Qatar marks Int’l Day for Biological Diversity
QNA
QATAR, represented by the Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME), marked the International Day for Biological Diversity, which is celebrated on May 22.
This year’s celebration coincides with the 26th anniversary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, which was signed in 1992.
The celebration of the International Day for Biological Diversity aims to enhance knowledge and raise awareness of the importance of healthy diet and ecological ecosystems, while contributing to the achievement of sustainable development goals, including reduction and adaptation to climate change, restoration of ecosystems, access to clean water, elimination of hunger and other related issues.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Ministry of Municipality and Environment stressed that Qatar attaches great importance to the preservation of Biological Diversity, being an important natural asset that supports economic growth, and as it contributes to the preservation of the natural vital system in terms of the availability of water, food and energy.
The ministry said it is working on the implementation of the requirements of the Convention on Biological Diversity through operational procedures to be applied on a daily basis, referring to the development of the first national strategy for biological diversity in 2004, which has been updated in the second national strategy to contribute to the balance between the country’s large sustainable development components and to reduce significant pressures on the components of biodiversity, including ecosystems, animals, plants and fungi.
The Qatar National Vision 2030 has included innovative solutions to ensure sustainability, awareness and commitment to a flexible legislative regime to protect the environment and mitigate climate impacts.
The National Strategy (2018-2025) included several programmes for the sustainability of fishery resources and land-use efficiency. In addition, the national strategy to combat desertification includes proposals for initiatives that contribute to the conservation of the components of biodiversity.
The National Development Strategy (2011-2016) emphasised the Green Areas Project Initiative, which aims to increase sustainable urbanisation and create a healthy living environment.
Qatar has also adopted legislations to enhance the protection of biodiversity, including the ban on grazing, protection of endangered sea turtles and the amendment of the law on damage to the plant environment, in order to ensure that such legislation is in line with the management of environmental developments.