Doha, February 17 (QNA) - The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MECC), represented by the Wildlife Development Department, in cooperation with the Commercial Bank of Qatar (CBQ), has launched the second phase of the Rawda (meadows) fencing initiative at Rawdat Umm Laqhab in the Umm Birkah area of Al Thakhira, as part of ongoing efforts to preserve ecosystems, protect terrestrial environments, and enhance the sustainability of vegetation cover.

In a statement issued Tuesday, the Ministry said the initiative aims to rehabilitate meadows through the planting of native seedlings and ensuring their long-term sustainability, with a focus on sites containing rare plant species or those of environmental and historical significance. The project includes fencing meadows according to carefully developed technical specifications, installing informational and awareness signage, and planting approximately 300 native seedlings.

Wildlife specialist at MECC Ahmed Manoukh Al Anzi said the initiative represents a successful model of public-private partnership, noting that priority is given to meadows containing rare plant species within a comprehensive national plan to survey and assess more than 1,500 meadows across the country. The plan is based on a spatial database developed through field surveys and scientific studies.

For her part, Executive General Manager and Chief Marketing Officer at Commercial Bank Eiman Al Nuaimi said the collaboration with MECC supports the National Strategy to Combat Desertification and reinforces the commitment to protecting Qatar's natural resources and building a sustainable environmental future for future generations, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.

She added that the rehabilitation of Rawdat Umm Laqhab reflects the translation of sustainability principles into practical applications, including reducing the carbon footprint, installing solar energy systems, and adopting environmentally friendly solutions.

The initiative forms part of a series of meadow fencing projects implemented by the Ministry to protect natural sites from harmful practices and provide an opportunity for vegetation and wildlife to regenerate and thrive in a safe environment, thereby contributing to the preservation of biodiversity and sensitive natural habitats. (QNA)