Connect with us

Emirates

Mohamed Bin Zayed Raptor Conservation Fund set to showcase its transformative initiatives at ADIHEX

ABU DHABI, 1st September, 2023 (WAM) — The Mohamed bin Zayed Raptor Conservation Fund is participating in the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX), scheduled to take place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center from 2nd to 8th September 2023.

During this event, the Fund will highlight its impactful global initiatives in Mongolia and Bulgaria. These initiatives are guided by a philosophy that emphasises the promotion of development without compromising wildlife, and highlight the possibility of designing or modifying essential utilities, such as electricity, in ways that are safe for raptors.

At its pavilion within the exhibition, the Fund will showcase the successful efforts in Mongolia to prevent raptor electrocutions using the endangered Saker Falcon as an umbrella species for conservation.

The primary objective is to spotlight the significant impact of the campaign and the outcomes it has achieved, serving as an inspiration for visitors, guests, and exhibitors from diverse backgrounds. As the global demand for energy increases, the need to ensure nature positive investments has never been greater. Many regions around the world are home to large populations of raptors and these regions are rapidly expanding their networks of power lines and infrastructure to facilitate societal growth and attain economic and social development goals.

The international projects undertaken by the Fund for the conservation of raptor birds are focused on addressing a pressing issue—the electrocution of millions of birds each year on low-voltage electricity distribution lines.

These incidents not only result in the loss of a substantial number of birds, but also lead to power disruptions, equipment damage, and the potential risk of fires, as well as substantial financial losses and environmental harm.
Since 2019, the Fund has insulated 27,000 poles, rendering them safe for raptors and other large birds throughout the Mongolia steppes. This Abu Dhabi-led initiative is the largest single line electrocution mitigation effort across the globe that has helped save approximately 18,000 raptors (including 4000 Saker Falcons) annually from being electrocuted. To underscore the success of this initiative in mitigating electrocution in Mongolia – and to demonstrate its potential as a blueprint for other nations – the Fund will share a short video clip at its pavilion during the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition.

The Fund's pavilion will also display its collaborative project with their partner Green Balkans in Bulgaria. The focus there is to use captive breeding and release of Saker Falcons to establish a self-sustaining breeding population to ensure genetic connectivity between populations in Central and Eastern Europe, Turkey, and Central Asia.

It's essential to note that various human-induced threats led to the long-term decline and regional extinction of the Saker Falcon in the southern Balkans by the end of the 20th century. These threats included habitat loss, hunting, electrocution, and poisoning. What was once a thriving, interconnected population of Saker Falcons spanning from Central Europe to Asia has become fragmented, especially in the Western regions. Here, there are three isolated and significantly reduced populations in Central Europe, Eastern Europe, and Turkiye.

Bulgaria, situated in the southern Balkans, serves as an ideal location to bridge these fragmented groups, facilitating gene flow and reducing the risk of regional extinction in an ever-changing environment.

The Fund proudly shares its achievements of the endeavours in effectively addressing the threat of electrocution in Mongolia with the visitors and attendees of the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition. The next step involves building upon the success in Mongolia, using this project as a guiding model. The aim is to advocate for safe standards in power line construction that consider the well-being of birds, and we seek to attract the attention of potential donors and stakeholders to address the issue of electrocution on a global scale.

The Fund hopes its efforts will inspire representatives from various countries, authorities, falconers, and community members to collaborate in implementing ambitious conservation plans along the migration and breeding routes of raptor birds. Electrocution poses a significant threat, in addition to environmental degradation and adverse impacts on wildlife species. Mohamed Bin Zayed Raptor Conservation Fund remains committed to its ongoing work in Mongolia and Bulgaria.

