Minister of Environment and Climate Change H E Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie and other officials during the launch of the strategy.
Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change launched yesterday the National Strategy to Combat Desertification 2025-2030, as part of the State of Qatar’s efforts to protect its natural resources, enhance their sustainability, and mitigate land degradation and the impacts of drought, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Third National Development Strategy 2024-2030.
The strategy aims to establish a comprehensive national framework to combat desertification and achieve land degradation neutrality by improving the efficiency of natural resource management and strengthening supportive legislation and policies, thereby contributing to the protection of ecosystems and the achievement of sustainable development.
In his remarks during the launch ceremony, Minister of Environment and Climate Change H E Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie affirmed that desertification and the depletion of natural resources pose escalating environmental challenges that require collective efforts both locally and globally.
He emphasised that the launch of this national strategy reflects Qatar’s commitment to protecting the environment and honouring its international obligations, particularly under the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).
He explained that the strategy is based on advanced scientific and technical foundations and aims to enhance the State’s capacity to address the effects of drought and desertification, protect vegetation cover, and ensure biodiversity sustainability, in alignment with UN Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land.
Al Subaie added that the strategy encompasses six key outcomes, including protecting ecosystems and reducing factors contributing to desertification and drought; promoting sustainable management of natural resources; strengthening vegetation cover and rehabilitating affected environments; building capacity and supporting scientific research and innovation; developing legislation, policies, and effective governance; and enhancing community participation and national and international partnerships.
He noted that these pillars form the foundation for the programmes and projects that the ministry will implement in partnership with national and international entities, as well as local communities.
Al Subaie added that the Ministry, as the national focal point for the UNCCD, coordinated efforts with relevant stakeholders in the public and private sectors and civil society institutions to prepare the strategy, which includes practical programmes and projects, most notably the rehabilitation of terrestrial environments, cultivation of native plant species, establishment of nurseries for the propagation of local species, and the updating of legislation governing the use of natural resources.
The Minister said that the Ministry is leading the implementation of the strategy in cooperation with concerned entities through an integrated institutional and operational framework that includes regular monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, clear identification of responsibilities and authorities, and the provision of the necessary human, technical, and financial resources. He further noted the activation of modern technological tools for monitoring and management to ensure the effective and sustainable execution of all programmes and projects.
He called for greater collaboration among national sectors to ensure the effective implementation of the strategy and the achievement of its objectives in addressing desertification, protecting the environment, and ensuring sustainability for future generations.
The launch ceremony was attended by Minister of Municipality H E Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah Al Attiyah, with other dignitaries.
Assistant Undersecretary for Protection and Natural Reserves Affairs Dr. Ibrahim Abdul Latif Al Muslimani said that the launch of the strategy comes as part of the ministry’s efforts to establish an integrated national approach to address desertification and related environmental challenges.
He explained that the strategy represents a comprehensive framework that promotes ecosystem protection, rehabilitation of affected environments, and development and sustainability of vegetation cover, in addition to strengthening sound management of natural resources.
Head of the Plant Wildlife Section at the Wildlife Development Department Adel Mohammed Al Yafei, said that the National Strategy to Combat Desertification, the first of its kind at the national level, marks a milestone in the ministry’s record of achievements. He explained that the strategy seeks to develop early warning and environmental monitoring systems, stabilise sand dunes, mitigate the effects of climate change, and promote balanced management of water, soil, and mineral resources.
