Hunting show to comply with Cites norms

The Emirates Falconer's Club (EFC) announced on Tuesday that the International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition- Abu Dhabi 2010 (Adihex) will comply with Control of International Trade in Endangered Species (Cites) recommendations on animal trade.

The initiative, aimed at curbing illegal buying and selling of live animals and their derivatives, is in line with the organizers' commitment to sustainable hunting and conservation of Arabian wildlife.

In accordance with regulations laid down by the Federal Environment Agency (FEA), Cites Management Authority in the UAE, and Federal Law No11 of 2002 concerning regulation and control of international trade in endangered species of wild fauna and flora, Adihex will not permit the exhibition of animals, plants or their derivatives that do not hold Cites certificates.

Cites is an international agreement between governments designed to halt the trade of endangered animals.

"The partnership with Adihex is vital in that it is the only platform of its kind showcasing Arabian wildlife and heritage," said Mubarak Salem Al Madi, Director of Western Agriculture Region of Ministry of Environment and Water.

"The Arab World, including the UAE, is home to several protected species that are critical to maintaining the regional ecological balance.

"Wildlife trade is one of the main causes of animal and plant extinction worldwide. The UAE on its part remains committed to conserving this wildlife through enforcement and implementation of agreements such as Cites. As the Cites management authority in the UAE, we are pleased to see Cites recommendations being incorporated into Adihex 2010."

"At Adihex, we are committed to sustainable hunting as part of the UAE's deep-rooted traditions and are determined to make a contribution to the ongoing initiatives of various government authorities to protect the Arabian wildlife," said Abdullah Al Qubaisi, event director of Adihex and Director of Communications at Adach.

"As the only global platform of its kind showcasing the unique interaction of culture with wildlife in the Arabian context, Adihex has always assumed responsibility for ensuring that only certified animals and their derivatives make their way to the exhibition. The compliance with the FEA and Cites recommendations further reinforces our commitment in this regard."

"We are confident that this initiative will go a long way in driving forth the agenda of sustainable hunting not just in the UAE, but across the wider Arab region," Al Qubaisi said.

In line with the recommendations of the Federal Environment Agency, Adihex will prohibit import of live Cites-listed species or their derivatives before obtaining import certificates (from the Federal Environmental Agency for Abu Dhabi or the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries for the Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Um Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Al Fujairah).

The exhibition also prohibits import of Cites-listed species or their derivatives before obtaining Export Certificates from the Cites authorities concerned with Cites implementation in the exporting countries.

Further, Adihex will not give away falcons in the raffle draws held during the exhibition before they are registered and approved by the UAE Cites Office present at the exhibition.

Adihex 2010 takes place from September 22-25. Besides wildlife-related features, a 40,000 sqm international exhibition and sub-events, competitions at the eighth edition of Adihex include traditional coffee brewing competition, Nabaty poetry competition, a contest for best painting and photograph in hunting, equestrian and heritage as well as a Saluki beauty contest.

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