The International Fund for Houbara Conservation: Wings of Hope

The story of IFHC stretches back to the 1970s, when Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan first voiced concern about the troubling decline of the houbara. With characteristic foresight, he set in motion a conservation initiative aimed at saving the species. What started as a local effort blossomed into an ambitious, globally coordinated mission. Today, the IFHC’s work encompasses scientific research, habitat preservation, and a sophisticated breeding program designed to give the houbara a fighting chance.

At the heart of the IFHC’s efforts is a simple yet powerful goal: to ensure sustainable wild houbara populations across their natural territories. The organisation achieves this through a comprehensive strategy that includes running extensive conservation breeding and release programs aimed at strengthening wild populations while also safeguarding critical ecosystems that the houbara depend on for survival. 

In addition, the IFHC fosters international collaboration, working closely with nations along the houbara’s migratory routes to advance conservation efforts globally. The organisation also emphasises cultural preservation, promoting responsible falconry practices that honour ancient traditions while ensuring the species remains protected. 

As of 2024, the IFHC has bred over 888,200 houbara bustards and released more than 534,000 into the wild. These numbers signify a lifeline for the species and a notable contribution to global biodiversity.

Within the UAE, the IFHC operates some of the world’s most advanced avian conservation centers, including the National Avian Research Center in Sweihan and the Sheikh Khalifa Houbara Breeding Center in Abu Dhabi. These hubs of innovation and research work tirelessly to prepare houbara bustards for their return to the wild.

Beyond UAE borders, the IFHC’s influence is vast. Breeding facilities such as the Emirates Center for Wildlife Propagation in Morocco and the Sheikh Khalifa Houbara Breeding Center in Kazakhstan drive significant conservation initiatives, releasing houbara bustards back into the landscapes they once roamed freely. These efforts are essential to preserving the species’ transcontinental range. In 2020, the IFHC entered a five-year agreement with the Israel Nature & Heritage Foundation to safeguard Asian houbara populations and other threatened birds in Israel.

What sets the IFHC apart is its integrative approach, which balances scientific rigour with cultural reverence. At the end of the day, it’s all about protecting our shared natural heritage and ensuring that future generations inherit a world rich in wild wonders.