Doha, March 18 (QNA) - The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC) has signed a cooperation program with the ExxonMobil Research Qatar to study mangroves and prepare a comprehensive rehabilitation map, which will contribute to protecting coastal ecosystems and enhancing biodiversity.

In the presence of HE Minister of Environment and Climate Change Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie and General Manager of ExxonMobil Qatar Taher Hamid, the agreement was signed by MoECC's Assistant Undersecretary for Protection and Natural Reserves Affairs Dr Ibrahim Abdul Latif Al Maslamani and Director of ExxonMobil Research Qatar Dr Easa Al Musleh.

The cooperation program aims to study mangroves as a nature-based environmental solution and enhance their role in protecting the environment, biodiversity, and coastal ecosystems, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Third National Development Strategy 2024-2030.

It encompasses the preparation of a comprehensive map for the rehabilitation of mangroves in Qatar by studying the environmental conditions suitable for these trees, analyzing the impact of the surrounding biodiversity, and conducting scientific modeling of coral reefs and seagrasses.

In a statement, Dr. Al Maslamani stated that the cooperation program between the Ministry and ExxonMobil Research Qatar falls within the framework of the State of Qatar's efforts to preserve the environment and enhance its sustainability, noting the importance of mangroves in supporting marine and coastal ecosystems.

He added that it encompasses conducting a comprehensive survey of the Qatari coast, starting from the Salwa area in the south to Khor Al Adaid in the north of Qatar. It also includes studying a number of Qatari islands, including Umm Tais, Ras Rakan, and Al Aliyah, to assess their suitability for mangrove replanting.

Dr. Al Maslamani added that the agreement focuses on analyzing the environments that support mangroves, studying their associated biodiversity, and conducting scientific modeling of coral reefs and seagrasses to ensure the success of aquaculture projects and reduce potential risks associated with poor site selection.

For his part, Taher Hamid noted that the cooperation program reflects ExxonMobil Qatar's commitment to supporting national environmental efforts, emphasizing that the company is proud to support the MoECC through scientific research and the provision of sustainable environmental solutions.

He added that ExxonMobil Qatar is part of the local community and will continue its commitment to supporting environmental innovation, which benefits both people and the environment.

Dr Easa Al Musleh emphasized that the cooperation program extends for five years, with the possibility of renewal upon an agreement between the two parties. It comes within the framework of ExxonMobil Research Qatar's commitment to supporting environmental projects in the country, he said, noting that the program represents an important step toward promoting environmental sustainability through scientific research and practical applications that support the protection of natural resources. (QNA)