Qatar Engages in Global Biodiversity Conference in Colombia.

Cali: The State of Qatar is actively participating in the 16th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity, being held in Cali, Colombia. The conference, which has gathered international delegates, is set to conclude on Friday. Heading the Qatari delegation is HE Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie. According to Qatar News Agency, in his address to the conference, HE Dr. Al Subaie highlighted Qatar's ongoing efforts in environmental protection and natural resource preservation, aligning these efforts with the Qatar National Vision 2030. He stressed Qatar's commitment to balancing environmental protection with social and economic governance, rooted in national environmental legislation. His Excellency further articulated Qatar's dedication to adhering to international environmental protocols such as the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, and the Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources a nd Fair Benefit Sharing. HE Dr. Al Subaie emphasized Qatar's active fulfillment of its obligations through various national initiatives and strategies that promote biodiversity conservation, thereby benefiting both current and future generations. HE Dr. Al Subaie also explained how Qatar is leveraging advanced scientific methods and strategic planning to enhance biodiversity. With the Third National Development Strategy (2024-2030) as a driving force, Qatar aims to protect 30 percent of its land and coastal areas and restore 30 percent of natural habitats by the year 2030. This initiative is in line with the goals set forth by the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Kunming-Montreal 2030 Action Plan. He also highlighted the success of various biodiversity projects that have been instrumental in safeguarding species such as the dugong, whale shark, and other wildlife at risk of extinction.