(MENAFN- The Peninsula) QNA
Doha: A number of scientists and researchers at Qatar University are discussing the marine environment in the Gulf region, the threats to endangered marine species and ways to protect and preserve this environment in the light of sustainable development plans, with the participation of researchers from universities, institutions and companies within Qatar, as well as researchers from the Sultanate of Oman, Kuwait, Iran, Britain, America and Canada.
The Conference is organised by the Environmental Science Center at Qatar University with the support of Qatar National Research Fund, ExxonMobil Research Qatar and Total.
The conference aims at shedding light on the most important marine biomes that characterize the marine environment in the Arabian Gulf, as well as the risks they face as a result of the human activities resulting from urban development in the region, as well as the exploration of oil resources in the Gulf waters.
The conference also seeks to study the extreme climatic conditions of high temperatures, low rainfall and sand and dust storms in the region in recent decades, which have affected many marine species such as coral reefs, seagrass, turtles and seabirds, as well as marine microorganisms that represent the cornerstone of the biological system.
Participants in the three-day research conference focus on studying the components of the marine environment in the Gulf, the biological and environmental specifications of locally threatened marine species and the current major threats to local marine biodiversity.
Participants will also discuss strategies for the restoration of life in marine environments with extreme conditions. They will also visit the important areas of the State of Qatar, which are characterised by a distinct biological system.
The Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies Dr. Mariam Al Maadeed, said in a speech at the opening session of the conference that the fundamental impact of the marine and coastal environment on daily life in the Gulf region and Qatar's interest in protecting the environment is one of the pillars of Qatar Vision 2030. She also pointed out that the Qatari and Gulf environments are exposed to various risks, some natural and some human, adding that climate change, pollution, urban and industrial pressure, overuse threaten many marine species.
Al Maadeed added that the State of Qatar has enacted many laws and legislations, provided possibilities, established reserves, encouraged research and awareness, applied sanctions and penalties, and took various measures to address those risks and reduce their consequences.
She also referred to Qatar's accession to regional and global agreements aimed at protecting marine life as part of its efforts to protect and preserve the environment in its vision of sustainable development.
For his part, Director of the Environmental Science Center at QU Dr. Hamad Al Saad Al Kuwari expressed the hope that the conference will come out with solutions that contribute to the preservation of the marine environment and reduce the environmental impacts that led to the deterioration of marine life and the extinction of many important species which was part of the marine ecosystem.
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