Europe celebrates Abu Dhabi's efforts to register falconry at UNESCO

posted on 16/02/2011: 87 views

The European Union has celebrated UAE's successful registration of falconry as a living human heritage on the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity at UNESCO.

Following a joint invitation from the EU Sub-Committee on Agriculture, Fisheries and Environment and the International Falconers Forum, the UAE, represented by the Emirates Falconers Club and the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH), took part in a ceremony held at the seat of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France.

Dr. Awad Ali Saleh, the Advisor for International Cultural Co- operation at ADACH, took part in the event, leading a discussion on the importance of international cultural cooperation.

This cooperation was instigated by the UAE, with the participation of ten other countries, both Arabic and foreign. They collaborated to prepare and submit the international falconry file.

Saleh stressed that the unique collaboration that was instrumental in preparing the file came to fruition when it successfully registered falconry as a living human heritage on the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

He pointed out that the door "will remain open to any other countries who are interested in contributing to this file on falconry, which places great emphasis on the common cultural heritage that exists amongst different people." Other speakers from the European Parliament, European and international falconry associations and participating countries stressed the importance of the role played by the UAE and the efforts it made regarding the falconry file. It is acknowledged as being a great example of the significance of international cultural cooperation.

They thanked His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, for the support he has given to the preservation of the heritage of falconry in the world. They also thanked the great contributions made to this cause by the Emirates Falconers Club and ADACH, who have each stressed their desire to participate in the Third International Festival of Falconry in Abu Dhabi on December 2011.

UNESCO registered falconry as a living human heritage on the representative list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity last November. This decision was made during the meetings of the Intergovernmental Committee for Intangible Cultural Heritage of UNESCO, held in Nairobi, Kenya.

Mohammed Khalaf Al Mazrouei, the Advisor for Culture and Heritage at the Court of the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, and Director General of ADACH, said that falconry has achieved prestigious international recognition in its role as a living human heritage. Thanks to this unique achievement it reflects the pride of nations, groups and individuals who praise it as one of the main components of their culture and identity.

"This decision is the culmination of an on-going a five-year effort and the product of the ceaseless work of ADACH, the Emirates Falconers Club and the Environment Agency. Abu Dhabi has worked in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Community Development and a number of specialised authorities," added Al Mazrouei. - Emirates News Agency, WAM

RELATED ARTICLES

16 May 2012	Falconry attracting young generation, says expert
14 May 2012	International Fund for Houbara Conservation releases 1292 Houbaras into the wild
02 May 2012	66 falcons to be released in Kazakhstan
29 March 2012	Saker Falcon Task Force meets in Abu Dhabi
23 February 2012	IFHC announces hatching of first Asian Houbara Chick of the Season

blog comments powered by Disqus