QNA
Doha
The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MOECC) recently launched its sectoral strategy for 2024-2030, under the theme: “Together towards a sustainable environment for a better future”, as part of the third National Development Strategy, which represents the final phase of the Qatar National Vision 2030, where environmental development has been made one of its four pillars.
Comprising the pillars of environment, sustainability and adaptation to climate changes, research and innovation, digital transformation, governance, as well as sustainable institutional development, the strategy represents a pivotal step toward achieving the State of Qatar’s aspirations based on a whole-of-government approach, pertaining to securing the sustainability of economic and social growth.
The Qatar National Vision 2030 emphasized that the intended sustainability can’t be achieved without an overarching environmental vision toward striking a balance between the development needs and conservation of natural resources whether on land, sea or air.
Professionals confirm to Qatar News Agency (QNA) that the State of Qatar is on the right track toward striking the required balance between development requirements and environment conservation to secure the welfare of the current generations and generations to come, in addition to backing global efforts, in terms of addressing climate change-induced challenges.
Director of the Economic Studies Unit at the Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies, Dr Hazim Rahahleh, said by launching the strategy for environmental protection and addressing climate challenges for 2024-2030, the State of Qatar reiterates its commitment and response to the evolving global issues and challenges, affirming that the strategy falls within the development and humanitarian role the country is performing at regional and global levels.
Dr Rahahleh highlights that environment conservation and countering the accelerating climate changes are a joint global responsibility, emphasizing that the initiative spearheaded by countries to deal with these changes is merely an unequivocal expression of a high sense of responsibility and a priority to humanitarian issues.
The strategy, with its four pillars, executive, research, legislative and policy, in addition to institutional, will undoubtedly help foster and institutionalize environmental and climate considerations across various sectors and areas of life, he said, pointing out that the adoption of a timeline aligned with Qatar’s Vision 2030, is a clear affirmation of the integration of the vision and its goals.
Dr Rahahleh indicated that throughout recent years, environmental and climatic considerations have been strongly present in the developmental process, along with the urban and service renaissance, highlighting that the massive evolution in the agricultural sector is a testament to the intersection of climate goals with the sectoral objectives. He underlined that strategy confirms that Qatar is on the right track to achieve equilibrium, alongside its determination to make it an integral part of the development process.
Researcher in the fields of food security and social and economic development at the Gulf Studies Center, Qatar University, Farah Al Qawasmi, states that the strategy launched by MOECC for 2024-2030, underscores that Qatar adopts a whole-of-government approach in addressing climate change challenges and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) based on an ambitious and enduring vision. This new strategy embodies that vision, along with the state’s ambitious goals, in pursuit of reducing carbon footprint and waste, by focusing on the economy and enhancing their renewal within the Qatari ecosystem, Al Qawasmi highlighted, affirming that the strategy strives to strengthen the independence on renewable energy, as well as conserve natural resources and the engendered domestic animals.
The targets of MOECC’s strategy include reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent by 2030, restoring 30 percent of environmentally impacted natural resources, protecting 30 percent of island and coastal areas, as well as preserving 17 species of endemic and endangered species.
Those targets come to place Qatar at the forefront of nations that seek to strike a balance between development requirements and its duties toward the environmental challenges at domestic and global levels, says Al Qawasmi. She adds that through establishing and activating numerous professional corporations, Qatar is set to adopt advanced approaches in the quest for circular economy which, in turn, aims to protect the national and global environmental interests, in addition to upgrading sustainable models and fostering the transformation of community consumption behaviours.
For his part, Dr Ammar Abulibdeh, Associate Professor of Applied Geography and Geographic Information Systems at Qatar University, pointed out that the State of Qatar, despite being an oil producer and one of the largest gas producers in the world, is striving to diversify energy sources and rely on renewable energy sources. In this context, the Al Kharsaah station will cover about 10 percent of the demand for electricity through the national grid, which in turn leads to reducing carbon emissions.
He also noted Qatar’s success in increasing nature reserves, increasing green spaces, and promoting sustainable transportation plans through the metro, buses, and electric cars. He added that based on these efforts, it can be said that the State of Qatar seeks to be a pioneer in the field of environmental conservation and contribute to global efforts to confront climate change.
Dr Abulibdeh also pointed out some of the environmental challenges facing the State of Qatar, including its arid desert nature and some individual practices that require community awareness of the importance of preserving the environment. He stressed that Qatar is moving forward in overcoming these challenges and reducing their consequences and has launched many successful initiatives in this regard.
Associate Professor of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing in the Applied Geography Program at Qatar University, Dr. Rana N. Jawarneh, expressed that the State of Qatar has many ambitious goals in terms of protecting the environment and adapting to climate challenges, which are evident in many policies and plans as well as pioneering projects on the ground.
Qatar has been transforming its environmental policies into initiatives and projects for years, focusing on protecting the natural environment, restoring green spaces, and preserving biodiversity and natural pastures, she added.
Dr Jawarneh explained that the country has made significant strides in implementing policies, plans, and legislation for environmental protection, sustainable development, and addressing climate change, adding that Qatar is well-positioned to achieve the ambitious goals outlined in the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change’s new strategy, such as reducing carbon emissions and protecting island and coastal areas. She emphasized that increasing awareness about the importance of environmental preservation and climate change adaptation is essential. She added that sustainable solutions can be implemented at both individual and institutional levels, highlighting Qatar’s efforts to foster leadership, innovation, and scientific research in environmental and climate change initiatives.
