Doha, April 25 (QNA) - The 71st General Assembly of the International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation (CIC) began today in Qatar, where it is being hosted over two days under the theme "Mediation."

The assembly was inaugurated by HE Minister of Environment and Climate Change Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie, in the presence of HE Chairman of the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al-Thani.

Supported by the Qatar Chamber, the meeting includes rich discussions on the relationship between mediation, hunting, and green diplomacy as pillars of sustainable environmental conservation.

In his remarks, H.E. Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, said this gathering served as a global platform to reaffirm our shared commitment to striking a balance between sustainable hunting practices and the protection of biodiversity.

His Excellency noted that hunting has long been an integral part of the State of Qatar’s cultural heritage, stressing the significant responsibility to preserve this rich heritage while protecting the ecosystems. His Excellency noted that this was a responsibility that reflects the country's comprehensive national vision, which seamlessly blends authenticity with modernity.

His Excellency emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to playing a pioneering role in regulating hunting activities, guided by scientific principles and sound environmental policies.

HE the Minister further emphasized the State of Qatar’s strong commitment to global environmental protection efforts and its active engagement in international partnerships. He highlighted the country's adherence to international agreements such as CITES, as well as its ongoing collaboration with regional and global stakeholders to address transboundary challenges that pose a threat to biodiversity.

For his part, CIC Director-General Sebastian Winkler, expressed his gratitude to the State of Qatar for hosting the Council’s General Assembly Meeting.

He noted that the discussions at the event underscored the crucial role of mediation and green diplomacy in environmental preservation. He emphasized that mediation serves as a key tool in resolving conflicts related to the environment, sustainable falconry, and wildlife protection.

Meanwhile, Managing Director and Chairman of Qetaifan Projects HE Sheikh Nasser bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, expressed his pleasure at collaborating with the Qatar Chamber to sponsor this important event, saying: "We look forward to continuing this partnership through future initiatives that serve the community and enhance Qatar's position on the international stage."

The CIC General Assembly meeting featured a series of in-depth discussions covering a range of critical topics, including mediation and the political challenges to hunting, the future of hunting through mediation, hunting as a diplomatic platform, falconry in the Arab world, and the role of falconry in wildlife conservation. The agenda also included the review of various reports and key sessions.

Over the course of the two-day event, the Assembly explored mediation as a powerful tool for addressing conservation-related conflicts across borders and shared interests. Through sessions led by distinguished speakers and experts, the meeting examined how mediation can align the perspectives of diverse stakeholders in terms of balancing the needs of local communities, wildlife managers, and policymakers to foster sustainable and inclusive conservation solutions. (QNA)