NNA - The environmental issue enjoys increasing attention from all countries worldwide, as well as from international, governmental, and non-governmental organizations, in addition, protecting the environment, preserving its elements, and preserving its various components are a priority at all national, regional, and international levels. The State of Qatar has placed the environment at the center of its attention, adopting measures, mechanisms, laws, legislation, and strategies to ensure its protection and preservation, keeping it clean, safe, healthy, and free of all forms of pollutants. This has become an ingrained culture in Qatar's society and a common behavior among all citizens, residents, and visitors, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.
Qatar boasts numerous natural landmarks and a wide variety of wildlife, land, and marine environments. These include nature reserves that encompass diverse ecosystems, where visitors can connect with nature and explore diverse animals, plants, environments, and habitats, including sand and sea beaches. These reserves are designated for the conservation of specific species of plants or animals that are at risk of extinction, in addition to their role in preserving the country's ecological balance.
Qatar's nature reserves are also of great importance as they aim to protect endangered species, preserve natural habitats, and enhance the sustainability of ecosystems.
In this context, the State of Qatar has given great importance to wildlife by preserving, developing, and protecting it from extinction. Amiri Decree Law No. 19 of 2004 was issued regarding the protection of wildlife and its natural habitats. Qatar has also sought to establish several conservation areas and nature reserves for the purpose of protecting and maintaining ecosystems and their components. The State of Qatar has witnessed a remarkable expansion in nature reserves, as they now cover approximately 25.73 percent of the country's area, with plans to reach 30 percent by 2030.
In his remarks to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Director of the Natural Reserves Department at the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Saleh Hassan Al Kuwari said that nature reserves in the State of Qatar are divided into two main types, terrestrial and marine. There are a total of 12 reserves, in addition to the Umm Al Sheif Reserve, which was approved as a nature reserve at the end of 2024.
Nature reserves include the Al Shahaniya Reserve, one of the first nature reserves established by the State of Qatar, located in the Al Shahaniya area, 45 kilometres from Doha, central Qatar, with an area of 12 square kilometers. Al Shahaniya Reserve was allocated in 1979 as a special reserve for the endangered Arabian Oryx, and the reserve also includes a barn to house ostriches.
Another nature reserve is Al Mashabiya Reserve, located southwest of Qatar, to the southeast of Abu Samra. It houses rare animals such as the Al-Reem Gazelle and the Arabian Oryx (Al Wadihi). Officially opened in 1997, the reserve covers an area of approximately 54 square kilometers and was established to resettle the Arabian Oryx (Al Wadihi)), Al-Reem Gazelle, and other endangered wildlife. Some natural grasses, seasonal herbs, and wild trees grow in the reserve among the sand dunes.
Al Reem Reserve is one of the largest reserves in Qatar, covering approximately 16 percent of Qatar's land area and boasting natural terrain that supports the repopulation of wildlife.
Al Reem Reserve is located in the northwest of the State of Qatar, and is considered a nature reserve according to Law No. 7 of 2005. It is located 65 kilometers west of Doha, on the western coast. The reserve area covers approximately 16 percent of Qatar's total land area, and is characterized by its high limestone formations along the western coast. The Brouq area is considered one of the best areas ever for projects to resettle wildlife, such as gazelles and ostriches.
This reserve has been recognized by the UNESCO International Coordinating Council of the Man and Biosphere Program. It is rich in orchids and holds a special place in the hearts of the people of Qatar due to its extensive vegetation cover.
In addition, the marine reserves include the Al Thakhira Reserve, as the Al Thakhira area was considered a natural reserve according to Resolution No. 6 of 2006, and is home to mangrove trees and coral reefs. The reserve is located in the northeast of the State of Qatar, about 64 kilometers from Doha, and includes a marine side that includes Um Al Far Island and the natural mangrove forest, and a land side that includes gravel lands, sabkhas (salty and limestone), and valleys.
This region is distinguished by its rich marine diversity and abundance of evergreen mangrove trees, which grow in the salty sea waters of summer and winter. It is almost the only place where trees grow naturally.
Among the marine reserves is the Khor Al Udeid Reserve, known as the "Inland Sea," which represents a unique environment for supporting diverse marine life.
The reserve is one of the natural reserves based on Resolution No. 1 of 2007. It is located 80 kilometers southeast of Doha. It is usually referred to as the inland sea, as it is located at the southernmost point of Qatar, and its area is approximately 1,833 square kilometers.
Khor Al Udeid is one of the most significant areas for mammals and is an exceptional natural environment of special importance and attraction in Qatar. It contains high sand dunes and represents a unique combination of geological terrain and environmental factors, creating natural environments that support unique species of animals and plants. This has led to the emergence of a natural landscape and ecosystem unique to Qatar, deserving of the highest levels of protection for the natural environment.
