Doha, February 25 (QNA) - On Wednesday, the State Qatar will mark Qatar Environment Day, which falls on Feb. 26 of each year, under the theme "Our Environment... Sustainable Giving." The theme carries a profound significance for preserving the environment as a permanent source of life and development, and in a way that achieves a balance between meeting human needs and protecting environmental resources, to ensure their sustainability for future generations, and the continuation of their giving without depletion or harm.

The theme also emphasizes that "Qatar's environment is an inexhaustible source of giving, and that protecting it is a pillar for the sustainability of natural resources and ensuring a bright future for the nation." On this occasion, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC) will organize a number of events that contribute to raising environmental awareness among all members of society, citizens, and residents, as a culmination of its efforts in this field.

Such annual events also aim to enhance knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values ??related to the safety, recovery, beauty, and preservation of Qatar's environment, develop the spirit of initiative and environmental awareness among citizens and residents, groups and individuals, encourage participation in various activities, highlight the celebration's theme, and also enhance the role of public and private institutions and bodies in the field of environmental protection and the challenges it faces by integrating these entities and their participation in various related events and activities.

There is no doubt that the successes achieved by celebrating Qatar Environment Day over the past years have contributed significantly to increasing community environmental awareness and the wide turnout to participate in the events, which reflects a true interpretation of the extent of care and attention that the Qatari environment enjoys from the wise leadership to protect its various components from waste, loss, deterioration, harmful negative practices, and pollution in all its forms.

In remarks to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Director of the Public Relations and Communications Department at MoECC Farhoud Hadi Al Hajri emphasized that the ministry will organize a number of events on this occasion on Wednesday and Thursday, including a campaign to clean up the Al Thakira Reserve in cooperation with The View Hospital - Qatar, as part of its efforts to preserve the natural reserves in the country.

Al Hajri noted that the celebration of Qatar Environment Day stems from the State of Qatar's interest and keenness to protect the environment and its natural balance to achieve comprehensive and sustainable development for current and future generations, as one of the main pillars of Qatar National Vision 2030.

He explained that the theme of this year's Qatar Environment Day, "Our Environment... Sustainable Giving," emphasizes the need to achieve a balance between meeting human needs and preserving environmental resources to ensure their continuity for future generations. It also expresses the importance of achieving a vital balance between meeting human needs while preserving the sustainability of natural resources.

The Director of the Public Relations and Communications Department at MoECC pointed out that the celebration's theme highlights the extent of the State of Qatar's commitment to enhancing the environment through sustainable practices that ensure the preservation of biodiversity and achieving sustainability for future generations.

He explained that Qatar Environment Day reflects the country's strategic direction in supporting environmental initiatives that contribute to creating a balanced environment, and urges society to adopt environmentally friendly solutions that contribute to achieving sustainable development.

Al Hajri noted that the events organized on the occasion of Qatar Environment Day annually seek to enhance environmental awareness among the public, and develop skills and attitudes that support the preservation of Qatar's environment and its protection from various environmental challenges. He stressed that most of them focus on consolidating the values ??of environmental responsibility in society, by motivating citizens and residents to participate actively in various activities.

He emphasized that the program of events aims to intensify cooperation between government and private institutions in terms of enhancing efforts to protect the environment and confronting the challenges that threaten its sustainability. 

The State of Qatar, represented by the MoECC, has been celebrating Qatar Environment Day since 1996, under a specific theme chosen annually to address a particular environmental issue. The goal is to raise awareness about the importance of environmental protection as a collective responsibility, especially since environmental issues have become a global concern. These issues are discussed at international summits, conferences, and meetings aimed at finding innovative solutions to environmental challenges.

Qatar has also gone beyond just celebrating the annual event by launching several initiatives, such as the 'Plant a Million Trees' campaign in 2019, with the aim of supporting global efforts against climate change and promoting environmental sustainability.

As part of its ongoing efforts to preserve the environment, Qatar, under the environmental pillar of its National Vision 2030, seeks to strike a balance between development needs and environmental protection. The country is committed to developing efficient and modern environmental institutions that raise public awareness about environmental issues and encourage the use of eco-friendly technologies.

The environmental and biological diversity in the State of Qatar, which combines sea, land, heritage and natural resources, places on everyone the responsibility to protect and enrich this diversity in all its ecological, developmental, and social aspects to ensure a sustainable green future for current and future generations.

From here, based on the country’s strong commitment to environmental protection, the MoECC emphasizes the importance of avoiding actions that harm or pollute the environment.

Moreover, focusing on the national environment also involves promoting eco-tourism through the expansion of nature reserves, parks, and green spaces, as well as preserving wildlife and plant life, contributing to the growth of environmental tourism projects.

The MoECC consistently highlights the need for attention to environmental preservation, biodiversity sustainability, and Qatar’s efforts to support international action against climate change. This includes efforts to sustain natural resources, protect biological diversity, improve air quality, increase green spaces, reduce emissions, enhance monitoring systems, and protect endangered species. Qatar also remains committed to fulfilling its obligations under various international and regional environmental agreements.

In this context, the Ministry recently launched its Sectoral Strategy for 2024-2030 under the slogan "Together Towards a Sustainable Environment for a Better Future." This strategy aligns with the third National Development Strategy, marking the final phase of Qatar's National Vision 2030, which places environmental development as one of its four key pillars. (QNA)