UAE | Environment
Abu Dhabi organisations sign agreement to keep track of wild birds
The Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD) and the Emirates Bird Records Committee (EBRC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will give EAD access to nearly a quarter of a million reports of wild birds seen in the United Arab Emirates since the late 1960s.
- Staff Report
- Published: 17:01 June 11, 2008
- Image Credit: Supplied Picture
- Emirates Bird Records Committee assesses reports of rare birds seen in the country.
Abu Dhabi: The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) and the Emirates Bird Records Committee (EBRC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will give EAD access to nearly a quarter of a million reports of wild birds seen in the United Arab Emirates since the late 1960s.
The MoU, which was signed by EAD Secretary General Majid Al Mansouri, Simon Aspinall, Chairman of the EBRC, and Tommy Pedersen, Secretary of the EBRC, provides the entire EBRC database of records to be integrated into the EAD environmental database, covering both Abu Dhabi and the other Emirates.
The EBRC, founded over 15 years ago, collects data from both visiting and resident birdwatchers throughout the country, and also researches historical data going back to before the formation of the UAE federation in 1971. It also assesses reports of rare birds seen in the country, in accordance with prevailing international standards, and maintains the UAE's Bird Species List, now standing at over 420 species.
Under the agreement, EAD'S records of wild birds will be integrated into the EBRC database, providing EAD with one of the most extensive national databases of wild bird records in the Arabian Peninsula.
"The Agency has a policy of building effective partnerships with all those bodies that share its vision for the conservation and protection of the UAE's environment and wildlife," said Al Mansouri. "The EBRC and its members and contributors have worked over many years to collect and maintain this important database, which will provide us with valuable information to assess the changing patterns of wild bird populations throughout the country."
Al Mansouri said EBRC members and supporters have also provided valuable help to EAD in the monitoring of wild birds as part of the National Avian Flu monitoring campaign.
"We are delighted to have reached agreement with the EBRC on ways in which we can work together to ensure the long term conservation of our wild birds, which are crucial indicators for the health of the country's environment and wildlife", he added.
EBRC Chairman Simon Aspinall said, "We have wanted for many years to have out database housed effectively for the long-term by an appropriate Government agency. EAD is the ideal partner for the EBRC, and I am delighted that we have now been able to conclude this agreement."
Tommy Pedersen, the EBRC Secretary, who also maintains the bird database, also welcomed the signing of the MoU.
"The Emirates Bird Records Committee, and the many birdwatchers, residents and visitors, who have contributed to its database over the years, share with EAD a passionate commitment to conservation of the UAE's wildlife and environment. Through this MoU, we will now be able to ensure that the status of the UAE's wild bird populations is given the priority that it deserves in the overall planning for environmental conservation in the UAE, and in Abu Dhabi, in particular," said Pederson.
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