CITES Office Opens At Souq Waqif Falcon Hospital To Issue Import, Export Permits For Endangered Species

DOHA: The Wildlife Development Department at the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MECC) yesterday opened an office at Souq Waqif Falcon Hospital to issue import and export permits for endangered species of animals and birds, following the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

Assistant Undersecretary for Natural Reserves Affairs at MECC Dr. Ibrahim Al Maslamani inaugurated the office which aims to facilitate the procedures for issuing falcon transit documents for preserving them as per the environmental and legal controls of the CITES Convention, which enhances Qatar's efforts to protect wildlife and saves time and effort in issuing falcon travel licenses.

It will also help expedite the international transit and movement of falcons, especially with the increasing demand for their transportation during the hunting season and international festivals.

Dr. Al Musalmani stressed the importance of opening the CITES office at the Souq Waqif Falcon Hospital, considering it a pioneering step in protecting wildlife and facilitating falcon crossing procedures following the CITES agreement.

He said that the initiative reflects Qatar's firm stance towards its international commitments to the environment and biodiversity protection, which contributes to supporting global efforts to conserve endangered species.

“This office reflects the efforts of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change to facilitate procedures for citizens who own falcons to import or export them abroad legally and transparently, given the great importance that falcons hold in Qatari society, as they are considered an integral part of Qatari cultural heritage,” said Al Musalmani.

Director of the Wildlife Development Department Yousef Ibrahim Al Hamar explained that CITES is an international agreement established in 1975, aiming to ensure that international trade in wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. He noted that Qatar was among the first countries to sign this agreement, which now includes more than 180 countries.

“The opening of the CITES office at the Souq Waqif Falcon Hospital is part of MECC's efforts to conserve wildlife. The office will play a pivotal role in facilitating the procedures for issuing falcon transit documents, as falcon breeders can submit applications for falcon import and export licenses through the office,” said Al Hamar.

He said that the office carefully examines each application to ensure it meets the requirements of the CITES agreement and after approval, falcon transit documents are issued, allowing them to be legally transported across borders. The Director of the Wildlife Development Department indicated that the office will also provide guidance services to falcon owners on how to comply with international and local legislation, by organizing workshops and awareness campaigns for falconry enthusiasts.

He emphasized that these efforts aim to ensure that the import and export of these birds is legal, and to protect falcons and other endangered species from illegal exploitation, thus ensuring the sustainability of these species.

Director of the Souq Waqif Falcon Hospital Dr. Iqdam Al Karkhi emphasised the importance of MECC's CITES office, which is dedicated to issuing import licenses for endangered animals. He pointed out that this office complements and culminates the hospital's efforts to focus on protecting these birds, given their importance to Qatari culture.

Al Karkhi added, "The office will contribute to strengthening the hospital's role as an integrated center providing health and administrative services for falcons, reflecting the integration of state institutions in protecting biodiversity. The opening of the CITES office is a pioneering step that reflects the State of Qatar's commitment to protecting wildlife and supporting global efforts to conserve endangered species by facilitating falcon transit procedures and ensuring compliance with the CITES Convention." He emphasized that the opening of the office will enhance biodiversity and preserve Qatari cultural heritage, reflecting Qatar's ambitious vision to build a sustainable future that respects the environment and preserves its natural resources.

MENAFN21032025000063011010ID1109340456