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

Adihex will be held from September 22 to 25 under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s representative in Al Gharbia (the Western Region) of Abu Dhabi, the chairman of the EFC with support from Adach.
 
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.

The move to comply with recommendations of Cites, an international agreement between governments designed to halt the trade of endangered animals, is aimed at curbing illegal buying and selling of live animals and their derivates, said the EFC.

The initiative is in line with the organizers’ commitment to sustainable hunting and conservation of Arabian wildlife, it stated.

In accordance with regulations laid down by the Federal Environment Agency (FEA) and Cites concerning 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, said a top official.

“The partnership with Adihex is vital in that it is an 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,' he added.

Wildlife trade, Al Madi said, was 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 derivates make their way to the exhibition,' Al Qubaisi said.

'The compliance with the FEA and Cites recommendations further reinforces our commitment in this regard,' he added.

“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 FEA, Adihex will prohibit import of live Cites-listed species or their derivatives before obtaining Import Certificates (from the FEA for Abu Dhabi or the Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries for the northern Emirates- 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.

The event is co-sponsored by leading corporate organizations including Abu-Dhabi Sports Council, Invest AD, HSBC, Bonyan, Al Wathba Stud Farm and Areej Al Ameerat.-TradeArabia News Service