Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC) has inaugurated a branch office of the Wildlife Development Department at the Souq Waqif Falcon Hospital. The office is dedicated to issuing permits for the import and export of endangered animals, in compliance with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
The inauguration ceremony was attended by MoECC's Assistant Undersecretary for Protection and Natural Reserves Affairs Dr. Ibrahim Al Maslamani along with key officials, including the ministry's Wildlife Development Department director Yousef Ibrahim Al Hamar, Director of Souq Waqif Falcon Hospital Dr. Iqdam Al Karkhi, and representatives from various stakeholders.
The newly established office aims to streamline the issuance of falcon transit documents in accordance with CITES environmental and legal standards. This initiative supports Qatar's efforts to protect wildlife and accelerates the processing of falcon travel permits, particularly given the increasing demand for their transportation during hunting seasons and international festivals.
Dr. Al Maslamani emphasized that the opening of the CITES office at Souq Waqif Falcon Hospital marks a significant step in wildlife conservation and facilitating falcon transit. He highlighted that this effort is in line with Qatars international commitments to environmental protection and biodiversity. He stated that the new office underscores Qatars adherence to global standards for protecting endangered species and contributes to enhancing the import and export processes for falcons, which hold cultural and heritage significance within Qatari society.
Youssef Ibrahim Al Hamar explained that CITES, established in 1975 and comprising over 180 member countries, aims to ensure that international trade in wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. He noted Qatars pioneering role in ratifying the convention and implementing its standards. He added that the new office simplifies the procedures for issuing falcon transit documents, allowing falcon breeders to submit their import and export permit applications directly. Applications will be reviewed for compliance with CITES requirements before the issuance of the necessary licenses.
Al Hamar also stated that the office will provide advisory and awareness services to falcon breeders, including workshops on international and local legislation related to wildlife protection. He stressed that these initiatives aim to ensure adherence to legal processes and protect falcons from exploitation, thereby supporting the sustainability of these species.
Dr. Al Karkhi, Director of Souq Waqif Falcon Hospital, noted that the new office enhances the hospitals role as an integrated center offering medical and administrative services for falcons. He emphasized the strong collaboration between state institutions to safeguard biodiversity. He remarked that the office facilitates falcon transit in line with CITES standards, bolstering both national and international efforts to protect endangered species.
Dr. Al Karkhi described this achievement as an important step towards enhancing biodiversity, preserving Qatar's cultural heritage, and advancing the nations environmental sustainability goals. He highlighted that the initiative aligns with Qatar's vision to protect natural resources for future generations.
