The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change launched on Monday the State of Qatar's National Adaptation Plan (NAP), which forms the comprehensive national framework to enhance the country's ability to cope with the effects of climate change, protect its vital resources and its economic and service sectors from current and future climate risks, in addition to supporting the path of sustainable development in the long term.
The ministry affirmed that the plan was prepared based on scientific assessments, technical studies, and extensive consultations involving government agencies, the private sector, academic institutions, and international organizations. It includes six key sectors that are most affected by climate change: water, agriculture and livestock, biodiversity, public health, energy, infrastructure and coastal areas, the ministry added.
The plan also includes an executive program containing a package of measures, procedures and projects aimed at reducing climate risks and enhancing national preparedness, with priorities set in water management, sustainable agricultural practices, protecting ecosystems, developing infrastructure capable of withstanding extreme climate phenomena, and raising the readiness of the health sector towards climate-related risks.In his speech during the launching ceremony, HE Minister of Environment and Climate Change Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie, affirmed that the National Adaptation Plan represents a pivotal step in enhancing the country's preparedness to deal with the repercussions of climate change and supporting sustainable development.
The plan also represents the fruit of national work in which government agencies, academic institutions, the private sector and civil society participated, in cooperation with the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), His Excellency said, noting that the plan's preparation was based on a scientific approach and a strategic vision that meets the needs of the current stage and anticipates the future.
He pointed out that the plan forms a roadmap extending to 2030 as a medium-term target and 2040 as a long-term target, and is consistent with the pillars of Qatar National Vision 2030 (QNV 2030) in the human, economic, social and environmental fields, adding that it also includes 27 measures, 125 actions and about 280 projects, all of which aim to enhance the country's ability to face climate risks.
HE Minister of Environment and Climate Change stressed that adapting to climate change is not just a response to environmental challenges, but an opportunity to improve quality of life, protect ecosystems and promote innovation in green growth areas, calling on members of society to support the plan's objectives through daily practices that include rationalizing water and energy consumption, reducing waste and preserving green spaces.
In turn,President of Assembly and Chair of the Council of GGGI, Ban Ki-moon, commended the State of Qatar's launching of its National Adaption Plan, describing the plan as a clear message that building climate resilience is a current priority, not a postponed goal.
The existing cooperation between GGGI and Qatar embodies a practical approach to transforming visions into tangible results, His Excellency said, noting that the future belongs to the countries that prepare for it by promoting their adaptability, and that the State of Qatar is steadily moving towards consolidating its readiness based on a vision founded on innovation and sustainability.