Qatar, Somalia discuss environment co-operation

HE the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Sheikh Dr Faleh bin Nasser bin Ahmed al-Thani met on Wednesday with the visiting Somali Minister of Environment and Climate Change Khadija Mohamed Almakhzoumi and her accompanying delegation. The meeting discussed ways to enhance co-operation between Qatar and Somalia, especially in the environment sector, and to further benefit from successful experiences in both countries to preserve the environment and achieve sustainable development.
Almakhzoumi visited the environmental data monitoring and analysis unit, where director of the department of environmental monitoring and inspection at the ministry Eng Hassan al-Qasimi provided a detailed explanation of the unit, with 40 fixed and mobile stations in various areas of the country. The visit also included a tour of Bin Ghannam Island in Al Thakira reserve, where she was acquainted with Qatar's efforts in developing the island as a natural reserve and the methods of preserving the mangrove trees and biological diversity in the island.
During the visit, she released baby Hamour and Gash fish, and planted a number of mangrove trees. She also visited the Aquatic & Fisheries Research Centre in Ras Matbekh where the officials briefed her on its efforts to preserve marine environment, and the stages of fish reproduction to preserve the country's marine wealth. The Somali minister praised the achievements aimed at preserving the environment, stressing that it is an honourable experience of an Arab country.
She said Somalia's Ministry of Environment was established only six months ago, pointing out that the visit comes within the framework of benefiting from the Qatari experience in preserving the environment and planting mangroves to preserve marine environment, and transferring that experience to the coast of Mogadishu and many Somali cities. She explained that there will be an exchange of visits in the coming periods to share experiences and benefit between both countries, pointing out that she discussed ways of co-operation with HE Sheikh Dr Faleh as well as transferring the Qatari experience in preserving the environment and achieving sustainable development.(QNA)