Qatari efforts to protect migratory birds - necessity to obreserve biodiversity, ecological balance

Migratory birds are among the most incredible creatures that use their abilities to survive and adapt, and they play a pivotal role in maintaining the balance of nature and the environment. They travel thousands of kilometers, pollinating plants and spreading seeds, combating pests by eating insects and other invertebrates, and help maintain a healthy ecosystem, contributing to supporting food security.Birds play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance, ensuring the integrity of food chains and enhancing biodiversity indicators. They represent an accurate measure of environmental health and safety, offering solutions to numerous environmental problems and supporting agricultural production with diverse products free from the risks of pesticides. This marks them as nature's treasure, enriching the ecotourism sector and scientific monitoring activities, with all the economic value they carry that is essential for sustainable development.In the State of Qatar, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change is working on developing multiple and diverse plans to protect wildlife and marine life, and to contribute to maintaining environmental balance, both locally and globally. This includes the inclusion of provisions in national legislation specifically for the protection of birds and their habitats. Accordingly, the Qatar External Nature Reserves Office was established in 2014 by Amiri Decree No. 30 of 2014. The office is affiliated with the Office of HE Minister of Environment and Climate Change.The State of Qatar is home to approximately 300 bird species and an annual passageway for numerous migratory birds, which play a significant role in maintaining ecological balance. These birds represent a significant part of the country's natural heritage and contribute to enhancing biodiversity.The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change recognizes the importance of nature-based solutions as one of the mechanisms for combating the effects of climate change and preserving biodiversity. These include providing suitable environments for migratory birds, such as wetlands with their swamps, insects, and coral reefs, which provide a primary food source for birds during mating and migration, in addition to integrating migratory soaring bird conservation programs with development sectors, particularly the energy, tourism, and waste management sectors.The Rawdat Al Faras Center for Houbara Breeding in Al Zubarah is the primary reference for all Houbara production centers overseen by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change in various countries, as well as for private farms within Qatar. It was built in 2012 and is equipped with the latest technologies for breeding, maintaining optimal temperature and humidity, and featuring an advanced lighting system that simulates the birds' natural habitat. This encourages an effective breeding cycle.Reflecting Qatar's commitment to preserving biodiversity and protecting endangered species, the Rawdat Al Faras Center for Houbara Breeding was approved for registration by the CITES Secretariat in Geneva on March 20, 2024. This registration in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) database came after the center met all the necessary conditions and standards.Protecting migratory birds is linked to providing terrestrial and marine habitats, as well as tree and plant habitats, therefore, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change announced on Nov. 14, 2022, in collaboration with Qatar University, Qatar Foundation, and the MSC Foundation, the implementation of a supported national program aimed at rehabilitating mangrove forests, seagrasses, and coral reef ecosystems in Qatar. This program is part of a national program aimed at rehabilitating and preserving coastal ecosystems.In recent years, it was discovered that the mangrove forests of Al Dhakira, north of Doha, are a favorite resting place for birds. In these wetlands, they can wade through shallow, salty waters and easily feed on fish and other crustaceans. The dense mangroves of Al Dhakira provide a protected environment for wildlife, attracting fish, crabs, birds, and other migratory birds.Hundreds of flamingos flock to Qatar's shores every winter on their annual migration from Europe and Siberia to Africa. From November to April, the greater flamingo, which averages 110-150 cm in length and weighs 2-4 kg, can be seen at various locations along Qatar's 563 km coastline.Qatar National Vision 2030 is a unique incentive to achieve comprehensive sustainable development in various fields. Over the past years, the Ministry of Environment's office of state reserves has been working to establish production centers in several countries with the aim of preserving endangered animals and birds.Many centers have been established over the past years, including the Qatari Center for the Breeding of the African Houbara Bustard in El Bayadh province, Algeria, on an area of 20,625 square meters, in implementation of a joint agreement between the government of the State of Qatar - represented by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, and the Government of Algeria - represented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. The center aims to enhance biodiversity and protect endangered species.In Morocco, a cooperation agreement was approved between the governments of the State of Qatar and the Kingdom of Morocco regarding cooperation in the field of conserving biodiversity, wildlife, and their habitats. This agreement allows the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change to supervise the African Houbara Bustard breeding centers in Errachidia city.In Tunisia, a partnership agreement was signed between the State of Qatar - represented by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, and the Tunisian Ministry of Agriculture, Water Resources, and Fisheries to establish a center for the breeding of the African Houbara Bustard in Tataouine Governorate. The project aims to increase the number of African Houbara and potentially release them back into their natural habitat.In Iran, a large breeding center for the Asian Houbara Bustard was established in Sirjan city, covering an area of ​​1,000,000 square meters, in implementation of the MoU in the environmental field signed between the State of Qatar's government and the Iranian government. The project aims to protect endangered Asian Houbara, rehabilitate ecosystems, and achieve sustainable development of biodiversity.In China, the Xinjiang Falcon Conservation and Breeding Center was established in Xinjiang Autonomous Province of Altai Region, covering an area of 1,000,000 square meters. It was equipped with the highest specifications for nature protection and the preservation of endangered species, including falcons and the Asian Houbara Bustard. A research project is also being implemented with experts to track falcons using satellites.In Turkmenistan, an MoU was signed for cooperation in the field of biodiversity conservation and wildlife between the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change of the State of Qatar and the State Committee for Environmental Protection and Land Resources of Turkmenistan, with the aim of enhancing bilateral cooperation in the protection of endangered species, the rehabilitation of regional ecosystems, and the exchange of expertise in the fields of scientific research and environmental studies.In Kazakhstan, measures have been identified to enhance the protection of endangered species and improve the surrounding environment. Maps and engineering designs for the center have been prepared in collaboration with environmental experts and consulting engineers to ensure that they comply with Kazakhstan's environmental and climatic standards. Several agreements and an MoU are being prepared to obtain the necessary permits to begin construction of the center.In Uzbekistan, the office of state reserves and relevant authorities in the Republic of Uzbekistan agreed on measures to protect endangered species and increase the number of the Houbara Bustard through breeding programs. Coordination will be made regarding the dispatch of locally produced birds in Rawdat Al Faras center for Houbara Breeding as part of the annual release program.In Afghanistan, the office of state overseas reserves has intensified its efforts to communicate and coordinate with relevant authorities in the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan to release a group of locally produced Houbara bustards as a first step toward developing sustainable partnerships. Addition areas of cooperation are also being explored, including scientific research and the exchange of expertise in wildlife conservation.