The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change in Doha has recently launched a Protected Areas Management Effectiveness (PAME) evaluations programme in Sanayeh, Umm Al Amad, Laareeq, and Al Riffa. The aim of this programme is to ensure that these areas comply with international standards set by the Convention on Biological Diversity from the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The programme is set to develop a phased work strategy for these protected areas, spanning from 2025 to 2028, with a focus on identifying priorities for intervention in the short and medium term.
One of the key objectives of the programme is to train the national team responsible for planning and managing these protected areas. This will involve their participation in field assessments and specialised workshops at each site, focusing on relevant technical aspects. The Natural Reserves Department is leading these efforts in order to enhance the protection and sustainability of biodiversity, evaluate the geographical scope of the sites, and implement a series of programmes in various natural reserves in Qatar.
The reserves in question, such as Reem Reserve, and protected areas in Khor Al Adaid and Al Dhakira, are considered model and pioneering sites for implementing international best practices in planning, managing, and evaluating the effectiveness of protected areas. These efforts align with the requirements of the Convention on Biological Diversity and the International Union for Conservation of Nature, as well as national and global strategies and agreements related to biodiversity conservation.
The programme is being carried out in two phases. The first phase involves the PAME evaluations of the protected areas in Sanayeh, Umm Al Amad, Laareeq, Al Riffa, and Al Khor. The second phase focuses on preparing integrated management plans for these protected areas. The work mechanism includes a general analysis of the sites and an initial assessment of the administrative effectiveness of each reserve covered by the programme.
Overall, the Protected Areas Management Effectiveness evaluations programme in Qatar marks a significant step towards ensuring the conservation and sustainable management of biodiversity in the country. By following international standards and best practices, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change is working towards the protection of natural habitats and wildlife, in alignment with global efforts to preserve biodiversity. Through training initiatives and the development of integrated management plans, Qatar is setting a positive example for the effective management of protected areas.
