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The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC) has stressed the importance of the World Animal Day, which falls on October 4. The ministry pointed out through its official X account that "this occasion aims to raise awareness about animal rights and welfare around the world. It represents an opportunity to unite the efforts of individuals and organizations from various cultures and backgrounds to work towards protecting animals whether wild, domestic, or endangered. Its importance lies in shedding light on the issues animals face, such as habitat loss, pollution, commercial exploitation, and abuse, in addition to promoting initiatives that support biodiversity and animal welfare." The ministry noted that on World Animal Day, the State of Qatar continues its efforts to protect wildlife, as the coverage rate of protected areas has reached up to 27.73% of the country’s area. The number of wild animals cared for by the protected areas has reached 2,970 heads, including up to 10 species that fall under 3 groups: ungulates, birds, and reptiles. The Department of Protected Areas embodies the national entity responsible for the care and preservation of endangered and rare wildlife species distinctive of the desert environment since 1979. Accordingly, the total area of land reserves in the country amounted to 2,985 sq km, while the marine protected areas amounted to 721.18 sq km. Further, Qatar has passed strict laws and regulations against poaching and the possession of wild animals without proper official permits, ensuring the sustainability of wildlife for the future generations. This year, World Animal Day is celebrated under the theme: 'Save Animals, Save the Planet'. The aim is to unite global efforts in protecting animals, raising awareness of their rights, and highlighting the plight of endangered species. It also seeks to encourage communities to take meaningful steps toward safeguarding both wildlife and domestic animals alike. In the meantime, the ministry stressed spreading public awareness on the related issues and enhance coordination among stakeholders and public and private entities to further improve the protection of wild animals and their habitats and other animals in general as key components for the overall well being of our environment.

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC) has officially unveiled the Winter Camping Season 2025-2026, scheduled to run from Oct. 15, 2025 to April 15, 2026. Registration for the highly anticipated event will begin on October 1 and runs through October 14, available via the ministry's official website and the "Be'ah" mobile application.It will reopen from October 15 to November 15 for areas where spots will remain available. The announcement was made during a press conference attended by key ministry officials and stakeholders, who gave an overview of the latest updates on regulations and environmental guidelines for this year's season.The conference also highlighted ongoing efforts to ensure a safe and sustainable camping experience for all participants. MoECC's Public Relations Director, Dr. Farhoud Hadi Al Hajri emphasized the importance of the camp as a platform for fostering community engagement with Qatar's environment and promoting environmental awareness.He noted that the previous season saw a total of 2,860 camps, including 1,315 land camps, 433 sea camps, and 1,112 located within protected nature reserves. Meanwhile, the Director of the Wildlife Protection Department, Hamad Salem Al Nuaimi, said the three-phase registration process is based on geographic location as follows:October 1–4: Central region (including Umm Al-Atham, Rawdat Rashid, Rawdat Aisha, South Khuraij, Abu Samra, and Zekreet Coastal Reserve) October 5–8: Southern region (including Seline Reserve on October 5, and areas like Al-Nuqyan, Al-Kharara, Makinis, Seline, and Khor Al-Addid from October 6–8) October 9–14: Northern region, covering all available sites.Al Nuaimi further outlined key regulations for campers, including requirements for applicants to be Qatari nationals aged 25 or older. Applicants must also pay registration fees and insurance through the ministry's electronic system, maintain cleanliness, and avoid causing harm to the environment.He added that any violations will result in fines and potential revocation of permits. Insurance for unconfirmed camps will not be refunded after 30 days, and any reservation not confirmed within this period will automatically be canceled.The camping permit is personal and cannot be transferred or subleased. Assistant Head of the Environmental Security Department at the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya), Lt. Colonel Engineer Mohammed Ibrahim Al Nuaimi underscored the importance of campers adhering to environmental regulations to ensure a safe and eco-friendly season.In alignment with Qatar's commitment to environmental sustainability, MoECC's Director of Planning and Quality Department, Aisha Al Baker, announced the launch of the Sustainable Environmental Camping Award 2025-2026. The award recognizes five camps that demonstrate exemplary environmental practices, such as resource conservation, biodiversity protection, and the promotion of recycling.

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC)continues its dedicated efforts to protect the ozone layer by adopting sustainable environmental policies, monitoring ozone-depleting substances, and promoting public awareness of this vital shield, an X post said.The ministry explained that it contributes to reducing harmful emissions and ensuring a safe environment for all, as part of its full support for international efforts aimed at preserving the ozone layer. Protecting the ozone layer is not a temporary task, but a long-term national commitment that reflects the state’s responsibility toward future generations.Accordingly, the MoECC has been organising awareness and training workshops for students, technicians and the community on related issues and topics. Besides, it has established the necessary legislation and constantly monitors the imports and exports of the materials that could potentially harm the ozone layer.The ministry supports the use of environment-friendly alternatives for refrigeration and air-conditioning systems. Other efforts include, organising training programmes for customs officers and border inspection personnel, conducts regular inspection of the targeted facilities, and monitor the consumption of related materials and substances in addition to submitting periodic international reports to ensure compliance."The International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer falls on September 16. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Vienna Convention a global model for science-based environmental action," the ministry's X post added.

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC) is conducting practical trials to employ modern technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and drones for carrying out surveys and monitoring of various environmental sites across the country. The ministry is scheduled to begin the implementation of this technology in 2026. The MoECC posted a video on its X account explaining that the drones will be controlled from the operations room. The drones are capable of carrying out fully automated missions without human intervention, in addition to identifying a target and tracking its movement with high precision. The AI analysis relies on heat sensors for detection, alongside the ability to fly over the sea to monitor sensitive environmental changes. The drones can also automatically return to their takeoff point once the mission is completed or in case of lost communication.