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Monday, May 18, 2026 | Daily Newspaper published by GPPC Doha, Qatar.

Tag Results for "MoECC" (19 articles)

Gulf Times
Qatar

MoECC receives Audio Education Complex students

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC)’s Environmental Monitoring and Inspection Department – Air Quality Section, hosted a number of students from Audio Education Complex to present their research project titled “The Smart Green Box for Air Purification in Indoor Spaces”, in the presence of the project supervisors.The students delivered a detailed presentation on their research project, explaining the concept of the “Smart Green Box” and its operating mechanism, which aims to improve indoor air quality through innovative and sustainable environmental solutions.**media[446956]**During the visit, the students learned about the Ministry’s efforts to monitor air quality and protect the environment, as well as the role of the National Air Quality Monitoring Network and the modern technologies used to track environmental pollutants. Accordingly, the Air Quality Section stressed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting student initiatives and high-quality research projects, and to strengthening partnerships with educational institutions in line with the country’s direction toward environmental sustainability, contributing to fostering a culture of innovation among young people. 

Gulf Times
Qatar

Environment ministry rolls out 86 e-services to ease licensing, permits

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change has introduced a fresh batch of electronic services in the first quarter of this year, comprising 29 services on its website and 57 on its mobile application Bee’ah. The move is designed to streamline procedures, lift the quality of services offered to individuals, companies and beneficiaries, and speed up transactions through digital channels. The rollout forms part of the ministry’s broader push to deepen digital transformation across its operations, in keeping with a strategy built around government service excellence, innovation, a better user experience and the development of digital systems that deliver efficient and flexible service.In a statement issued yesterday, the ministry said the new offering covers 40 electronic services in radiation protection. These handle the issuance, renewal, amendment and cancellation of personal licences for work in radiation-related fields, licences for possessing radioactive materials and radiation devices, licences for importing and exporting radioactive materials, and licences for vehicles transporting such materials. A further 12 services relate to hazardous waste, among them the renewal of permits for disposing of hazardous healthcare waste, the issuance of maritime transit permits for hazardous waste shipments, and extensions of those transit permits.  The package also features 16 electronic services tied to the Wildlife Development Department, including permits for quarry operations, the issuance and renewal of permits for installing mobile crushers, permits to visit Fuwairit Beach, and permits to begin project work in areas of wild vegetation, alongside other services. Eighteen additional services cover the Natural Reserves Sector and are available on both the ministry’s website and the app. They include environmental permits for temporary activities, land lease contracts for service activities, land lease contracts for motorcycle rental activities, permits to visit natural reserves, filming permits within reserves, and permits to visit whale shark and dugong aggregations. Speaking on the launch, Yousef Ibrahim al-Hamar, Assistant Undersecretary for Environmental Affairs at the ministry, said the new package is part of efforts to develop the environmental services system and ease procedures for individuals, companies and beneficiaries, consistent with the country’s drive towards digital transformation and more efficient government services. He said the services help structure how applications are submitted and tracked electronically and make it easier to complete transactions, particularly those involving technical and environmental licences and permits. The ministry, he added, is working to convert services of a technical and regulatory nature into clear, user-friendly digital offerings that save beneficiaries time and effort and cut down on in-person visits, without diluting the accuracy of procedures or the requirements approved for each service. Al-Hamar also noted that the expansion of electronic services reflects the ministry’s commitment to sharpening its digital tools and providing easier and more effective services, reinforcing its work to protect the environment and uphold the highest levels of compliance with approved standards. 

Gulf Times
Qatar

MoECC launches research project to assess biodiversity in Rawdat Umm Al Jamajim

Represented by its Wildlife Development Department, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC) launched an integrated research project aimed at assessing the biodiversity in Rawdat Umm Al Jamajim, located opposite of Al Karaana area, as part of national efforts to protect and support the sustainability of the Qatari desert environment. The first phase of the project included organising a comprehensive field campaign on the site, in which specialists from the administration participated. It focused on cleaning the garden and inventorying its plant components, in preparation for collecting the data necessary to support the subsequent research phase. In this regard, Head of the Wildlife Development Department, Adel Mohammed al-Yafei, said that the project represents a qualitative scientific step towards enhancing knowledge of the ecosystems in the meadows spread throughout the country, pointing out that the field campaign aims to asses the condition of the vegetation cover, identify local species, and develop effective plans for rehabilitation and protection. The Ministry continues to enhance its research and field programmes that combine scientific and applied work, in line with the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030 in the area of ​​environmental sustainability, al-Yafei added. 

