Representatives of 14 countries took part in the first Falcon Day forum in Vladivostok

The press service of the Roscongress Foundation spoke about the results of the first International Forum “Day of the Falcon”. The event took place in Vladivostok on the starting day of the Eastern Economic Forum on September 10. Its participants discussed topical issues related to the scientific basis for the conservation of rare species of birds of prey, effective methods for restoring natural populations, the best practices for the applied use of birds of prey, and the activities of breeding centers, rehabilitation and reintroduction of falconids.

The organizers of the event noted the wide range of participants. It was attended by officials and experts from Russia, as well as from Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Mongolia, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, China, Kuwait, Myanmar, UAE, Peru, Saudi Arabia, the Philippines and South Africa. In the future, it is planned to hold “Falcon Day” annually.

As a result of the forum, a framework declaration of intent to preserve the gyrfalcon population was adopted. The document was adopted by Russia, China, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Mongolia and the UAE. Later, other interested states may join the declaration.

“The declaration will determine the most important vectors of work aimed at preserving and increasing the population of this bird species. The parties agreed to work on the development of programs in this area, establish cooperation in preventing poaching and illegal trade in gyrfalcons, and promote the socio-economic development of regions inhabited by breeding populations of gyrfalcons,” - the message says.

In addition, the countries agreed to strengthen measures to preserve the population of gyrfalcons and their habitats by improving the scientific methodology for studying the population of these birds, monitoring and strengthening the work of organizations engaged in scientific research and educational activities. There are also plans to develop funding mechanisms for long-term conservation of the gyrfalcon. Participants discussed the possibility of expanding existing protected areas and creating new ones.

A falcon auction took place as part of the forum. More than 30 individuals of gyrfalcons, saker falcons, and peregrine falcons, bred in the largest nurseries in Russia, were exhibited as lots. The funds raised during the auction are planned to be used for the development of centers for the reintroduction and conservation of birds of the falcon family, ecological tourism, as well as for conducting research in the natural environment and at the centers.

The report notes that the auction was held in accordance with the provisions of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, adopted on March 3, 1973 (CITES). This document regulates the international trade of rare and endangered species of animals and plants.