The Standing Committee of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) commended the State of Qatar for its efforts and close cooperation with international partners in combating wildlife-related crimes.
During its 81st meeting held in Geneva, the Committee approved the conclusion of the State of Qatar’s participation in the National Ivory Action Plan (NIAP) process, in recognition of the significant progress the country made in implementing its national plan, strengthening its oversight and law enforcement systems, and safeguarding transport and transit routes against their exploitation for illegal trade.
This follows a positive assessment by the Convention Secretariat, which recommended concluding Qatar’s participation in this process, noting that the country has successfully implemented 93% of the measures outlined in its national plan.
The assessment showed that the quantities of illegal ivory seized in other countries, linked to shipments that had passed through Qatar, declined by more than 99% compared to the eight years prior to the implementation of the national plan in 2018.
Assistant Undersecretary for Protection and Natural Reserves Affairs at the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Dr Ibrahim Abdul Latif al-Maslamani, who led the State of Qatar’s delegation to the meeting, affirmed that the decision represents international recognition of the progress achieved by the state. It also reflects the success of national institutions in translating international commitments into practical actions and tangible results.
Dr al-Maslamani added that concluding participation in this specific track marks Qatar’s transition from executing a defined action plan to sustaining these efforts through a permanent institutional framework for wildlife conservation. He reaffirmed Qatar's commitment to further strengthening cooperation with international partners to protect endangered species, in line with the environmental sustainability goals of Qatar National Vision 2030.
In a statement issued Wednesday, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change explained that this achievement is the result of integrated national efforts in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior, the General Authority of Customs, the Public Prosecution, various security and regulatory bodies, as well as Hamad International Airport and Qatar Airways.
In 2017, the State of Qatar joined the NIAP process as part of international efforts to combat illegal trafficking networks. The following year, a national plan was adopted, comprising 15 priority measures focused on developing legislation and regulatory procedures, strengthening inspection and law enforcement mechanisms, enhancing the competence of national personnel, improving the management of government ivory stockpiles, and expanding the scope of information exchange.
