MoECC organises workshop on biodiversity strategy
QNA
Doha
The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC) organised a workshop entitled 'National Targets of the National Biodiversity Strategy', as part of the activities under the project to support early action for the Global Biodiversity Framework – Qatar. The event was held in cooperation with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and with support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF).
The workshop was held under the patronage of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, HE Dr Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie, and was attended by a select group of experts, consultants, and representatives from relevant national authorities.
In his speech during the workshop, Assistant Undersecretary for Protection and Nature Reserves, Dr Ibrahim Abdullatif Al Maslamani, emphasised that the Ministry places great importance on protecting biodiversity, considering it a fundamental pillar for the sustainability of environmental resources, as well as a guarantee of food and water security and human well-being. He noted that these efforts fall within the framework of implementing the environmental development pillar of Qatar National Vision 2030.
Dr Al Maslamani explained that the workshop aims to review and update the national objectives within the National Biodiversity Strategy for the 2025–2035 period, and to enhance their alignment with the requirements of the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework, the Third National Development Strategy (2024–2030), and the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change's strategy.
He pointed out that through this project, the ministry seeks to develop a comprehensive and integrated strategy for biodiversity conservation, based on the latest global scientific practices and the principle of active participation by various national entities, including government institutions, academic bodies, civil society organizations, and the private sector.
For his part, Director of the Wildlife Development Department at the ministry Yousef Al Hamar noted that biodiversity is the cornerstone of healthy ecosystems and a pivotal factor in the sustainability of natural resources and the enhancement of food and water security. He stressed that preservation represents a national and international commitment, and is part of Qatar National Vision 2030, the Third National Development Strategy, and the ministry's strategy, in addition to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework.
The workshop featured multiple discussion sessions, including reviewing national targets and linking them to the global biodiversity framework, reviewing the next steps to update the strategy, and presenting participants' comments and suggestions.
At the conclusion of the workshop, the project organisers expressed their thanks and appreciation to the participants, affirming their continued cooperation with all relevant parties during the next phases, leading to the adoption of the National Biodiversity Strategy for the State of Qatar, which will enhance the country's efforts to conserve its natural diversity for the benefit of current and future generations.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Qatar Tribune
15 hours ago
- Qatar Tribune
QF's Qatar Academy Msheireb launches environmental awareness drive
Tribune News Network Doha Qatar Academy Msheireb, a part of Qatar Foundation's (QF) Pre-University Education (PUE), has partnered with Msheireb Properties to launch the 'Liquid 3' Tree Project, that empowers students to apply academic knowledge to real-world environmental solutions and reinforces the school's commitment to sustainability and innovation. The 'Liquid 3' Tree Project provides a multidimensional learning experience that combines environmental science, technology, and community engagement. It enhances students' critical thinking, research, and teamwork skills, while strengthening their awareness of their role as change-makers in their communities. Lina Othman, innovation and creativity teacher at Qatar Academy Msheireb (QAM), said: 'At QAM, we believe that sustainability should go beyond theory, it should be a lived experience for our students. The 'Liquid 3' Tree Project brings this vision to life by allowing students to transform their scientific research into practical solutions that positively impact their environment.' Since the launch of the project, students have been engaged in every phase, from setting environmental criteria and analysing data, to selecting the ideal location for the 'Liquid 3' Tree on campus. Their research included monitoring sunlight exposure, pedestrian and vehicle flow, and visual signs of pollution, such as soot buildup and leaf discolouration. Speaking about the project's impact on students, Othman said, 'We've seen remarkable growth in students' environmental awareness. They now better understand how urban design influences air quality and ecosystem health. 'Beyond that, many students expressed a strong sense of pride and empowerment in seeing their research directly contribute to improving their school environment.' Othman noted that the project also fostered continuous learning, with an advanced device for measuring carbon dioxide levels installed next to the 'Liquid 3' Tree. This real-time air quality data supports student-led sustainability projects and community awareness initiatives within the Academy. 'Through these experiences, we are transforming students from passive learners into active contributors. Today, they are not just science students, they have become sustainability ambassadors within and beyond the school community,' Othman explained. 'They have taken the initiative to invite students from other schools to learn about the project, raise awareness about air pollution, and inspire further environmental initiatives.' She added that the project has helped students develop a range of essential skills, including research and analytical skills. She said, 'Projects like this foster a curious and purposeful mindset among students. Our goal is to graduate a generation of environmentally conscious global citizens who can actively contribute to advancing sustainability goals in line with Qatar National Vision 2030. 'When students see their ideas and research driving tangible change in their surroundings, it strengthens their belief in their ability to shape the future, and that is at the heart of our mission at QAM.'
