People urged to protect Qatar’s biodiversity
The Peninsula
Doha: Every species plays a role in maintaining the balance of our ecosystems. Support biodiversity conservation today! the Ministry of Environment an...
Doha: Every species plays a role in maintaining the balance of our ecosystems. Support biodiversity conservation today! the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MECC) urged people in a social media post recently.
Qatar is stepping up efforts to develop ecotourism destinations across the country, that are not limited to environment but extend to economy and culture, it said. The ministry in a series of social media posts discussed different aspects of conservation efforts. It is on the forefront of efforts to protect Qatar’s biodiversity and ecosystems and has implemented initiatives and projects to protect the local environment from degradation.
Its biodiversity conservation efforts include habitat restoration and species protection programmes, and marine life conservation with the ongoing monitoring and strict regulations against overfishing.
“Small steps make a big difference in protecting our planet, and helps sustain its resources for us and future generations. Five ways one can contribute to conservation efforts: spreading awareness of environmental issues within the community; transforming to more sustainable practices; volunteering in environmental activities in your area; supporting government decisions that stipulate the protection of the environment and its various components; and donating and supporting projects that work to preserve the environment,” the ministry said. MECC has allocated 2.5% of Qatar’s area into marine reserves, creating safe havens for dugongs and whale sharks. “From marine habitats to desert landscapes, the ministry’s conservation efforts span all of Qatar’s diverse ecosystems. Dahl Al Misfir Cave, a 40-metre deep sinkhole located in Rawdat Rashid, 40km from Doha, is one of the most popular eco-tourism destinations in the country,” the ministry said. “Qatar began planting and nurturing mangroves in 1981 as part of its marine biodiversity preservation efforts. In 1997, the number of cultivation areas reached 13 sites along the coast of the country,” it added.
The Supreme Council of Environment and Natural Reserves designated mangrove ecosystems as nature reserves in 2006. In 2023, a memorandum of understanding was signed to establish the National Programme to Conserve Qatar’s Coastal Ecosystems, involving the Earthna Centre for a Sustainable Future, Qatar University, and MECC.
