Doha: The world celebrates the International Day for Biological Diversity every year on May 22, amid intensive efforts to protect planet Earth-especially the lives of animals and plants, which form a cornerstone of human well-being now and in the future. They provide ecological balance, biological diversity, and an important source of resources that support the survival of ecosystems.
According to Qatar News Agency, indicators show that biodiversity is deteriorating at an unprecedented rate, as about 75% of terrestrial environments and 66% of marine environments have been significantly altered by human actions. This has prompted international organizations to sound the alarm over the risk of extinction threatening nearly one million species of animals and plants. Experts attribute this worsening crisis to climate change, rising pollution levels, overexploitation of resources, destruction of water sources, and urban expansion at the expense of green spaces.
In Qatar, natural resources represent a central part of the country's heritage, which will be passed on to future generations. Biodiversity plays an important role across all ecosystems by acting as a natural regulator that helps maintain soil fertility, pollinate crops, control insects and epidemics, and support other activities that fall within the national strategic environmental and climate priorities. The Qatar National Environment and Climate Change Strategy aims to improve efforts to conserve and restore natural ecosystems and protect their unique characteristics.
Assistant Director of the Wildlife Development Department, Dr. Dhafi Heedan, told Qatar News Agency (QNA) that enhancing wildlife and preserving biodiversity in Qatar's terrestrial and marine environments were major focuses of the Ministry's plans for 2025 and 2026. These efforts include implementing projects to protect sea turtles at Fuwairit Beach, monitoring nesting sites, and rescuing injured turtles, in addition to protecting mangrove trees, marine habitats, and endangered species.
Dr. Dhafi Heedan emphasized the Ministry's ongoing projects to fence and rehabilitate natural areas and plant native trees and plants to restore vegetation cover and improve natural habitats for wildlife. The Ministry also works to combat invasive species, conduct field studies on biodiversity, develop environmental databases, strengthen partnerships with academic institutions, and implement awareness programs that support sustainability and preserve natural resources for future generations.
According to the Ministry of Environment's website, the State of Qatar launched the seed dispersal initiative to support natural vegetation cover, alongside the national campaign to remove the harmful mesquite tree. There are various initiatives to protect endangered species and propagate animal species that were once found in Qatar, such as the protection of the hawksbill sea turtle and the establishment of the Arabian Oryx Sanctuary.
Head of the Nature Conservators Centre, Saif Al Hajari, told QNA that enhancing wildlife and preserving biodiversity in the State of Qatar is a joint effort undertaken by government agencies, universities, research centers, and civil society organizations. These initiatives aim to achieve common goals in protecting endangered species and preserving natural habitats, such as the Arabian oryx, the sand gazelle, and the houbara bustard.
The State of Qatar has ratified several international agreements and protocols, including the Convention on Biological Diversity. The country is keen to implement its obligations by launching national initiatives and strategies to protect biodiversity for current and future generations.