IAF AECCA

On 16 April 2026, the Library of Les Riches Claires in Brussels hosted a fascinating lecture entitled "Falconry between East and West: Exchanges in the Mediterranean (12th–15th Centuries)", presented by historian Prof. Baudouin Van den Abeele.

The event was co-organised by HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Museum of International Falconry and brought together attendees interested in the rich cultural history of falconry and its role in connecting civilizations.

The lecture explored how medieval falconry served as a remarkable channel for the exchange of knowledge, techniques, and cultural practices between Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean world. Using hunting traditions, manuscripts, and the movement of birds of prey as examples, Van den Abeele demonstrated how the Mediterranean of the 12th and 13th centuries functioned as a vibrant crossroads of intellectual and cultural interaction.

Particular attention was given to the multicultural environment of medieval Sicily and to the influential figure of Frederick II. A passionate falconer and scholar, Frederick II authored the famous treatise De arte venandi cum avibus ("The Art of Hunting with Birds"), which combined practical experience, careful observation, and knowledge drawn from both Western and Eastern traditions.

The presentation highlighted the important role played by Arabic falconry texts translated into Latin at Frederick's court, introducing new techniques and specialised vocabulary into European practice. It also examined the movement of birds themselves—gyrfalcons from northern Europe, oriental falcons, and exotic birds exchanged as diplomatic gifts—illustrating the extensive commercial and diplomatic networks that linked Europe, North Africa, and the Near East.

By looking at medieval history through the lens of falconry, the lecture revealed a connected world in which knowledge, skills, and traditions travelled across political, religious, and cultural boundaries. The event provided a valuable reminder that falconry has long been more than a hunting practice: it has also been a vehicle for dialogue, exchange, and mutual understanding between peoples and cultures.

The IAF warmly thanks Professor Baudouin Van den Abeele for highlighting this important chapter in the shared heritage of falconry and congratulates him on a successful lecture.

The IAF participated in the 15th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS CoP15), held in Campo Grande, Brazil, from 23–29 March 2026. The meeting brought together governments, scientists, conservation organisations, Indigenous Peoples, local communities, and civil society representatives to discuss global conservation priorities for migratory species.

The IAF was represented throughout the conference by Adrian Reuter, who attended to monitor developments relevant to falconry, birds of prey, and sustainable use. A particular highlight was IAF's participation in the Raptors MoU side event, "A New Phase for Conserving and Managing the Saker Populations", organised on 23 March by the CMS Raptors Memorandum of Understanding. Janusz Sielicki represented the IAF with an online presentation on "Changes in Falconers' Practices and the Impact of Electrocution", highlighting the results of a new survey developed jointly by the IAF and the Raptors MoU. The survey examined current falconry practices and the growing challenge posed by electrocution on power infrastructure. The presentation was well received and reinforced the role of falconers as knowledgeable partners in raptor conservation.

The conference also addressed a wide range of issues relevant to birds of prey, including illegal killing and trade of migratory birds, poisoning, electrocution, ecological connectivity, flyway conservation, and the development of new international conservation initiatives.

Of particular interest were decisions to establish Internationally Important Raptor Areas (IIRAs), continue work on preventing poisoning of migratory birds, and advance species-specific conservation measures such as the Steppe Eagle Global Action Plan.

CMS CoP15 further provided valuable opportunities for cooperation and networking with partner organisations, including FACE, CIC, Conservation Force, and representatives from governments and conservation bodies involved in raptor conservation. Discussions throughout the week highlighted the importance of maintaining strong engagement in international conservation forums and ensuring that the perspectives of sustainable-use communities and falconers continue to contribute to global conservation policy.

The IAF will continue to follow developments within CMS and the Raptors MoU closely and remains committed to supporting science-based conservation, sustainable use, and international cooperation for the benefit of migratory birds of prey and their habitats.

Dear friends of IAF, the IAF represents and safeguards falconry against threats and challenges internationally, and links together all its member falconry clubs throughout the world.

While primary membership of the IAF is for clubs, it is also possible to support the IAF as an individual subscriber. This cost 40 euro per year and affords the right to attend the annual Council of Delegates Meeting, to join IAF working groups, and to receive a copy of the yearly IAF Journal. It provides a way in which individuals may support the activities of the IAF financially at an affordable cost.

We encourage members of the falconry community to become individual subscribers, and would like to request all of our member organisations to also encourage their members to support IAF in this manner. This will help to keep membership dues for clubs at their current level, while allowing the IAF to continue its current activities on your behalf.