Abu Dhabi (Etihad)
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and Chairman of the Executive Council of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, issued a local decision to amend the Executive Regulations issued by Resolution No. (69) of 2015 Local Law No. (22) of 2005 regarding the regulation of wild hunting in the Emirate Abu Dhabi, which is implemented by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi.
The amendments to the executive regulations of the Law of Wild Hunting come as a tributary to support the wild hunting sector in the emirate and efforts to preserve the traditional hunting heritage in the emirate, especially the sport of falconry (falconry), and a desire to spread this authentic Arab heritage to present and future generations, and to encourage them to practice traditional fishing within Legal and environmental controls, in addition to enhancing the economic value of natural resources by diversifying and enhancing investment opportunities in the environmental field. This will raise the efforts of traditional wild hunting, especially the sport of falconry, to comply with international standards of environmental sustainability.
The decision stipulated exempting all fishermen and operators from the “type preservation fee” and canceling it from the executive regulations issued pursuant to Executive Council Resolution No. (69) of 2015.
The decision stipulated that the authority would issue permission to fish by traditional methods in areas outside the areas designated for fishing determined by the competent authority (Environment Authority – Abu Dhabi), taking into account the ban on fishing in the areas specified in paragraph (7) of Article (4) of Local Law No. (22). ) of 2005, which includes the prohibition of fishing within the boundaries of pastoral reserves and natural reserves, or near prohibited areas, provided that the license includes the terms and conditions of the permission to hunt, including the licensed fisherman, the seasons and areas of fishing, the species licensed to hunt by traditional methods and other necessary conditions To implement the provisions of the laws in force in the matter of preserving species, and to consolidate and promote sustainable fishing using traditional methods.
Under the decision, the authority determined that it is the competent authority, the species allowed to be hunted by falconers licensed by the authority, which includes bustards only. Hunting is permitted to use falcons licensed and registered with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, and proof of their registration is submitted if requested. Traditional hunting is restricted to open areas, with the necessity to stay away from prohibited places such as nature reserves, forests, residential, military and petroleum areas, with a distance of no less than 2 km.
The authority stressed the need for the licensee to abide by the period specified for hunting in the permit issued to him for one season only. The authority will also start licensing wild hunting for this season, until the end of February 28, 2022.
In accordance with the regulations set by the authority, being the competent authority, it is prohibited to hunt any kind of wild animal and cause disturbance to it. It is also prohibited to drive vehicles on vegetation cover and cause damage to it, and it is prohibited to transfer the hunting permit to another person. The permit must be carried while practicing fishing and presented to the competent authority and the concerned authorities upon request.
The authority has set the conditions that must be met to obtain a wild hunting permit, whereby the applicant must be a citizen of the United Arab Emirates, and be at least 18 years old. The application for a wild hunting permit is submitted through the authority’s e-mail to the following address: [email protected].
legal framework
It is noteworthy that Law No. 22 of 2005 regulating wild hunting in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi came to set a legal framework for wild hunting activities within environmental controls and standards that comply with the higher goals of efforts to conserve and preserve wild animal species, and in a manner that does not conflict with the sustainability of their numbers in their natural habitats. The law contributes to protecting the heritage of falconry, protecting wild animals, preserving hunting areas, and optimizing the use and development of wildlife resources in accordance with an integrated vision that meets environmental sustainability standards.
The law is characterized by the fact that it is based on a strong legislative outcome and is effectively in line with local and federal laws. This legislative outcome with global benchmark comparisons has produced a comprehensive law that is one of the best fishing legislation at the regional and global levels.
The Environment Agency seeks to create a model for wild fishing in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi that rises to the highest international practices, to be a distinguished and pioneering model at the national, regional and international levels.
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