The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC) marked International Plastic Bag Free Day, observed annually on July 3, by urging the public, particularly visitors to beaches, Rawdat (natural meadows), and other land and marine areas, to reduce their use of plastic bags and dispose of them responsibly. The ministry called on visitors to place plastic bags in designated waste bins rather than leaving them behind or discarding them indiscriminately, warning that such waste poses a serious threat to wildlife and fragile ecosystems. It stressed that individuals’ daily behaviour directly protects Qatar’s natural environment. Plastic bags left on beaches or in Rawdat often do not remain where they are discarded. Carried by wind or tidal currents, they can travel long distances and threaten land and marine ecosystems, including important nesting sites for birds and sea turtles. Plastic waste can suffocate wildlife, entangle animals or be mistaken for food. It also degrades natural landscapes, damages native vegetation and persists in the environment for years, making prevention far more effective than cleanup. The ministry emphasised that maintaining clean terrestrial and marine environments is essential to conserving biodiversity. Through its Departments of Land Protection, Marine Protection, Nature Reserves and Wildlife Development, it continues to conduct field campaigns to clean natural meadows, beaches, islands and other marine and land areas, particularly during peak visitor seasons and public holidays. The Land Protection Department regularly removes plastic bags, bottles and other litter from Rawdat, wilderness areas and camping sites to safeguard native plants, animals and birds. Inspection campaigns are intensified during holidays and special occasions when visitor numbers increase. Field teams also educate visitors on the importance of disposing of waste properly before leaving natural areas. Meanwhile, the Marine Protection Department continues its monitoring, inspection, and beach-cleaning operations along coastlines, islands, and marine areas. Its teams also participate in initiatives to remove marine debris from coastal waters and the seabed, in collaboration with government agencies and environmental organisations. Special attention is given to beaches that serve as critical habitats for marine species, particularly during the sea turtle nesting season. Beach-cleaning and rehabilitation efforts help reduce risks around nesting sites and create safer pathways for hatchlings as they make their way to the sea. The ministry also supports these efforts through public awareness campaigns and community engagement initiatives involving schools, universities, government and private institutions, and volunteers. It stressed that protecting the environment cannot rely solely on cleanup operations but also requires responsible public behaviour to prevent pollution from recurring. Dr Farhoud Hadi al-Hajri, director of the Public Relations and Communication Department at MoECC, said International Plastic Bag Free Day offers an opportunity to renew calls for the responsible use of single-use products and encourage greater adoption of reusable alternatives. He noted that the environmental challenge extends far beyond the brief period during which a plastic bag is used. Improperly discarded bags can be carried by wind and currents from populated areas to meadows, beaches, islands and the sea, turning an item used for only a few minutes into a long-term environmental hazard. Dr al-Hajri said the ministry’s cleaning campaigns play a vital role in protecting natural areas and removing waste, but prevention remains the most effective solution through environmentally friendly alternatives and responsible consumption that reduce waste and conserve resources.He stressed that every plastic bag prevented from reaching the natural environment represents an environmental risk avoided, adding that the success of national environmental efforts depends on the cooperation of individuals, retailers, institutions, tour operators and organisers of land- and sea-based recreational activities. Dr al-Hajri lauded volunteer initiatives that support beach and environmental cleanups, as well as organisations that are reducing their reliance on single-use products in their daily operations. He urged visitors to natural areas and beaches to plan ahead by carrying reusable shopping bags, minimising their use of plastic bags, placing waste in secure bins and ensuring all belongings and rubbish are collected before leaving. He also called on boat owners and marine recreation enthusiasts to secure waste on board and refrain from disposing of any materials into the sea, noting that marine debris can easily travel far from where it is discarded.