Gulf Times
Qatar

Illegal disposal of waste detected

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC) has spotted an environmental violation involving the illegal disposal of waste in a non-designated area of the desert, coinciding with the official conclusion of the winter camping season. The Land Protection Department confirmed that field monitoring and inspection teams shave successfully identified the violation and took all necessary legal measures, referring the case to the competent authorities. The ministry stressed that such behaviour constitutes a clear breach of environmental protection laws and undermines ongoing efforts to preserve the cleanliness of meadows and open desert areas. 

Gulf Times
Qatar

Considerable achievements made in maintaining the local environment and ecosystems

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC) has intensified its efforts to protect wildlife, expand vegetation cover, strengthen environmental oversight, and further develop the country’s natural reserves, a report by MoECC has revealed in its achievements during the first quarter of 2026.The report was issued by MoECC Sector of Protection and Natural Reserves, the report underscores a comprehensive strategy aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030, combining field inspections, regulatory enforcement, and public awareness initiatives to advance environmental sustainability across the country.**media[437857]**A central pillar of the report focuses on land protection efforts. The Department of Land Protection carried out 100 inspection campaigns, leading to dozens of environmental violations. These included illegal grazing of camels and sheep, improper waste disposal, unauthorized entry into sensitive meadows (Rawda) soil excavation, and tree cutting without permits. In total, 581 violations were recorded, including the use of bird-calling devices, littering, and the establishment of unlicensed camps.**media[437858]**The department also stepped up its community engagement, participating in major national events such as the Qatar Camel Festival “Jazilat Al Atta',” while organizing awareness campaigns across northern, central, and southern regions. It also marked key occasions like Qatar Environment Day and World Wildlife Day, reinforcing environmental consciousness among the public.**media[437859]**On the marine front, the Department of Marine Protection conducted 837 inspection tours, identifying 105 violations. These ranged from the use of illegal fishing tools that harm marine life to coral reef damage, banned nets, and unauthorized fishing within protected areas—reflecting continued pressure on marine ecosystems.Efforts to restore and expand vegetation were also prominent. The Department of Wildlife Development planted 600 seedlings and supplied 200 more to the Al Ghishamiyah nursery. Restoration projects included fencing and rehabilitation of key rawda sites such as Rawdat Umm Al Qaham, Rawdat Umm Al Jarathim, and Wadi Athna. The department also removed 150 invasive Ghaf-related trees (Prosopis cineraria), maintained damaged vegetation, irrigated new plantings, and collected native seeds for future cultivation.In addition, the department organised 32 environmental events, conducted 587 inspection tours, and carried out 143 field visits to meadows' areas, resulting in 36 violations related to unauthorised landfilling, dust pollution, and quarrying activities. It also assessed 68 development projects for environmental impact and issued 669 permits and 359 licenses tied to activities in vegetation zones.The wildlife and border control division reported significant regulatory activity, issuing 329 falcon transit permits, 261 CITES import certificates, and 37 re-export certificates, alongside 40 permits for non-CITES wildlife imports. A total of 252 licenses were granted in this domain, with authorities recording the import of 11 live wild animals and 166 related products, derivatives, and taxidermy items.As part of its invasive species control program, the Ministry continued its campaign against the common myna bird, capturing 2,912 birds using modern methods, including specially designed traps to curb its spread.Meanwhile, the Natural Reserves Department conducted 630 inspection tours within protected areas, documenting 333 violations such as illegal fires, littering, poaching, and damage to plant ecosystems. While 10 permits were issued, several applications were rejected due to environmental concerns.Cleanup operations also formed a major component of the Ministry’s efforts. More than 120 tonnes of waste were removed from key coastal and desert areas such as the Sealine Beach and Khor Al Adaid through field campaigns and volunteer initiatives, helping restore these ecologically sensitive areas.Encouragingly, the report highlighted positive developments in biodiversity conservation. A total of 87 wildlife births were recorded within reserves, including 46 Arabian Oryx, 13 sand gazelles, 6 pygmy goats, and 4 North African Oryx, alongside the successful hatching of 26 ostrich chicks, marking a significant boost to Qatar’s conservation efforts.The ministry further stressed that these achievements reflect a growing commitment to environmental protection, sustainable resource management, and biodiversity preservation, reinforcing Qatar’s position as a regional leader in ecological conservation. 

