Doha: Qatar National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science marked the International Day for Biosphere Reserves, in partnership with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MOECC) and Qatar Scientific Club. The event aimed to raise awareness about the importance of biosphere reserves and highlight the crucial role of protecting biodiversity for sustainable development. It also focused on implementing UNESCO's educational programs targeting schools and the wider community to battle over-exploitation of nature and negative environmental changes. According to Qatar News Agency, the event stressed the importance of instilling awareness in future generations about protecting environmental reserves and boosting eco-tourism by showcasing world heritage sites like Al Zubarah Fort. In his speech, Secretary-General of National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science Ali Abdulrazzaq Al Marafi underscored Qatar's strong commitment to biosphere reserves and their role in sustaining ecosystems and s upporting wildlife. He highlighted Al Reem Reserve, a UNESCO-listed site since 2007, as an outstanding example of environmental protection and emphasized the need for collaboration between various stakeholders to ensure these efforts continue. MOECC's Assistant Director of Natural Reserves Nawaf Jabr Al Nuaimi spoke about the vital role of reserves in achieving the sustainable development goals outlined in Qatar's Vision 2030. He emphasized how Al Reem Reserve balances the preservation of natural and cultural heritage with sustainable development, while also addressing Qatar's response to biodiversity loss and climate change. The event included an art exhibition, initiatives from the Sustainable Development Goals ambassadors, a video about Al Reem Reserve, and two panel discussions on ensuring sustainability. The event also unveiled an informative booklet for students in Arabic and English about Al Reem Reserve.