tag

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MECC) has announced the release of Qatar's Second National Communication (NC) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), reaffirming the country's commitment to fulfilling its international obligations in addressing climate challenges.The National Communication is an official document submitted by member states to the Convention Secretariat. It includes detailed data on greenhouse gas emissions, mitigation and adaptation policies and measures, as well as programs and initiatives related to sustainable development, with the aim of showcasing progress made in meeting climate commitments.In a statement issued Saturday, the Ministry explained that the preparation of the report took nearly two years of collaborative work involving government and semi-government entities, academic institutions, and national research centers.The data collection and analysis process adhered to the highest international standards to ensure accuracy and comprehensiveness.The issuance of the Second National Communication underscores Qatar's dedication to documenting its climate efforts within an institutional framework that integrates technical expertise and scientific knowledge.This contributes to the formulation of evidence-based policies that support sustainable development goals and align with Qatar National Vision 2030.This report reflects Qatar's steadfast commitment to climate action and its active role in supporting international efforts to combat climate change.It also highlights the country's contribution to promoting knowledge exchange and sharing expertise with the global community, while reinforcing its presence in international environmental forums.

Under the patronage of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC), ‘Injaz Qatar’, in collaboration with Nestlé, launched the ‘Sustainability Heroes’ programme, which aims to raise environmental awareness among youth in Qatar and prepare a new generation capable of addressing sustainability and climate change challenges.The launch ceremony was attended by Injaz Qatar and Injaz Al-Arab chairperson HE Sheikha Hanadi bint Nasser al-Thani and Swiss ambassador to Qatar, Florence Tinguely Mattli, alongside a number of officials and representatives from relevant entities.The ceremony included a panel discussion titled ‘Nurturing a Generation of Sustainability Heroes’, featuring Dr Abdullah Ahmed al-Tamimi, head of the Sustainable Production and Consumption Department at the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change; Sebastien Turbot, director of Advocacy and Communications at Earthna; and Tarek Abouzolf, general manager of Nestlé Qatar.The discussion addressed mechanisms for enhancing youth participation in sustainability programmes through awareness and interactive activities that link theoretical knowledge with practical experiences.Dr al-Tamimi affirmed that the MoECC places special importance on encouraging students to participate in field and community activities, as these play a key role in translating theoretical knowledge into practical action that enhances their environmental awareness and supports the country’s vision of building a green economy and a sustainable society.Abouzolf added: “We will continue to support students from ideation to implementation, providing training and career opportunities so that their projects can evolve into solutions that benefit society and the environment.”The discussion session was moderated by Injaz Qatar CEO Emad al-Khaja, who highlighted the vital role of collaboration between the private sector and the education sector.

The 29th joint ministerial meeting between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the European Union (EU) kicked off today in Kuwait with the participation of foreign ministers and senior officials from both sides. The meeting will address a number of regional and international topics of common interest, including developments in the Middle East, ways to enhance trade and energy corporation, and efforts to combat climate change. It will also follow up on the implementation of the outcomes of the first GCC-EU summit held in Brussels last year. In this context, Kuwaiti Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the current session of the GCC Ministerial Council, Abdullah Al-Yahya said in a speech at the launch of the joint ministerial meeting that the convening of the GCC-EU meeting embodies the shared desire to continue building on the solid achievements of cooperation and coordination. He added that regional and international events have proven that common challenges, most notably terrorism, foreign interventions, threats to maritime security, and humanitarian crises, require collective coordination and cooperation to enhance the stability of peoples and support peace and development. He stressed the need to launch joint initiatives that reflect a commitment to collective solutions and international solidarity. He also affirmed the two sides' keenness to enhance cooperation in the areas of regional security, energy security, the green economy, digital transformation, advanced technology, and cultural and educational exchange, to serve the aspirations of their peoples for a more stable and prosperous future. On the Palestinian cause, the Kuwaiti Foreign Minister affirmed that it remains a top priority for the GCC as a matter of right and justice. He condemned the humanitarian tragedies experienced by the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip due to the siege, destruction, and displacement, calling on the international community to take urgent action to stop the violations and enable the Palestinian people to establish their independent state on the June 4, 1967, borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. He also commended the efforts made by US President Donald Trump to stop the war in Gaza and the joint initiative adopted by Saudi Arabia and France to hold an international conference to implement the two-state solution. He also welcomed the announcement by a number of friendly European countries of their recognition of the State of Palestine, expressing hope that this recognition would expand in support of a just and comprehensive peace. The Kuwaiti Foreign Minister expressed the country's support for Syria's path toward stability and reconstruction, and for ongoing efforts to strengthen Lebanon's sovereignty and stability. He called on all parties in Yemen, Sudan, Somalia, and Libya to prevail and engage in political dialogue that achieves security, unity, and sovereignty for these countries.

