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His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani has emphasised the importance of protecting natural resources and preserving biodiversity in Qatar to ensure a balance between the country’s development plans and its sustainability goals. His Highness the Amir also urged all members of the public to protect the environment, which, in turn, will positively impact public health and quality of life.  In a post on his official X account, HH the Amir said, "On Qatar Environment Day, we recall the great importance of protecting our natural resources and preserving our biodiversity to achieve a balance between our development plans and the desired sustainability. We urge everyone to protect our environment, as this will positively reflect on the health of society and the quality of life."  Recent initiatives across Qatar have increasingly reflected this national focus on environmental stewardship, with authorities accelerating programmes aimed at biodiversity protection, sustainable urban planning and climate resilience. **media[421260]**The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MECC) has intensified conservation efforts targeting native ecosystems, including mangrove restoration projects along Qatar’s coastline and expanded wildlife monitoring programmes designed to protect endangered species and restore ecological balance.  Officials have repeatedly stressed that biodiversity preservation forms a core pillar of the country’s long-term environmental strategy aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030. Qatar has also continued to advance large-scale sustainability measures through renewable energy deployment and resource-efficiency initiatives.  The expansion of solar energy capacity, led by projects such as the Al Kharsaah Solar Power Plant, has contributed to reducing carbon emissions while supporting energy diversification goals. Parallel efforts to promote water conservation and sustainable waste management have been integrated into national development planning. **media[421259]**Urban sustainability has emerged as another key focus area, with green building standards, environmentally conscious infrastructure, and public awareness campaigns encouraging responsible consumption and environmental protection.  Also smart-city planning, sustainable transport solutions, and increased green spaces are being positioned as essential components of improving public health and enhancing quality of life.  Environmental education and community participation have likewise gained momentum, with nationwide campaigns encouraging residents to adopt sustainable practices, reduce waste, and protect marine and desert ecosystems.  Experts note that public engagement remains critical to achieving long-term sustainability outcomes, reinforcing the message underscored by His Highness the Amir that environmental responsibility is a shared national duty. Together, these initiatives illustrate Qatar’s broader strategy of balancing rapid economic development with ecological preservation — an approach aimed at safeguarding natural resources for future generations while sustaining economic growth.

The United Nations General Assembly's Economic and Financial Committee (Second Committee) has adopted a draft resolution titled 'Permanent sovereignty of the Palestinian people in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and of the Arab population in the occupied Syrian Golan over their natural resources,' with 152 votes in favor, 8 against, and 12 abstentions.The draft resolution reaffirms a set of principles and foundations related to Palestinian natural resources, including the applicability of the Geneva Convention related to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War to the occupied Palestinian territory, as well as the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.The resolution also refers to the advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on July 19, 2024, concerning the legal consequences arising from Israel's policies and practices in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, and the illegality of Israel's continued presence in the occupied territory. It further recalls the ICJ's advisory opinion on the segregation and expansion wall.The draft resolution expresses deep concern over Israel's exploitation of Palestinian natural resources and the destruction it causes to Palestinian land and agriculture, as well as the widespread devastation of agricultural structures and infrastructure, particularly those related to water and electricity supply, especially in the Gaza Strip. It further highlights the harmful effects of illegal settlements on all aspects of Palestinian life.The draft resolution reaffirms the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people to their natural resources and calls on the Israeli occupation to cease its exploitation of those resources. It also affirms the right of the Palestinian people to claim compensation for Israel's exploitation of their resources. Moreover, it stresses that the construction of settlements, the separation wall, and other related activities by the occupying power are detrimental to the Palestinian environment.