Doha, February 25 (QNA) - The State of Qatar will celebrate tomorrow Qatar Environment Day, which falls on Feb. 26 each year, under the slogan "Our Behavior Reflects on Our Environment.

"The occasion embodies a journey spanning three decades of continuous work to protect the environment, promote sustainability principles, and strengthen environmental awareness as one of the pillars of comprehensive development in the country.

This year’s celebration represents an important milestone in the history of Qatar Environment Day, which the state has observed annually since 1996, reaffirming its commitment to protecting the environment and preserving its natural resources.

On this occasion, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change is organizing several events and programs to raise awareness on the importance of environmental protection and encourage community participation in supporting national efforts to preserve terrestrial and marine ecosystems, in alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030, which places development among its fundamental pillars.

In this context, HE Undersecretary of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Eng. Abdulaziz bin Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Mahmoud said that Qatar Environment Day represents an opportunity to strengthen societal awareness of the importance of environmental protection and to embed sustainability principles into the daily behavior of individuals and institutions, ensuring the sustainability of natural resources for current and future generations.

He said, in a statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA), that the occasion reflects Qatar’s commitment to placing environmental issues at the forefront of its development priorities, considering the environment a fundamental pillar of sustainable development.

He noted that celebrating this day reflects the country’s commitment to implementing integrated environmental strategies that enhance biodiversity, reduce pollution, and support the responsible use of resources.

He added that this year’s slogan, “Our Behavior Reflects on Our Environment,” carries a clear and direct message that individual and collective behavior play a decisive role in protecting the environment or negatively impacting it.

He noted that many environmental challenges can be mitigated through simple and responsible daily practices such as conserving energy, reducing plastic use, preserving the cleanliness of beaches and natural areas, and properly managing and recycling waste.

He continued that Qatar Environment Day represents an annual opportunity to evaluate ongoing efforts, review environmental policies, and strengthen societal dialogue on best practices that contribute to protecting ecosystems and achieving balance between development needs and environmental preservation.

He added that the ministry, through its various plans and programs, is working to enhance environmental monitoring, develop environmental protection legislation, and launch awareness campaigns and national initiatives in partnership with government entities, the private sector, and educational institutions to promote environmental culture and encourage active community participation.

He emphasized that embedding environmental awareness and transforming it into conscious daily practice is the true foundation for preserving national achievements and ensuring a safe, balanced environment and sustainable quality of life for all.

For his part, Assistant Undersecretary for Climate Change Affairs Eng. Ahmed Mohammed Al Sada said that the occasion reflects an advanced stage in the development of environmental and climate work in the country over the past 30 years, during which Qatar has undergone a significant transformation in adopting climate policies and strengthening its capacity to address climate change challenges. He noted that this year’s slogan clearly reflects the direct relationship between the behavior of individuals, institutions, and both the public and private sectors, and climate stability.

He added in a statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA) that the ministry is implementing national policies and programs aimed at strengthening the country’s capacity to adapt to climate change impacts, reduce emissions, and improve resource efficiency, while supporting initiatives that contribute to the transition toward more sustainable practices, in line with the National Environment and Climate Change Strategy and enhancing the country’s readiness to face climate challenges.

He stressed that the success of national efforts in this field depends on the integration of roles between institutions and individuals, noting that adopting environmentally responsible behaviors (such as conserving energy, reducing waste, and supporting sustainable practices) was an important component in advancing climate action and strengthening society’s ability to contribute to achieving sustainability goals.

For his part, Assistant Undersecretary for Environmental Affairs Yousuf Ibrahim Al Hamer said that Qatar Environment Day reflects the outcome of 30 years of organized institutional work that has contributed to establishing an advanced environmental system based on legislation, standards, and effective oversight.

He said that this institutional progress has strengthened the country’s ability to manage its environmental resources efficiently and ensure that various projects and activities comply with approved environmental requirements.

Al Hamer noted in a similar statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA) that the Environmental Affairs Sector continues to carry out its responsibilities in developing and implementing environmental policies and standards and supervising compliance with them across development projects and activities.

These efforts contribute to reducing environmental impacts and ensuring the protection of air, water, and soil quality in accordance with best adopted standards and practices. 

He also highlighted the sector’s role in promoting the proper and integrated management of hazardous materials by applying approved regulatory controls and monitoring their handling, storage, and use according to international standards, thereby enhancing environmental safety, supporting environmental stability, and minimizing potential impacts on public health and environmental components.

In turn, Assistant Undersecretary for Protection and Natural Reserves Affairs Dr. Ibrahim Abdul Latif Al Maslamani said that celebrating Qatar Environment Day this year comes within the framework of a national journey spanning three decades that has contributed to building an integrated system for wildlife protection and the management of natural reserves based on modern scientific principles.

He noted that these efforts have directly contributed to stabilizing many natural habitats and restoring their ecological balance.

Al Maslamani highlighted in a statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA) that the Protection and Natural Reserves Sector continues to implement comprehensive programs for managing and rehabilitating reserves, based on continuous field monitoring, enforcement of regulatory controls, and supervision of environmental activities.

These efforts help preserve natural habitats and ensure their stability, alongside specialized programs to protect endangered species and rehabilitate affected environments, in line with approved environmental standards and best practices.

He pointed out that this year’s slogan, "Our behavior reflects on our environment," clearly demonstrated the direct relationship between human behavior and the health of ecosystems.

He emphasized that adhering to environmental guidelines, respecting regulated hunting seasons, preserving vegetation cover, and avoiding harm to wildlife are essential practices that contribute to conserving biodiversity and enhancing the sustainability of natural resources.

The Assistant Undersecretary for Protection and Natural Reserves Affairs added that the ministry’s efforts in this field were based on an integrated strategic vision aimed at achieving balance between development needs and environmental protection by developing the natural reserves system, strengthening protection and rehabilitation programs, and raising environmental awareness among members of society.

These efforts support the preservation of natural heritage and ensure its sustainability for current and future generations. He emphasized that wildlife protection is a shared responsibility requiring coordinated efforts between official entities and the community to establish a conscious and sustainable environmental culture.

For his part, Director of the Public Relations and Communications Department at the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Dr. Farhoud Al Hajri said that celebrating Qatar Environment Day, three decades after its launch, reflects the significant progress in environmental awareness within society as a result of continuous awareness and media efforts carried out by the ministry.

These efforts have helped establish an environmental culture based on responsibility and commitment. He noted that this year’s slogan, “Our behavior reflects on our environment,” highlights the important role individuals play in protecting environmental components through responsible daily practices.

Al Hajri emphasized in a statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA) that the Public Relations and Communications Department was committed to utilizing various media and awareness tools to deliver clear environmental messages based on accurate information and communicated in a direct manner that enhances understanding and compliance.

He noted that the ministry implements media programs and field awareness campaigns in cooperation with government entities, educational institutions, and media outlets to strengthen environmental culture and encourage community participation in environmental protection.

He noted that Qatar Environment Day represents an important opportunity to intensify awareness efforts and highlight the importance of environmentally responsible behavior.

He noted that environmental media is one of the key tools for building societal awareness and supporting national efforts aimed at protecting the environment and achieving sustainability, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030. (QNA)