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC) has launched the National Strategy to Combat Desertification 2025-30, as part of Qatar's efforts to protect its natural resources, enhance their sustainability, and mitigate land degradation and the impacts of drought, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Third National Development Strategy 2024-30.The strategy aims to establish a comprehensive national framework to combat desertification and achieve land degradation neutrality by improving the efficiency of natural resource management and strengthening supportive legislation and policies, thereby contributing to the protection of ecosystems and the achievement of sustainable development.In his remarks during the launch ceremony, HE the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Dr Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki al-Subaie affirmed that desertification and the depletion of natural resources pose escalating environmental challenges that require collective efforts both locally and globally.He emphasised that the launch of this national strategy reflects Qatar's commitment to protecting the environment and honouring its international obligations, particularly under the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).HE Dr al-Subaie said that the strategy is based on advanced scientific and technical foundations and aims to enhance the State's capacity to address the effects of drought and desertification, protect vegetation cover, and ensure biodiversity sustainability, in alignment with UN Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land.He added that the strategy encompasses six key outcomes: protecting ecosystems and reducing factors contributing to desertification and drought; promoting sustainable management of natural resources; strengthening vegetation cover and rehabilitating affected environments; building capacity and supporting scientific research and innovation; developing legislation, policies, and effective governance; and enhancing community participation and national and international partnerships.HE Dr al-Subaie noted that these pillars form the foundation for the programmes and projects that the ministry will implement in partnership with national and international entities, as well as local communities.He added that the ministry, as the national focal point for the UNCCD, co-ordinated efforts with relevant stakeholders in the public and private sectors and civil society institutions to prepare the strategy, which includes practical programmes and projects, most notably the rehabilitation of terrestrial environments, cultivation of native plant species, establishment of nurseries for the propagation of local species, and the updating of legislation governing the use of natural resources.HE Dr al-Subaie added that the ministry is leading the implementation of the strategy in co-operation with concerned entities through an integrated institutional and operational framework that includes regular monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, clear identification of responsibilities and authorities, and the provision of the necessary human, technical, and financial resources.The minister further noted the activation of modern technological tools for monitoring and management to ensure the effective and sustainable execution of all programs and projects.He called for greater collaboration among national sectors to ensure the effective implementation of the strategy and the achievement of its objectives in addressing desertification, protecting the environment, and ensuring sustainability for future generations.Assistant Undersecretary for Protection and Natural Reserves Affairs Dr Ibrahim Abdul Latif al-Muslimani said that the launch of the strategy comes as part of the ministry's efforts to establish an integrated national approach to address desertification and related environmental challenges.He said that the strategy represents a comprehensive framework that promotes ecosystem protection, rehabilitation of affected environments, and development and sustainability of vegetation cover, in addition to strengthening sound management of natural resources.Dr al-Muslimani stressed the importance of raising environmental awareness across all segments of society, developing training programmes and institutional capacity-building, and promoting scientific research and innovation in the field of sustainable land management.He pointed out that the preparation of the strategy came in response to the environmental challenges facing Qatar, including the scarcity of natural resources, fragile vegetation cover, and encroachment of sand dunes.Adel Mohammed al-Yafei, the head of the Wildlife Development Department’s Plant Wildlife Section, said that the National Strategy to Combat Desertification, is a milestone in the ministry's record of achievements.He said that the strategy seeks to develop early warning and environmental monitoring systems, stabilise sand dunes, mitigate the effects of climate change, and promote balanced management of water, soil, and mineral resources.The official added that the strategy includes projects to rehabilitate affected ecosystems, improve the efficiency of agricultural land use, and enhance research and innovation through the adoption of smart agriculture technologies and the use of artificial intelligence applications in natural resource management, as well as promoting applied studies related to combating desertification.Al-Yafei noted that the Wildlife Development Department continues to implement national programmes to combat desertification through integrated policies aimed at rehabilitating degraded rangelands, cultivating native plant species, expanding the establishment of national nurseries to propagate and preserve local flora, and enforcing ministerial decisions to curb overgrazing and combat invasive plant species that threaten local ecosystems.He said that the department is committed to applying clear measures to protect vegetation cover and wildlife within development projects at all stages of implementation, in a way that strengthens environmental balance and supports national efforts to combat desertification and land degradation.The launch ceremony was attended by HE the Minister of Municipality Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah al-Attiyah, HE the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Abdulaziz bin Ahmed al-Mahmoud, and Public Works Authority (Ashghal) President engineer Mohammed bin Abdulaziz al-Meer, along with assistant undersecretaries, senior officials from environmental, academic, and research sectors, and representatives of national institutions and the private sector.