Furthermore, the Fund is actively partnering with organizations worldwide to develop new projects aimed at conserving raptor bird populations and achieving comprehensive strategic outcomes for their protection. This effort also focuses on enhancing local capacities in raptor birds research and preservation techniques.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Emirates

Hamriyah and Deira ports record AED 12.133b in customs declaration value for first nine months of 2023

Dubai Customs plays a crucial role as the frontline defense for community security, consistently advancing its customs centers to safeguard and facilitate maritime trade. H.E. Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, Director General of Dubai Customs, CEO of
Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, recently visited Creek Customs Center, Deira Port, and Hamriyah Port Customs Center to evaluate progress and oversee ongoing efforts for continuous customs service development. During this visit, several executive directors, department heads, and customs center managers were present.

Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, accompanied by Rashid Al Dhabah Al Suwaidi, Acting Director of Seae Customs Centers Management, conducted inspections at Khor Customs Center, Deira Port, and Hamriyah Port Customs Center. Managers Abdulaziz Ibrahim Al Salman and Majid Salem Al Tawilah provided insights into workflow progress and accomplishments. Over the first nine months of this year, 62,454 customs declarations were processed, totaling AED 12.133 billion, with 19 seizures recorded during the same period. A visit to Hamriyah Port Customs Center showcased an advanced container X-ray inspection device, supporting increased inspection operations.

Subsequently, visits to Khor Customs Center and Deira Port highlighted achievements, including a notable seizure called the “Wheelhouse,” which successfully prevented an attempt to smuggle 243 kilograms of narcotics into the country. Commending customs employees, Ahmed Mahboob Musabih emphasized the pivotal role of maritime customs centers in ensuring community security and facilitating trade. The department collaborates for efficient goods clearance and acknowledges employee efforts
during the COVID-19 pandemic, contributing to the department’s support for global efforts to revive maritime navigation and international trade.

Musabih clarified that the department’s advanced capabilities in monitoring and inspection enable it to keep pace with the UAE’s rapid foreign trade growth. Supporting Dubai’s economic agenda D33, the department aims to double foreign trade and enhance economic partnerships with key global markets. Efforts to boost customs inspector efficiency continue through training courses, ensuring their ability to thwart smuggling attempts. Continuous development of X-ray scanning
devices and the K9 customs dog unit further enhances contraband control achievements. Rasheed Al-Dabah explained that the forthcoming period will witness the advancement of new initiatives and mechanisms in the realm of inspection and examination. These initiatives are grounded in a forward-looking perspective to introduce cutting-edge technologies utilized in examining maritime transport vessels, wooden ships, and ships engaged in fish trade.

He remarked, “Our endeavors are harmonized to enhance performance in sea customs centers, concurrently focusing on bolstering monitoring, tracking, and technical support activities to yield optimal outcomes through continuous and productive collaboration among all specialized teams within the department. The Customs centers in Deira, Al Khor, and
Hamriyah Port Customs Center shoulder their vital responsibilities in safeguarding society and facilitating maritime trade through Dubai Creek and Hamriyah Port, supporting the ongoing growth of the national economy.”

Continue Reading

Emirates

Dubai Customs Hosts Sharjah Housing Delegation to Strengthen Government Communication Ties

Dubai Customs, represented by the Corporate Communication Department, warmly welcomed a delegation from the Sharjah Housing Department. The purpose of the visit was to familiarize the delegation with the duties and responsibilities of the
Corporate Communication Department and its affiliated divisions. The delegation also aimed to explore the awards received by the department, notably the recognition as the Best Government Communication Team in the Sharjah Government Communication Award for 2023.

Khalil Saqer bin Gharib, Director of Corporate Communication Department, along with department managers, extended a cordial reception to the Sharjah Housing delegation, which included Dr. Ahmed Rashid Al Nuaimi, Director of Government Communication, Nada Sivan, Head of the Public Relations and Events Department, and Hamad Saleh Al Hamadi, Head of
the New Media Department. Bin Gharib highlighted the department’s commitment to strengthening communication with government entities to exchange practical experiences and knowledge. The delegation was briefed on Dubai Customs exceptional performance in customs operations and other facets.

