UAE presents dossier on falconry

Abu Dhabi: The UAE presented its pilot experiment to compile an international dossier on falconry, to an international convention recently in Bangkok, Thailand.

The convention was hosted by Unesco, the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation, and was to examine intangible heritage beyond borders.

Intangible heritage is when heritage is found in similar or identical forms among peoples separated by distance.

The meeting in Bangkok was to help unite countries in their efforts to protect the Asia Pacific region's rich and diverse heritage.

Three presentations were given at the meeting: one entitled "Diffuse heritage and diffuse communities"; "Culture beyond borders: the case of tango"; and "Rural to urban and international migration: implications for intangible cultural heritage".

‘Arduous task'

Dr Nasser Al Hameri, director of Intangible Heritage Department at Abu Dhabi Authority for Heritage and Culture (ADACH), told delegates from 28 countries from the Asia-Pacific region, plus heritage researchers from Africa, Latin America and Europe, that the UAE had convinced 12 countries to contribute to the dossier.

Countries include five from the Arab world, five from Europe and two from Asia. "Preparing such a dossier is an arduous task that needs long patience, persistence and frequent contacts with stakeholders," he said.

He noted that the UAE played a leading role in preparing the file and attracted international recognition for its efforts to promote understanding, dialogue and peace.