10 September 2023
As part of the ‘Far East Street’ exhibition at the 8th Eastern Economic Forum, the Falcon House pavilion was opened. EEF is organized by the Roscongress Foundation.
“These remarkable birds of prey of the falconiforms – gyrfalcon, peregrine falcon, and saker falcon – are unfortunately on the alarming pages of the Red Book. Effective protection of these birds is impossible without active joint international participation. We are pleased to welcome our international friends and guests to the Falcon Day Forum today. I sincerely hope that this first International Forum will become a tradition, and by our joint efforts we will ensure the safety of these wonderful birds,” said Sergey Anoprienko, Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment of the Russian Federation.
On 10 September, the pavilion will present live birds born in the country’s leading nurseries. The Chukotka–Kamchatka population of gyrfalcons, which will be shown to visitors of the pavilion, is unique. They are the largest and whitest gyrfalcons in the world. The Kamchatka Falcon Center is aimed at restoring this very population. In order to demonstrate its potential at the international level, several gyrfalcons with pure genetics of this subspecies were brought to the Falcon Day Forum to produce hatchlings of the most valuable Kamchatka falcon.
The guests of the pavilion will be told about the peculiarities of falcons, the threat of extinction of the gyrfalcon population, support measures and the history of falconry. Organizers of the Falcon House are Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of the Russian Federation, Government of Kamchatka Territory, Roscongress Foundation, and Kamchatka Falcon Center.
“The Government of the United Arab Emirates places great emphasis on conservation and sustainable development. We view the protection of wildlife and bird species in the context of cultural heritage. Our ancestors bequeathed to us to treat both predators and their prey with equal care. It is therefore imperative for us to preserve habitats and maintain the balance of natural ecosystems. I am very happy to be here today among like-minded people. I thank the organizers for the invitation and wish all participants a productive and rich work at the Forum,” said Mohammed Saleh Hassan Al Baidani, Director General, International Fund for Houbara Conservation (IFHC).
On 10 September, the 1st Falcon Day International Forum takes place. Experts discuss the best practices in the applied use of birds of prey, the work of breeding centres, the prospects for the development of falconry and the legal framework for the conservation and restoration of falconiform species.
The Forum will include the adoption of a framework declaration of intentions for the conservation of the gyrfalcon population. The declaration will be adopted by Russia, China, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, and the UAE.
In addition, the first falcon auction will be held with the support of the Russian Auction House, the Kamchatka Falcon Center, and the Roscongress Foundation. Over 30 individuals of gyrfalcons, saker falcons and peregrine falcons bred in the largest nurseries of Russia will be offered as auction lots. A significant part of the proceeds from the auction will be used to support the population recovery programme.
Official Partner of the Forum is Norilsk Nickel. Partners are OKEANRYBFLOT, Tymlatsky Rybokombinat, Republic of Kalmykia, Archipelag Onekotan Development Company, Highland Gold Group, Ustkamchatryba, and Vostok-Fish. Organization partner is Russian Railways.