Gulf Times
Qatar

MoECC stresses on importance of Sport Day

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC) organised a number of sporting events and activities as part of the National Sport Day celebrations, held at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex. His Excellency the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Dr Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki al-Subaie took part at the activities alongside the assistant undersecretaries of the ministry, in addition to department directors, who joined employees in the activities in an atmosphere characterised by interaction and positive spirit. The events included various activities such as padel and tennis, walking and fitness exercises, with notable participation from ministry employees and their children. The ministry was keen to provide a fully integrated organisational environment that observes safety and comfort standards to ensure a safe sporting experience for participants, reflecting the level of readiness and organisation in the implementation of its public events. Accordingly, HE Dr al-Subaie stressed that National Sport Day represents an important national occasion for reinforcing concepts of quality of life, raising awareness of the importance of adopting healthy and sustainable lifestyles, and building a more active society. He noted that the ministry views sports as a supportive element in enhancing job performance efficiency, improving the work environment, and strengthening employees’ psychological and physical well-being, considering such initiatives as contributing to the creation of a positive and motivating workplace. Dr Farhoud Hadi al-Hajri, director of the Public Relations and Communication Department at the ministry, affirmed that National Sport Day represents a unifying national occasion reflecting the state’s concern for human health and its commitment to entrenching a culture of sports practice in society as a fundamental element in building individuals and enhancing their capacity for contribution and productivity. 

Dr Farhoud Hadi al-Hajri
Qatar

Environment ministry stresses key role of NSD

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC) is participating in the National Sport Day (NSD) 2026 today through a wide range of sports activities for the ministry’s employees and their families at Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex, in co-operation with the Qatar Tennis, Squash, and Badminton Federation.The event is set to include a variety of sports activities, such as padel and tennis, in addition to walking and fitness exercises.This will allow employees of different age groups and their children to take part in an interactive sporting atmosphere that enhances teamwork and communication among participants and encourages the adoption of physical activity as part of a daily lifestyle.Dr Farhoud Hadi al-Hajri, the director of the MoECC’s Public Relations and Communication Department, stressed that the ministry’s participation in the NSD is part of its efforts to support national initiatives that seek to raise awareness of the importance of sports and to reinforce health concepts in the work environment.He also pointed out that the NSD has contributed to reinforcing healthy values and concepts within the community and has played a role in raising awareness of the importance of practicing physical activity on a regular basis. 

Gulf Times
Qatar

MoECC takes part in Qatar Camel Beauty Festival

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC) has been participating in the Qatar Camel Beauty Festival “Jazeelat Al-Atta”, held from January 15-February 7. Salim Qadri al-Yami, the assistant director of the MoECC’s Wildlife Protection Department, said that the department is participating through an awareness pavilion aimed at spreading awareness about the importance of environmental protection, preserving rangelands and wild grazing plants, highlighting the risks of overgrazing, regulating camel grazing practices, and stressing the need to maintain the cleanliness of camping sites after the end of the season. He added that the pavilion includes presentations on types of environmental violations, as well as the distribution of awareness and guidance materials to promote positive ecological behaviour among festival visitors. The ministry’s participation included the organisation of interactive environmental and agricultural workshops that addressed ways to protect the environment and introduced local wild plant seeds and cultivation methods. 

Gulf Times
Qatar

MoECC in cleanup drives at desert sites

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change's (MoECC) Land Protection Department carried out a number of cleanup campaigns at various desert sites as part of the “Cleanup and Rawdat Campaigns” project.**media[401474]**The cleanup campaigns covered several Rawdat areas in the northern and southern regions, in addition to Al-Waseel Al-Gharbiya, in response to the accumulation of waste caused by rainfall and strong winds. 

Gulf Times
Qatar

MOECC Launches "Rawda Fencing Project" in Rawdat Egdaim

As part of its ongoing efforts to protect terrestrial environments and strengthen community partnerships in preserving natural resources, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MOECC), in cooperation with Commercial Bank Qatar, launched the "Rawda Fencing Project" during a field event held this morning in Rawdat Egdaim, with the participation of members from both entities and a group of children from the "Children's Literature Center." The initiative aims to protect environmentally valuable wild Rawdas (meadows) from encroachments and overgrazing, and to rehabilitate the natural vegetation cover by fencing them and planting multiple local species. This enhances the ability of the rawdas to regain their vitality and supports biodiversity in the State of Qatar. These efforts fall within the ministry's national programs to combat desertification and implement the strategy for rehabilitating natural habitats. Participants and volunteers planted around 300 wild seedlings of local species, such as Qatari ghaf, samr, sidr, and salam. These plants are essential for soil protection and improving ecological balance in desert environments. The participation also aimed to encourage continued adoption of planting initiatives in homes and farms, and to strengthen a culture of connection to the local environment. Head of the Plant Wildlife Section at the Wildlife Development Department at MOECC, Adel Mohammed Al Yafei affirmed that the initiative represents an important practical step within the ministry's strategy to promote nature-based solutions. He added: "We appreciate the active partnership with Commercial Bank, which reflects the pivotal role of the private sector in supporting national environmental projects. The participation of children also adds an educational dimension that reinforces environmental belonging among future generations." For her part, Executive General Manager and Head of the Marketing Sector at Commercial Bank, Eman Al Nuaimi expressed the Bank's pride in this partnership, saying: "We are proud to cooperate with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change in this distinguished initiative. We consider environmental protection a shared responsibility, and the participation of our employees and community children reflects our firm commitment to sustainability and to supporting efforts to preserve biodiversity in the country." The event concluded with honoring the participating children in appreciation of their role in the success of this environmental activity as a step aimed at raising environmental awareness in the community and encouraging active participation in national initiatives. The "Rawda Fencing Project" comes as part of a series of projects implemented by the ministry in partnership with government and private entities, in alignment with the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030, particularly in the area of environment and sustainable development, and in support of public participation in protecting natural resources and preserving terrestrial ecosystems. 

