The International Association for Falconry and Conservation of Birds of Prey (IAF) held its annual general meeting here on the sidelines of the Abu Dhabi 2004 International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition.
Hosted by Emirates Falconers Club, more than 100 falconers from 34 countries attended the meeting, held in the Gulf for the first time.
In his opening speech, Mohammad Ahmad Al Bowardi, managing director of the Environmental Research and Wildlife Development Agency, traced the recent history of falcon and falconry conservation.
"The UAE works closely with national and international organisations abroad on research into raptor populations and their conservation," Al Bowardi said. "In 2003, we organised a special symposium on sakers to discuss protection and conservation."
IAF President, Patrick Morel, from Belgium, thanked the Emirates Falconers Club for hosting this meeting. "We firmly believe our visit will be both positive and fruitful for IAF's future presence in this key falconry area," he said.
Gulf News
