Doha, February 27 (QNA) - The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MOECC) launched the second phase of the Al Ghashamiya Centre for Wild Plant Propagation Project to increase its production capacity to 25,000 wild seedlings and 300,000 seeds, as part of the celebration of Qatar Environment Day.

Launched by HE Undersecretary of the MOECC Eng. Abdulaziz bin Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud, this project aims to support the cultivation and propagation of local wild plants and enhance national environmental projects, as part of its efforts to preserve biodiversity and protect the environment.

MOECC's Wildlife Development Department Director Yousef Al Hamar stated that the project represents a qualitative step towards enhancing efforts to cultivate local wild plants and support projects that contribute to the rehabilitation of natural ecosystems.

He pointed out that Al Ghashamiya Center includes three nurseries, each with an area of ??30 x 15 meters, and each unit contains five basins that can accommodate about 1,500 wild seedlings, with its development continuing according to future plans aimed at increasing production and introducing more plant species suitable for the Qatari environment in order to enhance production capacity and support efforts to rehabilitate natural environments and reserves.

Work at the center began in May 2023 aiming to produce and multiply local wild seedlings at rates that keep pace with the requirements of environmental rehabilitation and combating desertification projects. he said, adding its annual production capacity will reach 25,000 wild seedlings after the opening of the second phase, in addition to 300,000 seeds of various local plants.

The development of the center is within the framework of Qatar's commitment to preserving biodiversity and enhancing vegetation cover, in accordance with Qatar National Vision 2030, which places environmental sustainability at the forefront of its priorities, by enhancing local vegetation cover, reducing the effects of climate change, and ensuring the sustainability of natural resources for future generations. (QNA)