UAE hosts international conference on houbara bustard conservation

Endangered species is viewed as symbol of Arab cultural heritage

ISLAMABAD: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has hosted an international conference for the conservation of houbara bustard, in its efforts to preserve the bird as a symbol linked with its cultural heritage and Arab and international civilization.

The International Conference for Houbara Conservation was held in Abu Dhabi under the patronage of Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed al Nahyan.

PHOTO: EXPRESS

Senior ministers, as well as, 70 delegates representing 17 countries also attended the event.



The Arab state has shown its resolve to preserve the environment, wildlife and precious resources, inspired by the vision of the founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al Nahyan.

PHOTO: EXPRESS

The International Fund for Houbara Conservation (IFHC) had released a report earlier this year which stated that the under its breeding programme over 59,000 houbara bustard had been produced across their breeding centres, releasing thousands of captive-bred birds to help sustain existing wild populations.

PHOTO: EXPRESS

Ever since the breeding programme began, over 206,000 houbara had been bred.

Of these, around 137,831 birds had been released into the wild. The IFHC is now producing over 59,000 houbara every year.