Doha, June 23 (QNA) - The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change organized a workshop entitled, 'National Targets of the National Biodiversity Strategy,' as part of the activities of the project to support early action for the Global Biodiversity Framework - Qatar, in cooperation with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and with support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF).

The workshop was held under the patronage of HE Minister of Environment and Climate Change Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie, and was attended by a select group of experts, consultants, and representatives of relevant national authorities.

In his speech during the workshop, Assistant Undersecretary for Protection and Nature Reserves Dr. Ibrahim Abdullatif Al Maslamani emphasized that the ministry attaches great importance to protecting biodiversity, as it is a fundamental pillar for the sustainability of environmental resources and a guarantee of food and water security and human well-being. He pointed out that these efforts fall within the implementation of the environmental development pillar of Qatar National Vision 2030.

Dr. Al Maslamani explained that the workshop aims to review and update the national objectives within the National Biodiversity Strategy for the 2025-2035 period, enhance their alignment with the requirements of the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework, the Third National Development Strategy (2024–2030), and the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change strategy.

He pointed out that through this project, the ministry seeks to develop a comprehensive and integrated strategy for biodiversity conservation, based on the latest global scientific practices and the principle of active participation by various national entities, including government institutions, academic bodies, civil society organizations, and the private sector.

For his part, Director of the Wildlife Development Department at the ministry Yousef Al Hamar noted that biodiversity is the cornerstone of healthy ecosystems and a pivotal factor in the sustainability of natural resources and the enhancement of food and water security. He stressed that preservation represents a national and international commitment, and is part of Qatar National Vision 2030, the Third National Development Strategy, and the ministry's strategy, in addition to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework.

The workshop featured multiple discussion sessions, including reviewing national targets and linking them to the global biodiversity framework, reviewing the next steps to update the strategy, and presenting participants' comments and suggestions.

At the conclusion of the workshop, the project organizers expressed their thanks and appreciation to the participants, affirming their continued cooperation with all relevant parties during the next phases, leading to the adoption of the National Biodiversity Strategy for the State of Qatar, which will enhance the country's efforts to conserve its natural diversity for the benefit of current and future generations. (QNA)