Al Gannas Association releases falcons into the wild in Azerbaijan

AL Gannas Association participated in an event where five falcons were released back into the wild in Azerbaija. This came as an extension to the campaign devoted to returning falcons to their habitat.

Al Gannas Association delegation included President of the Al Gannas Association Ali bin Khatam Al Mahshadi and Vice-President Mohammed bin Abdullatif Al Misnad.

In a statement on Monday, the Association outlined that such symbolic participation to release a limited number of falcons into nature came to protect falcons and biodiversity and mark the anniversary of Independence Day of Azerbaijan with the people of Azerbaijan and share with them their national joys.

In recent years, Al Gannas opted for staging the campaign of releasing falcons into the wild on Azerbaijan’s lands, since it is the primary habitat for these species and the main line of seasonal migration of falcons, the statement noted.

On February 27, 2017, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between the government of Qatar and the government of Azerbaijan in protecting endangered wild species and conserving their habitats, in their recognition of objectives and principles of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) since both parties have ratified this convention.

The MoU stated that the two parties (Qatar & Azerbaijan) shall undertake essential arrangements - in accordance with the national legislation of the two countries to either implement programs or conduct research within projects related to wilderness and natural reserves, in addition to supporting capacities’ programs in environmental research and conserving the biodiversity of endangered species, including fauna and fauna species and rehabilitate eco-systems.

The two parties shall cooperate in the field of environmental protection by conserving endangered species of wild Fauna and Flora and creating a program for their protection and breeding, as well as protecting their habitats and establishing programs and centers for breeding falcons and bustard birds, the MoU stressed.

The agreement also included cooperation in releasing falcons into their habitats.*