HE the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Dr Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki al-Subaie participated Tuesday in the release of baby hawksbill turtles at Fuwairit Beach, one of the most important turtle nesting sites in Qatar.

This event, according to a statement from the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC), is part of the Marine Turtle Protection Project and the National Biodiversity Conservation Programme.

Present on the occasion were Protection and Natural Reserves Affairs assistant undersecretary Dr Ibrahim Abdul Latif al-Muslimani and Wildlife Development Department assistant director Khalid Juma al-Muhannadi, several other MoECC officials, and a group of children.

The event included presentations by specialists from the Wildlife Development Department on the importance of endangered sea turtles and the role of Qatar in implementing monitoring and protection programmes for the species.

In a statement on the occasion, HE Dr al-Subaie said the hawksbill turtle nesting season, which begins annually in April, embodies Qatar’s commitment to preserving marine wildlife.

“The MoECC continues to co-operate with its partners in implementing scientific and field programmes that contribute to the sustainability of endangered species, which falls within Qatar’s national and international commitments to preserving biodiversity,” he said.

“These turtles face a number of risks, most notably fishing nets and activities, predators and human activities at nesting sites including vehicle movement, camping and lighting,” the minister noted.

HE Dr al-Subaie said that the allocation of Fuwairit Beach as a nature reserve was aimed at creating a safe environment for turtle nesting.

“Between 2019 and 2025, the ministry released more than 50,000 turtles into the sea after relocating approximately 125 nests to Fuwairit Beach to avoid the effects of tides and human activities,” he said. “Also launched were advanced programmes including turtle numbering, DNA analysis and the use of satellite tracking devices to monitor their movement and migration.”

The results of studies showed that the number of female turtles nesting on Qatar’s beaches ranges between 164 and 345.

“Ras Laffan, Ras Rakan, Al Ghariya and Fuwairit account for 90% of the total nesting sites in the country,” HE Dr al-Subaie added.

Al-Musalmani said sea turtles represent an essential part of the marine ecosystem, and their protection requires concerted efforts.

“Children’s participation in this event is an environmental educational experience that contributes to building sustainable awareness among them,” he said.

“The MoECC, in co-operation with Qatar University and with support from Qatar Energy, conducted a series of scientific studies on the behaviour and environment of turtles on Qatari beaches, islands, and marine waters in the Arabian Gulf,” al-Musalmani continued.

“The study aimed to create an integrated database, assess their environmental status and track their movements using advanced satellite-linked devices. It also included digitising their movements to monitor nesting cycles,” he added.

The official noted that the research included biological and environmental measurements including egg counts, analysing the impact of tides on nesting sites, measuring mineral elements and analysing the DNA of turtle hatchlings.

Al-Muhannadi explained that the ministry has established precise standards for handling turtle hatchlings during the hatching period to ensure their safety and enhance their chances of survival.

“The MoECC has launched awareness campaigns targeting beach and island visitors, outlining nesting and hatching times to limit the impact of human activities on these creatures,” he noted.

“These standards include completely refraining from touching turtles, as this can damage their oil glands, and staying at least 2m away from nesting sites to avoid disrupting the hatchlings’ path to the sea,” al-Musalmani added.

The official stressed the importance of adhering to the instructions of veterinary and field teams, especially during release operations, calling for increased community participation in environmental awareness campaigns and immediate reporting of sightings of hatchlings via the ministry’s hotline 16066.