Nice: HE Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie, has affirmed the State of Qatar’s commitment to supporting international efforts aimed at protecting water bodies and ensuring the sustainability of their resources. HE the Minister highlighted the importance of international cooperation to address the growing challenges threatening the health of marine ecosystems.
According to Qatar News Agency, HE the Minister delivered a speech at the third edition of the United Nations Ocean Conference, hosted by the French city of Nice over five days. He explained that water bodies are crucial for regulating the climate, providing food, and ensuring environmental and economic security. However, these resources face unprecedented pressures that require an urgent global response.
HE the Minister noted Qatar’s strong support for achieving Sustainable Development Goal 14, which concerns the conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas, and marine resources. He emphasized that the health of these water bodies is a fundamental pillar for supporting countries’ ability to achieve long-term economic and social development.
In his speech, HE the Minister reviewed Qatar’s environmental initiatives, such as treating and recycling 100 percent of wastewater to at least the third level, preventing the discharge of treated wastewater into the sea, and reusing it for irrigation, cooling, and industrial purposes. He also highlighted the launch of the Third National Development Strategy (2024), aiming to protect 30 percent of marine areas and restore 30 percent of degraded natural habitats by 2030.
Moreover, HE the Minister mentioned the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change’s 2024-2030 Strategy, announced last November, which includes goals like protecting 30 percent of island and coastal areas, restoring degraded habitats, and protecting endemic and endangered species. He emphasized the implementation of over 100 environmental projects that promote green development and the circular economy.
Concluding his speech, HE Minister of Environment and Climate Change affirmed Qatar’s ongoing support for innovation in combating climate change and developing adaptation measures in cooperation with relevant authorities. He emphasized the need for concerted international efforts to protect oceans and seas, considering them a shared resource and a collective responsibility.