EAD and China's State Forestry Administration Sign Agreement to Conserve Houbara

21 March 2010
An agreement was signed today (Sunday, March 21, 2010) between the Environment Agency-Abu Dhabi (EAD)and the State Forestry Administration of the People's Republic of China to enhance cooperation between the two parties regarding the protection, breeding, and release of Houbara Bustard.

The agreement was signed by H.E Mohammad Ahmad Al Bowardi, Secretary General of the Executive Council of Abu Dhabi Emirate, Managing Director of EAD and Deputy Chairman of the International Fund for Houbara Conservation (IFHC) , as well as H.E. Jia Zhibang, Minister, State Forestry Administration of China. EAD has authorized the IFHC, based in Abu Dhabi, UAE to take full charge of the implementation of this agreement.

The Houbara bustard is declining throughout its range and so both parties agreed that this can only be further prevented by strengthening joint efforts in its breeding sites and wintering sites.

Both parties will cooperate in conserving the Houbara's habitat and will further develop action plans in this regard. For the initial phase of the agreement, both parties will investigate, monitor and assess the Houbara bustard wild population and its habitats.

It was agreed that EAD will provide support in way of funding, equipment and technology, for the implementation of the agreement, while the State Forestry Administration will provide administrative support, counterpart funds and equipment. Details of the agreement will be finalized by both sides based on the actual requirements and work progress. Both parties also agreed to support the establishment of the Houbara Bustard Breeding Center in Xinjiang, China and cooperate in the breeding and release of the Houbara Bustard.

The Forestry Department of Xinjiang, China will be submitting a plan for this proposed center that is in accordance with Chinese law and regulations. EAD will be providing the support including funding, equipment and technology for the construction and daily operation of this center. The Chinese side will provide the relevant administrative support and/or land, counterpart funds and equipment.

Both parties will designate science and research institutes respectively to provide technical guidance and support to the agreement. It will include, but is not limited to, a periodic review and analysis of the project development, organizing of joint workshops, study tours, on-the-job training, etc.

Upon the agreement of both sides and the authorized institutes and as required, the two sides may designate relevant agencies to sign documents as an attachment to the agreement to implement the cooperation as defined in the agreement.

The State Forestry Administration of China, founded in 1949, is an administration of the People's Republic of China, in charge of the national forestry affairs.

During his visit to the UAE, H.E. Jia Zhibang, Minister, State Forestry Administration of China attended a traditional falcon training camp which showcases the UAE's heritage of falconry. The Minister also visited the National Avian Research Center in Sweihan and was accompanied by H.E. Mohamed Al Bowardi who briefed the Minister on the UAE's efforts to conserve the Houbara from extinction through captive breeding, research, international partnerships, habitat conservation and cooperation with falconers. The Minister was also briefed about past efforts between EAD and the Chinese Government, who have been collaborating since 2005 on research in Houbara bustards.

About the Houbara Bustard:

The Houbara bustard is the favorite prey in the art of falconry,due to its superior ability to maneuver,disguise itself and fly.They fly thousands of miles during their annual migration across theArabian Peninsula.

They visit the UAE between the end of January and the beginning of April.
They are shy birds that hide behind plants or sneak away when approached by predators or humans

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