A high-tech gene bank should be set up to help save birds on the brink of extinction, a seminar has been told.
"We should conduct extensive studies and research in this field," said Dr Jamal Badani, of the Ministry of Environment and Water.
"Birds that have high environmental importance are a valuable treasure which can't be regained once lost."
Dr Badani said that climate change posed the biggest threat to birds.
But he added that hunting, pesticides and the encroachment of desert areas were also significant factors.
Dr Badani was speaking at an event held by the Dubai Municipality to mark World Migratory Bird Day.
* The National
