association for Falconry, Vice President Mena Region and the Executive Director of Emirates Falconers' Club, said that the strategies for conserving and protecting the beloved falcon goes back to 1976, when the late president Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan called for the first global falconers' conference. Since then, various programmes and initiatives have taken place to help conserve the bird.
"The decisions made in that early conference formed the beginning of intensive activity and work, as the recommendations and decisions turned into an ambitious reality that exceeded expectations," he said.
The Shaikh Zayed Falcon Release Programme has been a great success, as it released almost 1,700 saker falcons within the last 20 years. Moreover, the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital, which is the largest of its kind in the world, has treated over 75,000 falcons since 1991.
"The UAE was the leader in introducing and sponsoring programmes for breeding falcons, as more than 3,500 falcons were produced, and falconers were encouraged to deal with the falcons bred in captivity, so that wild falcons may be able to reproduce and increase in numbers," he noted.
Recently, under the directives of the President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, The Cultural Programmes and Heritage Festivals Committee - Abu Dhabi, announced the designation of Al Marzoum in Al Gharbia, which is located in the Western Region, as a specialised area for the practice of hunting using traditional techniques.
Faris Khalaf Al Mazrouei, chairman of the Cultural Programmes and Heritage Festivals Committee Abu Dhabi, believes that allowing nationals, residents and visitors to enjoy the picturesque environment of Al Garbia, would mean that those who have a great passion for the sport don't necessarily need to look elsewhere.
"The locals will be able to practice this authentic activity in line with the requirements of sustainable hunting and in accordance with the hunting laws and regulations adopted in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The hunting lovers will be saved from the trouble of travelling abroad to practice their favourite sport," he added.
Opening the area to the public will not only provide an opportunity to transform the capital into a destination for the lovers of falconry, but will also provide a dynamic cultural and tourist experience whilst sustaining the variety of different species.
Teaching future generations about the history and heritage of the nation is vital, especially when it comes to falconry. Thus, the Mohammed bin Zayed Falconry and Desert Physiognomy School was launched in 2014.
The school helps "promote sustainable tradition of Arab falconry, disseminate the principals and ethics of falconry at the global level, enhance the traditional nature of falconry and present it as a significant heritage and cultural front in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi," Al Mansoori pointed out.
It is not just the falcons that the nation strives to protect, as the Houbara Bustards are seen just as vital.
In 1977, just one year after the conference that the late president created, projects for Houbara breeding in captivity began to take place at Al Ain's zoo. Since then, more projects were launched, which has achieved a greater milestone of breeding this year alone, as it produced a new ground breaking record of 48 thousand Asian and North African Houbara birds.
Al Mansoori highlighted on the notion that the country will continue to help protect its cherished birds, which are often seen as symbol of the nation.
"The UAE will continue its efforts aimed at making the world a better place for us and for the generations to come after us, through a comprehensive strategy based on scientific research and the development of techniques for breeding."
Abdulla Alzarouni, who works in governmental business, told Khaleej Times: "In the olden days, our grandfathers used the falcons for hunting. That was how our grandfathers used to feed their families in the desert."
Alzarouni said: "We see hunters all over the world, but what's different about hunting in the UAE is that rather than using guns to shoot the birds, we use the falcon, so we are preserving the cycle of nature.
"To use guns to shoot a bird is not only difficult, but it is also unfair on the animal," he added.
jasmine@khaleejtimes.com

Supplied photo