Doha, July 01 (QNA) - The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change organized a special environmental event to release juvenile hawksbill sea turtles on Fuwairit Beach.

The beach is one of Qatar’s most important sea turtle nesting sites.

The event was part of the Turtle Conservation Project and the National Biodiversity Protection strategy and action plan.

The event was attended by HE Minister of Environment and Climate Change Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie, Assistant Undersecretary for Protection and Natural Reserves Affairs Dr. Ibrahim Abdul Latif Al Muslemani, Assistant Director of the Wildlife Development Department Khalid Jumaa Al Muhannadi, along with a group of children participating in this awareness-raising initiative.

The event featured educational presentations delivered by specialists from the Wildlife Development Department, highlighting the importance of endangered sea turtles and Qatar’s role in implementing conservation and ongoing monitoring programs for these species.

HE the Minister commented on the occasion and said that the turtle nesting season, which begins each April, reflects the country’s commitment to preserving wildlife.

His Excellency noted that the Ministry continues to implement scientific and field programs in collaboration with partners to ensure the sustainability of these rare species, in line with Qatar’s national and international environmental commitments.

His Excellency explained that hawksbill turtles face multiple threats, including fishing activities, predators, and human interference along beaches.

He stressed that designating Fuwairit Beach as a nature reserve aims to provide a safe environment for these creatures to nest.

He added that since 2019, the Ministry’s teams have released over 50,000 turtles into the sea, after relocating around 125 nests to Fuwairit Beach.

They also carried out advanced programs including turtle tagging, DNA analysis, and the use of satellite tracking devices to monitor their movements.

Study results revealed that the number of female turtles nesting annually on Qatari beaches ranges between 164 and 345. The beaches of Ras Laffan, Ras Rakan, Al Ghariyah, and Fuwairit account for approximately 90% of the country’s nesting sites.

Assistant Undersecretary for Protection and Natural Reserves Affairs Dr. Ibrahim Al Muslemani emphasized that marine turtles are an essential part of the marine ecosystem and that their protection requires integrated efforts.

He noted that involving children in the event serves as an educational experience that fosters environmental responsibility among the younger generation.

Al Muslemani added that the Ministry, in cooperation with Qatar University and with support from QatarEnergy, conducted advanced scientific studies to monitor turtle behavior and habitats across various beaches and islands.

These studies included biological and environmental measurements such as egg counts, tidal impact analysis, and DNA studies of hatchlings.

Al Mohannadi for his part highlighted the adoption of precise protocols to handle hatchlings safely during the hatching period.

These include refraining from touching them or approaching the nests, reducing nighttime lighting that may disorient them, and prohibiting pets in nesting areas. (QNA)