Recognising the importance of the environment and the country’s biodiversity, the Ministry of Environment has introduced action plans and legislation to ensure environmental protection. Measures include restrictions on weekend camps in the desert, a ban on the collection of plants or birds’ eggs, and preventing the introduction of alien and invasive species.
In 2004, Qatar drew up a National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) containing 11 strategic goals that identified the most pressing biodiversity issues with action plans, recognised in 2007 as a ‘complete NBSAP’. Also in 2007, the Al Reem reserve in the northwest of Qatar was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
A number of ‘public awareness’ campaigns have been introduced to familiarize the nationals and residents of Qatar with the need to protect the environment. ‘A Flower Each Spring’ is an initiative from HH Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al Misnad since 1999, with the campaign focusing on one indigenous plant each year. Schools are encouraged to take students on expeditions to the desert to study the plant, giving them the knowledge they can pass on to future generations.
Other initiatives include the annual ‘Green Qatar’ campaign by the former Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Agriculture; The Centre for Environment Friends runs campaigns for schools and the wider society; and Qatar University undertakes research programmes. UNESCO is working with Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF) to develop a Botanical Garden preserving the country’s 300 species of flora.
A number of environmental protection programmes have been established by the Ministry of Environment within the boundaries of the northern Ras Laffan Industrial City (RLC). RLC is continuing with a marine survey and detailed record of turtle breeding; birdlife breeding areas have been pinpointed using computer mapping; and Ostrich, Hubara and Reem Gazelle have been reintroduced to the area.
Recognising the importance of the environment and the country’s biodiversity, the Ministry of Environment has introduced action plans and legislation to ensure environmental protection. Measures include restrictions on weekend camps in the desert, a ban on the collection of plants or birds’ eggs, and preventing the introduction of alien and invasive species.
In 2004, Qatar drew up a National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) containing 11 strategic goals that identified the most pressing biodiversity issues with action plans, recognised in 2007 as a ‘complete NBSAP’. Also in 2007, the Al Reem reserve in the northwest of Qatar was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
A number of ‘public awareness’ campaigns have been introduced to familiarize the nationals and residents of Qatar with the need to protect the environment. ‘A Flower Each Spring’ is an initiative from HH Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al Misnad since 1999, with the campaign focusing on one indigenous plant each year. Schools are encouraged to take students on expeditions to the desert to study the plant, giving them the knowledge they can pass on to future generations.
Other initiatives include the annual ‘Green Qatar’ campaign by the former Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Agriculture; The Centre for Environment Friends runs campaigns for schools and the wider society; and Qatar University undertakes research programmes. UNESCO is working with Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF) to develop a Botanical Garden preserving the country’s 300 species of flora.
A number of environmental protection programmes have been established by the Ministry of Environment within the boundaries of the northern Ras Laffan Industrial City (RLC). RLC is continuing with a marine survey and detailed record of turtle breeding; birdlife breeding areas have been pinpointed using computer mapping; and Ostrich, Hubara and Reem Gazelle have been reintroduced to the area.
