International Fund For Houbara Conservation Celebrates Milestone Achievements At ADIHEX Exhibition

The International Fund for Houbara Conservation (IFHC), affiliated with Erth Zayed Philanthropies, recently highlighted its significant milestones at the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX). For the first time, the Fund's annual breeding of Houbara birds exceeded 100,000, reaching 107,808. Since its inception, the Fund has produced 996,064 birds, releasing 598,314 to bolster biodiversity across 18 countries in Asia and North Africa.

At the IFHC pavilion, data from falconers revealed that 75% of recently hunted migratory birds were bred and released by the Fund in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. This supports the successful reinforcement of the Houbara’s migratory route to the UAE and Arabian Peninsula. The pavilion also showcased partnerships with national universities, introducing visitors to the "Houbara Robot," developed with Khalifa University. This robot is now 80% complete and will assist in tracking bird behaviour using artificial intelligence.

H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes' Affairs and Chairman of the IFHC Board of Directors, stated: "This achievement reflects the Fund’s commitment to the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed. It adhered to a scientifically grounded and sustainable approach and fostered collaborative partnerships with both local and international entities. This demonstrates a steadfast dedication to biodiversity conservation and the sustainability of our environmental and cultural heritage for generations to come."

The exhibition also featured "Houbara Ambassadors," veterinary students from UAE University who guided visitors through displays. These students had previously trained at IFHC facilities as part of an ongoing research partnership. The pavilion highlighted global contributions like the Arabian Houbara Conservation Project, which benefits from artificial insemination and cryopreservation technologies.

Efforts to conserve other endangered species were also presented. The Great Indian Bustard conservation programme was highlighted as a key initiative since 2018. The Fund provides technical support and scientific consultation to India's Wildlife Institute and partners. This programme is achieving promising milestones towards reintroducing this critically endangered species into its natural habitats soon.

The IFHC's achievements underscore its dedication to preserving biodiversity through strategic partnerships and innovative technologies. By focusing on sustainable practices, it aims to protect environmental heritage for future generations while supporting global conservation efforts.

With inputs from WAM