“Annual Falcon Release Programme: Preserving a Timeless Heritage Through Conservation”.

Falconry has remained an enduring symbol of cultural heritage, environmental ethics, and human–nature harmony for centuries. Closely associated with Arab tradition, the practice of falconry embodies values of respect for wildlife, sustainable use of natural resources, and conservation awareness. In this context, Pakistan occupies a vital position as a natural habitat and migratory corridor for several falcon species, making it a strategic partner in international conservation efforts.

To promote the conservation of falcons and ensure their sustainable survival in the wild, Falcon Foundation International Pakistan (FFIP) was established in 1995 as a non-governmental organization dedicated to research, protection, and rehabilitation of falcon species. Since its inception, FFIP has worked in close coordination with relevant Government departments, leading wildlife experts, and the Environment Agency, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, fostering a model of international cooperation in wildlife conservation.

The late His Highness Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan (May his soul rest in peace)—an avid falconer, visionary leader, and globally respected conservationist—personally patronized the Falcon Release Programme. His Highness firmly believed that traditional practices such as falconry must be pursued responsibly, with a strong emphasis on conservation and scientific understanding.

He envisioned that falcon release initiatives should take place in the natural habitats of falcons in Pakistan, ensuring that rehabilitated and captive-bred birds are reintegrated into environments best suited for their survival. Equally important, His Highness emphasized that these programmes should be scientifically designed to generate valuable data for researchers, particularly to study migratory routes, survival rates, adaptation patterns, and long-term reintegration into the wild.

Under this comprehensive conservation framework, FFIP has collaborated in the release of over 1,000 Saker and Peregrine falcons over the years. These releases have been strategically conducted in ecologically significant regions known for their suitability as falcon habitats and migratory stopovers.
Key release sites include Skardu, Gilgit, Hunza, Chitral, and Gwadar, spanning Pakistan’s mountainous north to its coastal south. The geographic diversity of these locations has enabled scientists to observe falcon behavior across different terrains and climatic conditions, contributing to a deeper understanding of migration patterns linking Central Asia, South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.

The Annual Falcon Release Programme has yielded important scientific insights, strengthening regional and international knowledge of falcon ecology. Through tagging, monitoring, and data sharing, researchers have been able to track migratory routes, assess survival outcomes, and evaluate the effectiveness of rehabilitation protocols.
Beyond scientific research, the programme has played a critical role in raising awareness about falcon conservation, discouraging illegal trade, and promoting ethical falconry practices. It has also reinforced Pakistan’s role as a key partner in global efforts to conserve migratory birds of prey.

In pursuit of the late Sheikh Zayed’s enduring legacy, the United Arab Emirates led a historic international effort in 2010 to have falconry inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This nomination, the largest ever submitted under the UNESCO Convention, was hailed as an outstanding example of cooperation among nations and cultures.

The recognition underscored falconry’s unique status as a living heritage that combines tradition, conservation, and ethical responsibility, further strengthening global commitment to the protection of falcons and their habitats.

The Annual Falcon Release Programme exemplifies a balanced approach to conservation—one that respects cultural traditions while embracing scientific research and environmental responsibility. It reflects a broader vision of sustainable development in which heritage, biodiversity, and future generations are equally valued.
As His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, has aptly stated:

“We have to strike a balance of responsibility between our duty to update other sources of energy, protecting our environment and ensuring a proper legacy for the next generation.”
Through sustained international collaboration and visionary leadership, the Annual Falcon Release Programme continues to serve as a powerful testament to this philosophy—preserving both a timeless cultural tradition and the natural world that sustains it.