'Qatar Supports Global Efforts To Protect Water Bodies'

Doha, Qatar: Minister of Environment and Climate Change H E Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Subaie has reaffirmed Qatar's commitment to supporting international efforts aimed at protecting water bodies and ensuring the sustainability of their resources.

He emphasised the importance of global cooperation in addressing the growing challenges that threaten the marine ecosystems.

In a speech delivered at the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference, hosted in Nice, France, the Minister said,“The water bodies are the lifeline of our planet. They play a vital role in climate regulation, food security, and ensuring environmental and economic stability. However, these ecosystems are under unprecedented pressure, requiring urgent international response.”

He highlighted Qatar's full support for achieving Sustainable Development Goal 14, which focuses on conserving and sustainably using oceans, seas, and marine resources.

Dr. Al-Subaie outlined several of Qatar's leading initiatives to protect marine resources. These include 100% treatment and recycling of wastewater to at least tertiary level, the prohibition of wastewater discharge into the sea, and the reuse of treated water for irrigating green spaces, industrial applications, and cooling systems.
He also noted that Qatar's Third National Development Strategy, launched in January 2024, reflects the country's dedication to marine conservation and climate change adaptation. This strategy aims to protect 30% of marine areas and restore 30% of degraded natural habitats by 2030.

The Minister stressed that these efforts reflect Qatar's strong commitment to biodiversity protection, the sustainable use of marine resources, and effective contributions to achieving global environmental goals, particularly those outlined in SDG 14.

He pointed out that preserving ocean health is essential for supporting the long-term economic and social resilience of nations.

Dr. Al-Subaie also highlighted the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change's 2024–2030 strategy, launched in November 2023, which includes ambitious goals such as protecting 30% of island and coastal areas, restoring degraded ecosystems, and conserving marine biodiversity-including endemic and endangered species.
The strategy also entails implementing more than 100 environmental projects that support green development and the circular economy.

Moreover, the strategy incorporates studies on climate change, support for innovative solutions to mitigate its effects, and the development of adaptation measures in collaboration with relevant stakeholders. It also promotes the circular economy, resource and waste reuse, and the integration of sustainability practices across infrastructure, renewable energy, and land use.

These comprehensive national efforts demonstrate Qatar's global leadership in environmental stewardship and reaffirm its role as a responsible partner in safeguarding the planet's marine ecosystems for future generations.

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