Ulaanbaatar: The State of Qatar, represented by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MOECC), participated in the Ministerial Dialogue on the Restoration of Rangelands and the Well-Being of Pastoral Communities. This dialogue was part of the 17th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (COP17) held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
According to Qatar News Agency, Assistant Undersecretary for Protection and Natural Reserves Affairs at MOECC, Dr. Ibrahim Abdul Latif Al Maslamani, represented Qatar at the dialogue. Dr. Al Maslamani emphasized the national efforts to protect and rehabilitate rangelands and restore terrestrial ecosystems, along with initiatives to enhance the sustainability of land and vegetation cover. He noted the dialogue's importance, especially as 2026 has been designated the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, highlighting the environmental significance of rangelands in preserving biodiversity and promoting soil health.
Dr. Al Maslamani pointed out Qatar's integrated approach to ecosystem protection and site restoration, despite challenges posed by arid environments. He detailed efforts from 2019 to 2026, covering 16.72 square kilometers across 76 natural areas, with plans to expand to 500 sites by 2030. He also outlined the initiative to plant 10 million trees by 2030, part of Qatar's contribution to the Green Middle East Initiative, with over 4 million trees already planted.
He further highlighted the use of modern technologies, such as geographic information systems, remote sensing, and drones, in environmental protection efforts. These technologies have helped survey and document 1,573 natural areas and establish a comprehensive national spatial database for sustainable planning and land use.
Dr. Al Maslamani mentioned national measures like banning camel grazing and regulating sheep and goat grazing, which reduce pressure on vegetation and allow natural regeneration. These efforts align with Qatar's first National Strategy to Combat Desertification (2025-2030), aiming to restore 30 percent of degraded habitats and promote sustainable land management.
During the dialogue, Dr. Al Maslamani called for enhanced international cooperation and knowledge exchange, especially among countries with similar environmental challenges. This collaboration would prioritize rangeland restoration, support natural resource sustainability, and strengthen ecosystem and community resilience.
