18 January 2024

Bahrain Joins Framework Declaration on Conservation of Gyrfalcons

The Kingdom of Bahrain has become the seventh country to join the Declaration of Intent for the Conservation of the Gyrfalcon Population. The document was adopted by Russia, China, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, and the UAE as part the Falcon Day International Forum, which was first held in Vladivostok during the 8th Eastern Economic Forum. The event was managed by the Roscongress Foundation.

The Kamchatka Falcon Centre was created in 2022 based on instructions from Russian President Vladimir Putin to implement programmes for the conservation of rare bird species and the development of international cooperation in this regard. The breeding stock was provided by Russia’s Arab partners. The project is a key component of the programme for breeding rare birds and preserving biodiversity in the Far East. In addition, the centre works to help implement joint international environmental projects, as well as cultural and scientific exchanges that aim to strengthen diplomatic and trade relations between countries that support the declaration. The centre has already brought together some of the best international practices and works closely with experts from Arab countries, whose delegations have repeatedly come to Russia to exchange experience with local specialists.

“The development of joint projects with our Arab partners provides an opportunity to strengthen friendly relations based on common interests and values. One of these areas, of course, will be the development of the key theses of the framework declaration on the conservation of the gyrfalcon population and mutual support for projects that aim to preserve this bird species and restore the traditions of falconry in Russia,” Adviser to the Russian President Anton Kobyakov said.

Russia initiated the adoption of the declaration. The document promotes the intensification of international cooperation to create mechanisms to prevent poaching and illegal trade in rare birds. It identifies key areas of work to preserve and increase the population of this rare bird of prey, whose numbers are declining due to the loss, degradation, and fragmentation of habitats, the depletion of food supply, poaching, and the illegal trafficking of birds. 

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