UAE And Mongolia Collaborate On Conservation Of Asian Houbara And Great Bustard Through New MoU

The International Fund for Houbara Conservation (IFHC) and Mongolia's Ministry of Environment and Tourism have formalised a partnership to protect the Asian Houbara and Great Bustard in Mongolia. This agreement, signed during the IUCN World Conservation Congress at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre from 9 to 15 October 2025, is part of Erth Zayed Philanthropies' initiatives.

Mohammed Ahmed Al Bowardi, Deputy Chairman of the IFHC Board of Directors, and Batbayar Bat, Mongolia's Minister of Environment and Climate Change, signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Al Bowardi expressed satisfaction with this development, viewing it as a continuation of the UAE-Mongolia strategic partnership in conserving species vital to their shared heritage.

The MoU outlines plans for scientific research collaboration, field surveys, and measures to restore healthy populations of these species. The initiative involves working with national and international partners to track wild populations, monitor survival rates, and study migration patterns. These efforts aim to develop effective conservation strategies based on data collected from 2017 to 2023.

Satellite tracking has revealed that the Mongolian Asian Houbara migrates to Abu Dhabi. This discovery highlights the ecological connection between Mongolia and the UAE. The agreement builds on decades of cooperation in environmental conservation between the two countries.

Al Bowardi emphasised that this collaboration reflects the enduring legacy of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. His vision continues to guide UAE's global conservation efforts. The MoU provides an opportunity to use IFHC’s expertise in avian biology, habitat management, and captive breeding for species protection in Mongolia.

The initiative aims to assess the current status of these birds and implement targeted conservation measures. By leveraging satellite tracking data and field surveys conducted over recent years, both parties seek to ensure sustainable populations of these threatened species.

This agreement underscores a long-standing commitment between the UAE and Mongolia towards wildlife preservation. It also strengthens cultural ties through shared ecological interests. The partnership is expected to enhance conservation efforts significantly by combining resources and expertise from both nations.

With inputs from WAM