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 has spotted a female warbler bird hiding on a ghaf tree in one of the country’s wilderness areas, as part of its ongoing efforts to monitor biodiversity and track migratory birds.**media[361729]**The whistling bird is considered a passage migrant that is seen in Qatar every September. It feeds on insects, seeds, and fruits, and is distinguished by its beauty and cautious behaviour, as it usually hides among the branches away from sight.

As part of its commitment to protect the environment and preserve biodiversity, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change continues its field efforts to remove harmful Prosopis juliflora (mesquite) trees from open areas.This initiative is part of the national plans aimed at combating invasive plant species and reducing their negative impacts on biodiversity within local terrestrial ecosystems.The Wildlife Development Department organised a field campaign on Tuesday to remove harmful mesquite trees in Rawdat Al-Hayr Al-Sharqi in Ain Sinan area.The campaign was carried out with the participation of several ministry employees to complete the removal of this invasive species, which had taken over the vegetation cover in the targeted meadows (Rawda).

The State of Qatar participated in a high-level event on climate action, on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The State of Qatar was represented in the meeting by Her Excellency Minister of International Cooperation Dr. Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad.

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change has presented an introductory video about the Qatar Sustainability Portal at Qatar’s pavilion in Expo 2025 Osaka, Japan.The video highlighted the country’s efforts in addressing climate change challenges and emphasised the importance of engaging various sectors in adopting responsible practices aligned with Qatar’s National Environment and Climate Change Strategy.

As part of the celebration of World Ozone Day, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Department of Chemicals and Hazardous Waste, organised a series of awareness workshops for a number of schools, in co-operation with the Environmental Awareness Section of the Public Relations and Communication Department.These activities aim to enhance students’ awareness of the importance of protecting the ozone layer and its role in environmental sustainability, besides promoting environmental culture among the younger generation and strengthen the role of educational institutions in climate issues.

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change's Marine Protection Department has spotted an environmental violation involving the entry of three marine vessels into the fishing harbour of Bu Zuluf, located west of Al-Ruwais Port, where they collided with the coral reefs.A field inspection team from the ministry’s Marine Protection Department examined the site and found topographical changes to the seabed caused by the direct contact of the vessels with the coral reefs. This resulted in the destruction of coral structures, a reduction in the percentage of live coral cover, and erosion and sedimentation in parts of the reef area due to the collision.The ministry explained that these damages negatively affected the rich biodiversity of the area, home to many fish, invertebrates, and marine organisms associated with the coral reef ecosystem.The ministry stressed that it has taken the necessary legal measures against the violators, while confirming its continued efforts to intensify the protection of natural resources and monitor and detect any environmental violations against the country’s marine ecosystems.

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.