3 September 2024

Alexander Kozlov: 2nd Falcon Day International Forum to discuss development of nurseries and reproduction centres

Minister of Natural Resources and Environment of the Russian Federation and Chairman of the of the Falcon Day International Forum Organizing Committee Alexander Kozlov sent greetings to the Forum participants, which will be held in Vladivostok on 3 September, the opening day of the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) 2024.

Russia plays a key role in preserving the planet’s biological diversity, he said. It is home to the world’s largest network of specially protected areas. More than 76 million hectares of Russian land have this status at the federal level alone, he said.

“We have lots of experience to share in terms of preserving populations of rare animal species. One striking example of international cooperation is the protection of the Amur tiger. Today, at least 750 Amur tigers live in the Far East, and we have created the ‘Land of Big Cats’ transboundary reserve together with China. Nature knows no borders, and today it is crucial for different countries to join efforts to preserve rare birds of prey from the falcon family, particularly the gyrfalcon, saker falcon, and peregrine falcon,” he said.

Kozlov noted that at the first Falcon Day Forum last year, Russia signed a framework declaration of intent with China, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, and the United Arab Emirates to preserve the gyrfalcon population. Bahrain acceded to the declaration earlier this year.

“At the second Falcon Day Forum, scientists from different countries as well as government and business representatives will discuss such key issues as the development of nurseries and reproduction centres, and how to preserve food supplies. I hope that this year new countries where these birds of prey live will join the common desire to preserve falcons,” he said.

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