Gulf Times
Qatar

MoECC carries out campaign to clean, rehabilitate Rawdat Al Waseeta, part of country-wide project

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC), represented by the Wildlife Protection Department, carried out a clean-up and rehabilitation campaign of Rawdat Al Waseeta in Al Shamal, part of a national project to fence and rehabilitate Qatar’s wild fields. Carried out in co-operation with Qatar Insurance Company (QIC), the rehabilitation effort saw the participation of representatives from official entities, volunteers, and environmental workers, with 15 students from the Children’s Literature Center taking part in planting native trees and desert plants, in addition to 300 seedlings of local species such as the Qatari Al Ghaf Tree, which help stabilise soil and preserve biodiversity in desert environments. In this context, Assistant Director of the Wildlife Development Department at MoECC Dr Dhafi Heedan said that this initiative forms part of an integrated set of projects implemented by MoECC to protect terrestrial ecosystems and develop the country’s vegetation cover in cooperation with private-sector partners. **media[383109]** He said that rawdat areas are some of Qatar’s most important ecosystems, providing natural habitats for plant and animal species, adding that fencing is a key step done before conducting environmental rehabilitation. For his part, Group Chief Administrative Officer of QIC Group Rashid al-Buainain affirmed that the partnership with MoECC reflects a strategic commitment to supporting national environmental protection projects and conserving natural resources. **media[383110]** He said that rehabilitating rawdat areas is not merely an environmental activity but a long-term investment in Qatar’s environmental future, adding that QIC remains committed to continued cooperation in similar initiatives. At the conclusion of the event, participants, volunteers, and supporting organisations were honoured in recognition of their efforts, with an emphasis on continued collaboration between MoECC and private-sector institutions through sustainable environmental development initiatives, in alignment with the Qatar National Vision 2030.


During Qatar Sustainability Week 2025, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change organised awareness lectures, field and interactive workshops in schools and universities.
Qatar

Qatar Sustainability Week promotes environmental awareness

The 10th edition of Qatar Sustainability Week (QSW) has concluded with a record-breaking over 700 events, activations, and initiatives, and thousands of participants joining forces to promote sustainable living and environmental awareness across the country.Organised by Earthna Centre for a Sustainable Future, a member of Qatar Foundation (QF), in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC), this year’s milestone edition marked a decade of collective climate action, bringing together organisations, businesses, and individuals to promote sustainability across Qatar.Engineer Ahmed Mohammed al-Sada, Assistant Undersecretary for Climate Change Affairs at the MoECC, affirmed that QSW 2025 played a significant role in enhancing joint environmental work among various governmental and private entities and civil society institutions through events and initiatives focused on raising awareness and promoting responsible practices toward the environment.He confirmed that the MoECC will invest the outcomes of this week in supporting initiatives that contribute to reducing environmental impacts and enhancing the management of natural resources, noting that the ministry continues its commitment to providing a more sustainable environment for current and future generations.Al-Sada emphasised the ministry’s keenness to continue co-operation with various sectors in the country to ensure the expansion of environmental initiatives and the development of climate action mechanisms in line with the National Environment and Climate Change Strategy, contributing to the achievement of the Qatar National Vision 2030 goals.Dr Gonzalo Castro de la Mata, executive director of Earthna, said: “Qatar Sustainability Week 2025 stands as a testament to what can be achieved when a nation unites behind a shared goal. As we mark a decade of progress, we are proud of the collective effort that continues to shape Qatar’s sustainable future and inspire positive change at every level of society.”As Earthna looks ahead to 2026, plans are already underway to expand the programme’s reach and deepen its impact across schools, communities, and the private sector.