ID :
59211
Wed, 05/06/2009 - 15:35
Auther :

IFHC signs agreement with Iraq's Environment Ministry

Abu Dhabi, May 6, 2009 (WAM) - The international Fund for Houbara Conservation (IFHC) yesterday signed an agreement with Iraqi Environment Ministry on preservation, monitoring and breeding in captivity of Houbara bustards in Iraq.
The agreement is in line with the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan to boost population of Houbara bustard in the region and across areas of their spread. It is also part of the UAE's efforts to preserve the dwindling Houbara population in the wild due to over-hunting, expanding agricultural activities and the use of lands constituting the natural habitat.
The agreement was signed by H.E. Mohamed Ahmed Al Bowardi, Secretary General of Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Deputy Chairman of the IFHC, and Narmin Othman Hassan, Iraqi Environment minister.
The IFHC was set up in 2006 by virtue of a resolution by General H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.
According to the agreement, selected regions of Iraq will be surveyed and monitored twice a year. A map for geographic distribution will be prepared, plus preservation of a pure pedigree of Houbara for captive breeding and then release into the wild in agreed areas in Iraq.
The 10-year term agreement went into effect from the date of signing.

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