 Cuneyt Oguztuzun
Vulerable Lesser Kestrel are recorded in the United Arab Emirates during the migratory period.
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Birders records boost Abu Dhabi’s environmental database
04-08-2008
The Environment Agency of Abu Dhabi (EAD) and the Emirates Bird Records Committee (EBRC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) 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 document was signed by the Secretary General of the Environment Agency of Abu Dhabi, Majid Al Mansouri, and by Simon Aspinall and Tommy Pedersen, Chairman and Secretary respectively of the EBRC.
The entire EBRC database of records is to be integrated into the EAD environmental database, covering both Abu Dhabi and the other Emirates. This will provide EAD with one of the most extensive national databases of wild bird records in the Arabian Peninsula.
The EBRC, founded over 15 years ago, collects data from both visiting and resident birdwatchers throughout the country, and 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.
“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” —Majid Al Mansouri, Secretary General of the Environment Agency of Abu Dhabi
"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," says 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 noted that 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.
Ibrahim Al-Khader - Head of BirdLife Middle East - noted that the area is very important for birds: “The Unites Arab Emirates represents a major stopover site for migrating and wintering waders, with several million shorebirds occuring during migration.”
“Birds Conservation has always been based on voluntary efforts and contributions from bird lovers and enthusiasts and represents a major pillar of BirdLife International’s work”, Al-Khader added. “This news will form an important step towards the establishment of a national monitoring scheme that is hoped to be updated regularly. It will help build local capacity through mobilizing interested people to contribute their records”.
“Birds Conservation has always been based on voluntary efforts and contributions from bird lovers and enthusiasts and represents a major pillar of BirdLife International’s work” —Ibrahim Al-Khader, Head of BirdLife Middle East
Erik Hirschfeld, Editor of the Rare Birds Year Book, was one of the founders of the EBRC, and its first Chairman. “I think this is a great example of how amateur and leisure birders’ can contribute their observations to be used scientifically to aid conservation in a rapidly developing country. This is especially important in the UAE, which is very proud of its abundant birdlife. The records will now be kept safe for future generations to use.”
EBRC Chairman Simon Aspinall said: "We have wanted for many years to have our 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."
EBRC Secretary Tommy Pedersen, who maintains the bird database, said: "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.”
Credits: BirdLife Middle East