Conservation
In
1995, key members of the I.F.C.D.W. decided to mark, by a gift, their gratitude
to a person in whom they had witnessed a sincere effort to protect the tradition
and habitat of the Arabian desert. They, for a number of years had been a privileged
part of the pioneering processes developed due to the generous personal support
and the determination of HRH Prince Sultan ibn Abdul Aziz Al Saud of the Kingdom
of Saudi Arabia. A book dedicated to HRH that would reflect his concern for
desert flora and fauna seemed appropriate. Over the following years 'Gifts from
the Desert' has evolved into a travelling exhibition. The paintings will hopefully
assist, in a humble way, to enlighten our concerns for this fragile habitat.
It is hoped that the paintings and the project will open doors of opportunity
within the areas of Wildlife Art and Conservation to allow the journey to continue.
HRH
Prince Sultan ibn Abdul Aziz Al Saud
The
book 'Gifts from the Desert' is dedicated to HRH Prince Sultan ibn Abdul Aziz
Al Saud, Second Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence and Aviation for
the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
At the
turn of the last century the deserts of Arabia were alive with an immense
variety of wildlife. Vast herds of Gazelle and Oryx roamed whilst flocks of
Houbara arrrived to signal the coming of spring. Rapid urbanisation and modernisation
following the discovery of oil was to have a drastic effect on native flora
and fauna. The dismay that this rich heritage would be lost for future generations
brought a race to reverse this decline.
HRH
Prince Sultan ibn Abdul Aziz Al Saud has been an outstanding example in attempting
to address this imbalance of nature. HRH Prince Sultan is Chairman of the Board
of Directors of the National Commisssion for Wildlife Conservation and Developement
in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Patron and Sponsor of the International Foundation
for the Conservation and Development in the Kingdom of Morocco. In this capacity
he has provided the impetus to establish research and breeding centres as well
as reintroduction programmes and wildlife reserves. The results today show many
threatened species returning to their natural habitats.
I.F.C.D.W.
The
International Foundation for Conservation & Development of Wildlife is an
organisation dedicated to protecting desert habitats, wildlife and traditions.
Based in Morocco with a Breeding Centre located near Agadir and a Research and
Release Station near Errachidea, the project is extensively equipped with an
outstanding breeding laboratory, with research and release facilities.
The
Houbara Bustard is the focus of the IFCDW project, which was established in
1993, and is soley funded by HRH Prince Sultan ibn Abdul Aziz Al Saud. Between
first captive production in 1995 and the 1999 season 797 chicks were successfully
bred and a total of 454 birds have been released. Indications are that the 2000
season has greatly exceeded previous years.
Details
of the I.F.C.D.W. web site are available on the Contacts page.
Julian
Friers & The Paintings. For exhibitions and the future of the paintings
go to The Artist