According to Resolution No. 1 of 2006, the Al Areeq Reserve was established in the southwestern region of the State of Qatar, 80 kilometers away from Doha. It is characterized by valleys and highlands and is also characterized by the presence of several types of plants. It was chosen as a natural reserve to preserve its vegetation cover from overgrazing.
As for the Lusail Reserve, it is also considered a natural reserve, according to Law No. 7 of 2005. The reserve is located northeast of Doha, and its area is 36 square kilometers.
The Lusail Reserve was selected to implement the objectives of the biodiversity strategy and to limit rapid urban expansion on the eastern coast of the State of Qatar. The Lusail area is one of the largest historical sites and contains distinctive geological features.
Al Riffa Reserve is also a nature reserve. It is a group of meadows near the Al Rayyan area, and close to the Al Wajba area. Its area is approximately 53 square kilometers.
Al Riffa Reserve is elevated compared to the surrounding lands, and is home to a wealth of wild plants that distinguish it from other areas of Qatar. It was an important destination for Qatar's residents, who sought to enjoy the magnificent nature.
Saina Reserve is located in the northwest of Doha. Given its high biodiversity, it was regarded as a natural reserve to prevent and preserve urban sprawl.
Um Al Amad Reserve is about 25 km from Doha, and is located in the northeastern region of Qatar. It is rich in meadows and is characterized by dense vegetation.
The nature reserves also include the Um Qarn Reserve, located approximately 25 kilometers from Doha in the northeastern region of the country, boasting abundant meadows characterized by dense vegetation.
The Erkia Reserve is located near the Erkia farm, 50 kilometers west of Doha on the Abu Samra Road, in the south-central plain of Qatar. Erkia stands in the middle of the desert like a shining emerald, home to all resident species. It is located within the "flights of migratory birds and insects" that pass through Qatar. This reserve can even be seen from space on satellite maps.
A center-pivot drip irrigation system is used on the fields where animal feed is grown. The farm consists of sandy and loamy topsoil on a flat, sandy plain with pebbles polished by water. The rest of the area is a low, rocky limestone elevation with scattered boulders and sparse vegetation.
In northern Qatar lies the Um Al Sheif Reserve, one of the region's most prominent pearl diving sites and one of the most famous natural resources located within Qatar's exclusive economic zone. It boasts a rich marine environment, thanks to the convergence of nutrient-laden currents, making it a rich habitat for marine life such as fish, shellfish, and coral reefs.
Um Al Sheif Marine Reserve is a key site for preserving biodiversity and supporting scientific studies on coral reefs and marine organisms. It was designated a nature reserve to protect pearl diving sites and their unique biodiversity, in addition to being one of the most prominent marine areas teeming with organisms such as fish, shellfish, and coral reefs.
Due to its strategic location and the confluence of nutrient-rich ocean currents, it represents an ideal environment for supporting marine life and enhancing biodiversity.
This classification of the reserve aims to ensure the protection of this area from harmful human activities, such as overfishing and marine pollution, as well as to support scientific efforts to study coral reefs and marine organisms in accordance with the national strategy for biodiversity protection and the country's sustainable development plans. 
As part of its Third National Development Strategy 2024-2030, the State of Qatar seeks to increase the number and area of nature reserves with the aim of achieving a balance between economic growth and environmental sustainability. These efforts include expanding protected areas through the establishment of new reserves in addition to developing existing reserves by improving their infrastructure and enhancing their environmental management.
The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change is also implementing strategic projects aimed at enhancing biodiversity in cooperation with relevant authorities in the country. This is achieved by developing policies to protect natural habitats, launching initiatives to conserve endangered species, and adopting modern technologies to monitor the environment and protect wildlife.
In this context, Director of the Natural Reserves Department at the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Saleh Hassan Al Kuwari told QNA that Qatar is witnessing a significant expansion in natural reserves, which now cover approximately 25.73 percent of the country's area, with plans to reach 30 percent by 2030.
He added that nature reserves cover approximately 23.6 percent of Qatar's land area, while marine reserves extend over 2.6 percent of the country's territorial waters. Qatar seeks to increase the area of marine reserves to 30 percent of its exclusive economic zone, reflecting its commitment to protecting environmental resources and promoting sustainability.
Nature reserves play a key role in achieving environmental development as they contribute to protecting biodiversity by providing safe environments for wildlife. They also work to improve air and water quality, as plants help purify the air, while wetlands contribute to purifying groundwater. In addition, nature reserves play a key role in combating desertification by protecting the vegetation cover from negative environmental impacts.
In this regard, the Director of the Natural Reserves Department at the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change said that within the framework of Qatar National Vision 2030, plans have been developed to enhance green spaces and expand the scope of nature reserves. This is achieved through sustainable strategies that include the rehabilitation of natural environments, the development of environmental resource management policies, and the expansion of protected areas to protect fragile ecosystems from climate change.
