The fourth of a series of regional workshops to develop a Multi-species Action Plan to Conserve African-Eurasian Vultures (Vulture MsAP) took place from 6 to 9 February in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (UAE). The workshop was held as a part of the 18th Sharjah International Conservation Forum for Arabian Biodiversity (SICFAB), at the generous invitation of the Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA) of Sharjah.

The Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) and Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD) committed themselves to advancing their cooperation to conserve migratory species of wild animals, by the UAE’s recent accession to CMS as its 123rd member state, and the extension of the long-standing financial and in-kind support of CMS Office - Abu Dhabi by EAD on behalf of the Government of the UAE.

International experts have taken a major step towards developing a comprehensive plan for the recovery of the endangered Saker Falcon. Over 70 representatives from different governments, nature conservation authorities and NGOs throughout the range of the species participated at the Saker Falcon Task Force - Stakeholders’ Action Planning Meeting held 9 - 11 September in Abu Dhabi. They elaborated the Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug) Global Action Plan which covers the conservation threats, challenges they face and the roles and responsibilities for the next steps.

Every year tens of millions of migratory birds, including raptors, are killed or injured by poorly designed, planned and sited energy infrastructure. They collide with installations such as wind turbines and power lines, get electrocuted on power distribution poles, and suffer loss of their habitats due to energy generation plants and associated facilities. Demand for energy is increasing rapidly. This is resulting in the construction of more and more energy related obstacles and ultimately higher mortality rates for migratory birds.

Twenty specialist ornithologists gathered this week at Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates to discuss and develop conservation responses to the main threats to migratory birds of prey, within the framework of the Memorandum of Understanding on the Conservation of Migratory Birds of Prey in African and Eurasia (Raptors MoU).

New Signatories to MOUs and Partnership Agreements Signed

World Wildlife Day is an opportunity to raise awareness of the intrinsic value of wildlife and to the way in which it contributes to the social, economic and cultural aspects of human well-being. Migratory birds of prey are a critically important part of many ecosystems. As top-level predators they can act as sentinels to the health of the environment. In addition, throughout human history certain raptor species have been afforded special cultural significance for many reasons. For example, the Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug) is considered a heritage icon by rulers and peoples, particularly in the Gulf Region, for its prowess as a hunter in falconry.

Today the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) Memorandum of Understanding on the Conservation of Migratory Birds of Prey in Africa and Eurasia (Raptors MOU) turns five years old. The MOU was concluded in Abu Dhabi, where the Coordinating Unit of the Raptors MOU was also established thanks to the generous and ongoing voluntary contribution from the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, on behalf of the Government of the United Arab Emirates.

International experts have taken a major step towards developing a comprehensive plan for the recovery of the endangered Saker Falcon. Over 70 representatives from different governments, nature conservation authorities and NGOs throughout the range of the species participated at the Saker Falcon Task Force - Stakeholders’ Action Planning Meeting held 9 - 11 September in Abu Dhabi. They elaborated the Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug) Global Action Plan which covers the conservation threats, challenges they face and the roles and responsibilities for the next steps.