11 September 2023
The first Falcon Day International Forum was held on 10 September in Vladivostok on the opening day of the 8th Eastern Economic Forum. During the event, government officials, members of the scientific community, and international experts discussed such issues as the scientific basis for the conservation of rare species of birds of prey, effective methods to restore their natural populations, best practices for the practical use of birds of prey, the activities of breeding centres, and the rehabilitation and reintroduction of birds of the falcon family.
“The Falcon Day International Forum took place in Russia for the first time and will continue to be held annually. It’s worth noting the wide range of participants, which confirms the relevance and importance of this topic: it’s only through coordinated actions that will we be able to achieve significant success in the conservation and development of birds of prey. One important outcome of Falcon Day was the adoption of a declaration that enshrines the results of the Forum: we expect other concerned states to join it,” said Advisor to the Russian President Anton Kobyakov, who chairs the EEF Organizing Committee.
The key event of the Falcon Day International Forum was the plenary session titled ‘Conservation and Harmonious Use of Birds of Prey in Different Countries of the World’.
Other sessions included:
• ‘Best Practices in the Practical Use of Birds of Prey’
• ‘The Scientific Basis for the Conservation of Rare Species of Falcons’
• ‘Centres for the Breeding, Rehabilitation, and Reintroduction of Falcons: An Effective Method for Restoring Natural Populations’
Participants
The Forum was attended by officials and experts from Russia, as well as Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Mongolia, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, China, Kuwait, Myanmar, the United Arab Emirates, Peru, Saudi Arabia, the Philippines, and South Africa.
The participants included: Special Representative of the Russian President on Environmental Protection, Ecology, and Transport Affairs Sergey Ivanov; Russian Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Sergey Anoprienko; Kamchatka Territory Governor Vladimir Solodov; Kyrgyz Deputy Minister of Natural Resources, Ecology, and Technical Supervision Kubat Kaseyinov; Deputy Chairman of the Forestry and Wildlife Committee of the Kazakh Ministry of Ecology, Geology, and Natural Resources Andrey Kim; International Fund for Houbara Conservation Director General Mohammed Saleh Hassan Al Baidani; International Association for Falconry and Conservation of Birds of Prey President His Excellency Majed Al Mansouri; Assistant Undersecretary for Biodiversity and Marine Life Sector of the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment of the UAE His Excellency Mohamed Salman Alhammadi; Founder and CEO of Sixty Minutes Consultation (SMC) (Saudi Arabia) Mubarak Swilim Al Swilim; and Vice President for Asia of the International Association for Falconry and Conservation of Birds of Prey (IAF) (Mongolia) Otgonsaikhan Dorjsuren.
The Forum site was visited by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Kazakhstan to Russia Dauren Abayev.
Adoption of a framework declaration
The plenary session of the Falcon Day International Forum resulted in Russia, China, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, and the UAE adopting a framework declaration of intentions for the conservation of the gyrfalcon. The declaration will identify the most important aspects of work to preserve and increase the population of this bird species. The parties agreed to develop related programmes, work together to prevent poaching and the illegal trade of the bird, and promote the socioeconomic development of regions inhabited by nesting gyrfalcons. The countries also agreed to strengthen measures aimed at protecting the gyrfalcon population and its habitat by improving the scientific methodology used to study the bird populations and monitor and support the work of the organizations involved in research and education. Other agreements include the development of funding mechanisms for the long-term conservation of the gyrfalcon, possible expansion of existing protected areas, the creation of new ones, and support for hatcheries.
Falcon auction
A falcon auction was held during the Forum with the support of the Russian Auction House, the Roscongress Foundation, the Kamchatka Falcon Centre, and VNII Ecologia. The auction lots included more than 30 types of gyrfalcons, saker falcons, and peregrines bred in various Russian hatcheries. The funds raised during the auction will be used for the development of falcon reintroduction and conservation centres, eco-tourism, and research in nature and at the centres. The auction was held in accordance with the provisions of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), adopted on 3 March 1973. The document regulates international trade in rare and endangered species of animals and plants.
Falcon House Pavilion
The ‘Far East Street’ exhibition included a thematic pavilion at which guests were able to see live falcons from the Kamchatka Falcon Centre. The exposition highlights specific features of birds of prey of the falcon family, threats to their extinction, support measures, and the history of falconry. The Falcon House was set up by the Russian Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the Kamchatka Territory government, the Roscongress Foundation, and the Kamchatka Falcon Centre.
Partners of the Falcon Day International Forum
The official partner of the Forum is MMC Norilsk Nickel, the partners are Okeanrybflot, Tymlatsky Fish Processing Plant, Republic of Kalmykia, Archipelago Onekotan Development Company, Highland Gold Group, Ustkamchatryba, and Vostok-Ryba. The organizational partner is Russian Railways.