He pointed out the vital role of nature reserves in revitalizing the ecotourism sector, which is currently witnessing tangible and rapid development in Qatar. The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change is developing an integrated plan to develop this sector, which includes comprehensive development of ecotourism sites, a map of all the landmarks and attractions in these sites, along with improving infrastructure and public services in visitor areas, as well as promoting sustainable practices, reducing negative impacts on ecosystems, and introducing visitors to the country's cultural heritage.
Commenting on the contribution of nature reserves to the development of ecotourism in the country, Al Kuwari considered nature reserves to be a fundamental element in the development of ecotourism in Qatar, as they provide unique tourist destinations for nature and environment lovers. He pointed out that the Al Thakhira Reserve, for example, attracts visitors thanks to its mangrove trees and coral reefs, while the Khor Al Udeid Reserve provides an exceptional experience for visitors through its sand dunes and intersecting marine waters.
He pointed out that the reserves are being used as educational centers for environmental awareness, providing educational programs to raise awareness of the importance of preserving the environment and biodiversity, in addition to supporting eco-friendly tourism activities such as bird watching, camping in wildlife reserves, and eco-safaris.
He reviewed Qatar's key efforts to protect wildlife and propagate endangered species, noting that the State of Qatar is implementing a range of programs and projects to protect wildlife, including breeding and propagation programs for the Arabian Oryx and Al-Reem Gazelle, with large numbers of these species being reintroduced into open reserves. Meanwhile, Qatar launched a marine turtle protection project to protect and monitor turtles that breed on Qatar's beaches.
He emphasized that Qatar is also working to propagate mangrove plants, which play a significant role in purifying water and supporting marine life. He also emphasized that the state is implementing programs to monitor marine species, such as whale sharks and dugongs, to study their movements and behavior and protect them from environmental hazards.
The Director of the Natural Reserves Department at the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change pointed out that Qatar has launched a biodiversity strategy and plans for ecosystem sustainability. This strategy forms an essential part of the country's plans to preserve the environment and achieve sustainability, within the framework of Qatar National Vision 2030.
He said that Qatar has been preparing its national biodiversity strategy since 2004, with the aim of protecting endangered species and rehabilitating natural habitats. It also recently participated in the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP16) to strengthen its environmental commitments at the international level.
He added that, as part of this strategy, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change is working to implement plans to rehabilitate natural environments by protecting natural meadows, cleaning beaches, and preserving coral reefs. These efforts also include monitoring marine organisms such as whale sharks and dugongs and managing invasive alien species that could affect the ecological balance. He indicated that through these plans, Qatar is ensuring the sustainability of ecosystems and promoting a balance between environmental and economic development.
He pointed out that, in the context of these commendable efforts, Qatar's wildlife is subject to continuous monitoring, with periodic studies conducted to monitor the numbers of living organisms in nature reserves, with the aim of assessing their environmental status and the success of breeding and protection efforts. For example, the Al Reem Reserve is home to increasing numbers of Arabian Oryx and Al-Reem Gazelle, and efforts are underway to reintroduce them to suitable habitats to ensure their natural reproduction.
Al Kuwari said that regarding marine reserves, studies indicate the presence of large concentrations of sea turtles in the Al Thakhira Reserve, in addition to increasing numbers of whale sharks in Qatari waters, reflecting the success of the country's wildlife protection programs.
Given this interest in developing nature reserves, preserving wildlife, and reducing the environmental impact of economic activities, the question arises as to how to achieve a balance between preserving natural and cultural heritage and sustainable development, all of which are key objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030.
Commenting on this, Al Kuwari emphasized that Qatar relies on several strategies to ensure this balance, including the development of nature reserves such as the Al Reem Reserve, which represents a model for preserving environmental and cultural heritage, as it encompasses unique historical and geological areas, in addition to its rich biological diversity.
Qatar also adopts policies aimed at reducing the environmental impact of economic activities by promoting the sustainable use of natural resources and encouraging investment in environmental projects, such as clean energy and waste recycling. At the same time, emphasis is placed on raising environmental awareness among individuals and institutions to ensure the continued preservation of our natural and cultural heritage for future generations.
He pointed to the challenges facing biodiversity and climate change in Qatar and other countries, which require intensive efforts to confront and address them. Al Kuwari stressed that Qatar, like other countries, faces environmental challenges related to the loss of biodiversity and climate change, which require intensive efforts to address them. The key challenge is rapid urban expansion, which may lead to the loss of some natural habitats, in addition to the overfishing of some land and marine species. He indicated that rising temperatures affect coral reefs and marine life, posing a threat to coastal ecosystems.
The Director of the Natural Reserves Department at the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change said that in confronting these challenges, the State of Qatar has adopted the National Climate Change Plan, which aims to reduce carbon emissions, promote renewable energy, and increase green areas. It also implements programs to rehabilitate natural environments, such as protecting natural meadows and planting local trees, in addition to ongoing efforts to monitor and observe wildlife in natural reserves to ensure their sustainability. (QNA)

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