The Qatari Al Gannas Association participated in the event of releasing five falcons back into the wild in Azerbaijan as an extension to the campaign devoted to returning falcons to their habitat.
The Al Gannas Association delegation included its President Ali bin Khatam al-Mahshadi and Vice-President Mohamed bin Abdullatif al-Misnad. In a statement, the association outlined that such symbolic participation to release a limited number of falcons into nature came to protect falcons and biodiversity and mark the anniversary of Independence Day of Azerbaijan with brothers in Azerbaijan and share with them their national joys.
In recent years, Al Gannas opted for staging the campaign of releasing falcons into the wild on Azerbaijan's lands, since it is the primary habitat for these species and the main line of seasonal migration of falcons, the statement noted.
On Feb 27, 2017, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between the governments of Qatar and Azerbaijan in protecting endangered wild species and conserving their habitats, in their recognition of objectives and principles of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) since both parties have ratified this convention.
The MoU stated that the two parties (Qatar & Azerbaijan) shall undertake essential arrangements -- in accordance with the national legislation of the two countries -- to either implement programs or conduct research within projects related to wilderness and natural reserves, in addition to supporting capacities' programmes in environmental research and conserving the biodiversity of endangered species, including fauna and fauna species and rehabilitate eco-systems.
The two parties shall co-operate in environmental protection by conserving endangered species of wild fauna and flora and creating a programme for their protection and breeding, as well as protecting their habitats and establishing programmes and centers for breeding falcons and bustard birds, the MoU stressed.
In addition, the agreement included co-operation in releasing falcons into their habitats.