Qatar Tribune
2 days ago
- Qatar Tribune
‘Environmental sustainability is key focus of QU's educational plans'
QNA Doha Vice President of Research and Graduate Studies at Qatar University (QU) Prof. Aiman Erbad, emphasized that the university is one of the leading academic institutions in the region that pays great attention to environmental studies and research. In an interview with Qatar News Agency (QNA), Dr Erbad said that the university seeks to promote environmental sustainability through advanced scientific research, developing innovative solutions, and building local and international partnerships to address these challenges. He highlighted the university's advanced research facilities specializing in the environment and sustainability. QU adopts a clear vision to support sustainable development in the country and the region, in line with the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030 (QNV 2030) and the university's own strategy, he said, noting that environmental sustainability is a key focus of its research and educational plans. The scientific research sector at QU has witnessed remarkable growth over the past five years (2020-2024), reflecting the university's commitment to strengthening its research standing at the local and international levels. Figures indicate that the number of scientific publications increased by 24.1 percent, reaching 11,260 during this period. This growth is a clear indicator of the university's research momentum across various disciplines. The Vice President of Research and Graduate Studies at QU noted that environmental research and studies receive significant attention as part of the university's role in supporting the state's efforts to protect the environment and promote sustainability. He stated that environmental concern is a top priority at the educational and research levels, in line with national priorities in scientific research and the growing government interest in the environmental sector. In this context, he spoke about a number of academic programs, scientific initiatives, and research centers and facilities dedicated to environmental studies, including the Bachelor of Environmental Science program at the College of Arts and Sciences, an accredited program that is the first in the Qatar. He stated that the program is designed to address the growing environmental issues and challenges, particularly those related to the environment in Qatar and the region in general. Dr Erbad added that the College of Business and Economics also offers a number of courses on the environment and sustainability, in addition to its various initiatives, including the MENA Business Schools Alliance for Sustainability, which facilitates collaboration on various aspects of climate change and environmental research and sustainability practices in the business community. Moreover, he indicated that the College of Engineering has a Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, which represents a significant shift in responding to environmental challenges in the field of civil and architectural engineering. This is in addition to other academic efforts by various colleges and departments at the university, aiming to create cognitive and societal awareness about the environment, its associated challenges, and the role required to address these challenges. He emphasized that these efforts translate the university's vision and plans, which are aligned with government interests and priorities included in national development strategies. On the research front, the Vice President of Research and Graduate Studies highlighted several advanced research centers focused on environmental issues. He noted the existence of an integrated system addressing environmental concerns across land, sea, and air. The Environmental Science Center (ESC) at is one of the most important and oldest research centers at QU. Established in 1980 as the Scientific and Applied Research Center, its name was changed in 2005 to the Environmental Studies Center, and then to the Environmental Science Center in 2015. Today, the ESC includes several research teams: the Marine Sciences Team, which includes physical and chemical oceanography; the environmental team, which includes marine and terrestrial biology; and the Atmospheric and Earth Sciences Team. The center also owns an advanced research vessel, the RV Janan, equipped with the latest technologies for studying the marine environment. The center also houses the UNESCO Chair in Marine Sciences, established in 2020. This Chair is the first of its kind in the region and contributes to promoting sustainable management and protection of marine and coastal ecosystems, increasing scientific knowledge, developing research capabilities, and enhancing resilience and adaptation to climate-related risks and other threats. ESC also holds academic chairs, including the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO) Chair. In the same context, Dr Aiman Erbad highlighted the pivotal role of the Agricultural Research Station that aims to develop innovative agricultural technologies to provide the best ways to utilize available natural resources and address the challenges of dryland agriculture. Among the key research facilities discussed by the Vice President of Research and Graduate Studies at QU is the Center for Advanced Materials, established