The meeting delved into discussions on potential avenues for collaboration, with the Sharjah Housing delegation. Emphasis was placed on the crucial role played by Dubai Customs’ Corporate Communication Department, customs administrations, and centers in ensuring security and safeguarding society. The delegation was presented with an overview of the department’s working mechanisms, awareness campaigns, events, and activities conducted internally and externally, aligning with Dubai Customs esteemed reputation.

Furthermore, the Sharjah Housing delegation acquired an understanding of the best media practices adopted by the Corporate Communication Department, showcasing its outstanding performance in enhancing knowledge and media dissemination to all partners. This has resulted in the department establishing and fortifying relationships with local and international media
entities. The presentation also encompassed the factors contributing to the department’s receipt of the award for the Best Government Communication Team in the Sharjah Government Communication Award.

Dr. Ahmed Rashid Al Nuaimi, Director of Government Communication at Sharjah Housing, expressed appreciation for the efforts of Dubai Customs Corporate Communication Department, acknowledging its excellence and significant contribution to enhancing the department’s standing. Dr. Al Nuaimi affirmed Sharjah Housing’s commitment to fostering ongoing visits and meetings with Dubai Customs, aiming to achieve the highest level of coordination and benefit from the Corporate Communication Departmen’s experience in securing numerous local and international awards.

Continue Reading

Emirates

Zayed Sustainability Prize opens submissions for 2025 cycle

The Zayed Sustainability Prize, the UAE’s pioneering global sustainability and humanitarian award, has officially announced that the 2025 cycle is now open for submissions.  Submissions will be accepted until 23 June 2024 through the Prize’s online portal. Small to medium enterprises (SMEs), nonprofit organisations (NPOs) and high schools with sustainable solutions are invited to submit an entry for consideration in one of the six categories of Heath, Food, Energy, Water, Climate Action and Global High Schools. Commenting on the launch of the 2025 submissions cycle, H.E. Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Director General of the Zayed Sustainability Prize, and COP28 President, said: “Since 2008, the
Zayed Sustainability Prize has honoured the legacy of Sheikh Zayed by fostering inclusive sustainable and humanitarian development around the world. In this decisive decade for climate change, these values are more important than ever. I am optimistic that the Prize will contribute to global climate action in line with the UAE Consensus, which will pave the
way toward an effective response to the Global Stocktake decision.” In response to the pressing climate crisis, and to further support the UAE’s efforts to accelerate practical solutions needed to drive climate action and uplift vulnerable communities around the world, the Prize has increased its funds from US $3.6 million to US $5.9 million. The Prize will reward US $1 million to each winner in the organisational categories of Health, Food, Energy, Water and Climate Action. Within the Global High Schools category, which is split into six world regions, each school can claim up to US $150,000 to start or further expand their project. The six world regions of the Global High Schools category are The Americas, Europe and Central Asia, Middle East and North Africa, Sub- Saharan Africa, South Asia, and East Asia and Pacific. The most recent Zayed Sustainability Prize winners were recognised at an Awards Ceremony held during COP28 UAE. To encourage a broader range of organisations and high schools to participate, the Prize will be accepting submissions in multiple languages, including Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish, and Portuguese. This will ensure that innovative solutions from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds can be recognised. For the Health, Food, Energy, Water and Climate Action categories, organisations should prove that they are improving access to essential products or services in their targeted communities and are able to implement a long-term vision for better living and working conditions. For the Global High Schools category, projects should be led by students, and must demonstrate innovative approaches to address sustainability challenges. The evaluation of each submission to the Prize consists of a rigorous, three-stage process. First, due diligence is conducted on all submissions to ensure that they meet the Prize’s evaluation criteria of Impact, Innovation, and Inspiration. This identifies the qualified entries and results in the selection of eligible candidates. Following this, evaluations are undertaken by a Selection Committee consisting of category-specific panels of independent international experts. From this shortlist of candidates, the finalists are chosen and then sent to the Prize Jury who unanimously elect the winners across all six categories.   Winners of the Zayed Sustainability Prize will be announced at an Awards Ceremony during the 2025 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW).

Continue Reading

Trending