Her Royal Highness Princess Alia Bint Al Hussein Patronises Regional Workshop to Promote Positive Community Behaviour and Reduce Demand for Wildlife and Birds i…

Her Royal Highness Princess Alia Bint Al Hussein launched a regional workshop in Amman on June 3, 2026, titled *Promoting Positive Community Behaviour to Reduce Demand for Wildlife and Birds in the Middle East*. The event brought together government representatives, environmental organizations, and conservation experts from across the Arab world to address unsustainable wildlife exploitation. Princess Alia emphasized the need for cultural appreciation of nature and highlighted the role of education, particularly among youth, in fostering environmental awareness. She stressed that regional collaboration is critical for securing migratory bird routes and protecting biodiversity, noting the Middle East’s significance as a global flyway. The workshop, organized by BirdLife International – Middle East, the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN), and the Princess Alia Foundation, focuses on behavioral change principles to combat illegal bird killing and trade. It is supported by the *Safe Flyways for Migratory Birds Project 3*, active in Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, and other Mediterranean countries. Ibrahim Al Khader, Regional Director of BirdLife International – Middle East, underscored the organization’s role in advocating against illegal bird killing through policy support and scientific evidence. He noted that unsustainable human activities drive biodiversity loss but that behavioral shifts can mitigate these threats. The Middle East remains a critical region for migratory birds, with many species facing risks from illegal trade and exploitation. Participants discussed social, economic, and cultural factors contributing to wildlife demand, aiming to develop evidence-based solutions. The workshop seeks to strengthen regional cooperation among governments, NGOs, and experts to protect migratory birds and ecosystems across the Middle East.