El bayadh: HE Minister of Environment and Climate Change Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie inaugurated the Qatari National Center for Houbara Breeding in El Bayadh Province in the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, as part of the bilateral cooperation between the two countries and in support of joint efforts to protect biodiversity and conserve endangered species.
According to Qatar News Agency, the inauguration ceremony was attended by HE the Algerian Minister of Environment and Quality of Life Kaouter Krikou, HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria Abdulaziz Ali Al Naama, and the Governor of El Bayadh Province Noureddine Belarbi. The Center is one of the main pillars of the sustainable breeding and release program for the houbara birds, operating under the supervision of the Qatar External Nature Reserves Office-Houbara Breeding Program. It implements an integrated annual program for the production and release of African houbara birds, following a carefully designed plan aimed at supporting their populations in natural habitats.
In his speech during the inauguration ceremony, HE Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie stated that the opening of the Center represents the fruit of constructive environmental cooperation between Qatar and Algeria. It reflects the depth of the fraternal relations between the two countries and their keenness to coordinate efforts to confront shared environmental challenges. He emphasized that this environmental project aligns with Qatar's commitment to supporting international efforts aimed at protecting endangered species, particularly the houbara, and aligns with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy 2024-2030.
Dr. Al Subaie further noted that efforts have been made to involve Algerian national expertise in all stages of management and operation since the start of the project's implementation, aiming to enhance the sustainability of joint environmental action. The Center is seen as an effective initiative contributing to the protection of biodiversity and supporting sustainable development goals at both regional and international levels.
For his part, Director of the Qatar External Nature Reserves Office, Mohammed bin Nahar Al Nuaimi, explained that within the framework of the breeding and release program, the Office has carried out the transfer and release of 2,000 African houbara birds in 2023, 2,000 birds in 2024, and 2,000 birds in 2025, totaling 6,000 birds. The program allocates 1,500 birds annually for release into the natural environment across several provinces in Algeria, while 500 birds per year will be incorporated into the production and breeding program.
Al Nuaimi added that the Office continues to implement houbara production and breeding programs through the establishment and operation of specialized centers inside and outside Qatar. This effort is complemented by establishing new centers in several countries, adhering to approved scientific and technical standards in cooperation with international entities and experts in environmental conservation and biodiversity protection.