in 2012. This Center plays a key role in promoting and supporting multidisciplinary research in materials science and engineering, focusing on priority sectors such as oil and gas, water, and local manufacturing industries. The center includes the UNESCO Research Chair in Water Desalination and Treatment, the first of its kind in the Gulf region. Through its partnerships with international universities and research institutions, the Chair contributes to addressing water security, which is one of the biggest challenges in the Arabian Gulf region. Furthermore, Prof. Erbad noted that over the past two years, QU has implemented several transformative research projects that have contributed to achieving qualitative results in the field of environment, among other areas, and have directly contributed to supporting the country's development plans. He stated that these projects include a solar-powered water desalination project, which aims to provide sustainable solutions to the problem of water scarcity in Qatar and the region; a sustainable smart cities project, in collaboration with government agencies, to develop smart and environmentally friendly infrastructure; and a project to produce biomaterials from industrial waste to support the circular economy and reduce environmental impact. He pointed out that, in addition to its academic and research efforts, the university is adopting initiatives to raise environmental awareness in cooperation with several relevant entities. These initiatives include the student competition Environmental and Climate Change Awareness Campaign. At the end of his interview with QNA, the Vice President of Research and Graduate Studies at QU emphasized that the university, as a national institution for education and research, contributes effectively to supporting the country's efforts in the field of environment and promoting sustainable development goals through diverse research covering strategic topics in areas that have a direct impact on quality of life and environmental and economic development, in line with QNV 2030.
Qatar Tribune
7 days ago
- Qatar Tribune
MoECC organises workshop on biodiversity strategy
QNA Doha The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC) organised a workshop entitled 'National Targets of the National Biodiversity Strategy', as part of the activities under the project to support early action for the Global Biodiversity Framework – Qatar. The event was held in cooperation with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and with support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF). The workshop was held under the patronage of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, HE Dr Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie, and was attended by a select group of experts, consultants, and representatives from relevant national authorities. In his speech during the workshop, Assistant Undersecretary for Protection and Nature Reserves, Dr Ibrahim Abdullatif Al Maslamani, emphasised that the Ministry places great importance on protecting biodiversity, considering it a fundamental pillar for the sustainability of environmental resources, as well as a guarantee of food and water security and human well-being. He noted that these efforts fall within the framework of implementing the environmental development pillar of Qatar National Vision 2030. Dr Al Maslamani explained that the workshop aims to review and update the national objectives within the National Biodiversity Strategy for the 2025–2035 period, and to enhance their alignment with the requirements of the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework, the Third National Development Strategy (2024–2030), and the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change's strategy. He pointed out that through this project, the ministry seeks to develop a comprehensive and integrated strategy for biodiversity conservation, based on the latest global scientific practices and the principle of active participation by various national entities, including government institutions, academic bodies, civil society organizations, and the private sector. For his part, Director of the Wildlife Development Department at the ministry Yousef Al Hamar noted that biodiversity is the cornerstone of healthy ecosystems and a pivotal factor in the sustainability of natural resources and the enhancement of food and water security. He stressed that preservation represents a national and international commitment, and is part of Qatar National Vision 2030, the Third National Development Strategy, and the ministry's strategy, in addition to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework. The workshop featured multiple discussion sessions, including reviewing national targets and linking them to the global biodiversity framework, reviewing the next steps to update the strategy, and presenting participants' comments and suggestions. At the conclusion of the workshop, the project organisers expressed their thanks and appreciation to the participants, affirming their continued cooperation with all relevant parties during the next phases, leading to the adoption of the National Biodiversity Strategy for the State of Qatar, which will enhance the country's efforts to conserve its natural diversity for the benefit of current and future generations.
