Children of Markhiya Independent Primary School performing a cultural dance to mark the ‘My Country’s Bird’ project at the Opera House, Katara Cultural Village, yesterday: Picture: Jayaram

Qatar’s ‘My country’s bird’ project, which aims to provide information on birds to future generations, was launched at an impressive ceremony attended by a host of dignitaries at the Katara Cultural Village yesterday.
Prominent among those who attended the launch was the project’s chief patron Sheikha Jawahir bint Hamad bin Suhaim al-Thani, who earlier this year donated $1mn to establish a fund to conserve endangered birds and bio-diversity. The fund also aims to promote sustainable use of natural resources through site protection and management across the Middle East.
A host of cultural dances featuring the children of Markhiya Independent Primary School marked the launching ceremony, held at the Opera House. Dances highlighted the theme of conserving endangered bird species in the region. An audio-visual presentation was also made. The ceremony also featured a violin recital by members of the Qatar Music Academy.
Friends of Environment Center (FEC) president Dr Saif al-Hajri dwelt on initiatives to spread awareness on the importance of conservation of birds. He lauded the establishment of the million dollar fund for the conservation of endangered species. He said the fund aims to support conservation of a network of sites crucial for the survival of the birds.
Besides creating environmental awareness on birds through information to schools and families, Dr al-Hajri said the campaign also aims to implant among future generations values focusing on love and respect for birds and their conservation for the future.
The organisers also plan to introduce a House Sparrow project as part of their efforts to popularise the message of conservation of birds among the country’s residents. Through the project they are also planning to hold educational campaigns among schools, families and voluntary bodies. Efforts would also be made to collect and record information on birds, adopting scientific and systematic methods.
The organisers in a booklet issued to commemorate the launch said the Hima Fund was established to provide grants to conserve Hima, which means land protected from grazing and tree-cutting.
Hima, involves the sustainable use of natural resources by and for local communities surrounding the system. It is considered a traditional way of conserving bio-diversity along with natural and cultural heritage of the area.
Hima, as described by one of the speakers yesterday is a system which aims to preserve particular areas for grazing where grass and trees are left untouched.