14 July 2007

London: The Emirates Falconers Club will hold several high-level meetings here with international conservationists, scientists and policy makers to promote efforts to preserve falconry for future generations.

Shaikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (Adach), is leading a team to the International Festival of Falconry in Berkshire besides a team each from the Abu Dhabi government and the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD).

Following the meetings, the festival is scheduled to start today and will continue till tomorrow at Englefield Estate, Berkshire.

The festival is the first event of its kind and will showcase the sport of falconry from 30 countries.

Awareness

According to participants, the festival is vital for raising awareness of the threats to falconry. For the UAE, falconry is not just a sport but a part of the culture which goes back many years. The country is taking a lead and working hard to protect the culture.

One of the highlights of the festival is the Falconry in Arabia parade, during which falconers from the UAE will showcase the traditional art of falconry.

A UAE village is set up in the deer park of the estate. Visitors will also get an opportunity to meet Arab falconers and UAE conservation experts amid a setting of Bedouin tents, falcons, salukis and camels.

Over 10,000 visitors and media outlets from across the world are expected to witness the Falconry in Arabia display and experience the UAE village.

Internationally, the UAE is working with Unesco for falconry to be accorded 'intangible cultural heritage' status across the globe.

"The UAE is the home of Arabian falconry. We are delighted to attend and support the festival, since falconry is part of our culture and identity, and we want to preserve it for future generations. The event is vital for raising awareness of the issues threatening falconry," said Majid Al Mansouri, a board member of the Emirates Falconers Club.

Urbanisation and environmental damage are harming the falcons' natural habitat and the so-called new falconers, who do not respect the art of falconry or the codes of practice, are over-hunting and threatening the reputation of falconry, sources said.

EAD is responsible for supporting the federal government in conservation initiatives.

By Mariam M. Al Serkal

Gulf News 2007. All rights reserved.