The Friends of the Environment Centre (FEC) in Qatar commemorated the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem on July 26 by awarding young participants in a dialogue session with "Mangrove Ambassador" cards, alongside a commitment to protect the environment and preserve the country’s mangrove forests. The initiative forms part of the centre’s ongoing efforts to involve youth in environmental conservation.
Held within the framework of FEC’s “Summer of Sustainability for Boys” camp, the dialogue, titled “Mangroves: A Natural Heritage and a Sustainable Future,” aimed to enhance environmental awareness, promote sustainable practices, and empower young people to contribute to the protection of Qatar’s natural resources and coastal ecosystems.
Dr. Mohammed Saif al-Kuwari, an environmental and sustainability expert at FEC, led the session, emphasizing the ecological, economic, and social significance of mangrove ecosystems. He explained that mangroves play a crucial role in shielding coastlines from erosion and storms, supporting biodiversity by providing habitats for marine species and migratory birds, enhancing water quality, sustaining fish populations, and sequestering carbon dioxide to mitigate climate change.
Dr. al-Kuwari detailed the global distribution of mangrove forests and highlighted prominent sites within Qatar, including Al Thakhira Nature Reserve, Bin Ghannam Island, and portions of the Al Khor and Al Udaid coastlines. He also addressed the vulnerabilities these ecosystems face from environmental degradation and human activity, underscoring the importance of sustainable management to ensure their preservation.
“Mangrove forests are among the country’s most valuable natural assets, serving as integrated ecosystems that protect coastlines and preserve biodiversity,” Dr. al-Kuwari said. He noted that the centre’s programmes strive to cultivate a new generation of sustainability advocates by combining scientific education, hands-on experience, and volunteer engagement in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Participants in the event were also encouraged to join forthcoming environmental initiatives, including beach clean-ups, educational field trips to mangrove sites, and activities focused on mangrove seedling planting, all designed to foster a sense of environmental citizenship and community involvement.
The International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem, established by UNESCO and observed annually on July 26, seeks to raise global awareness of the vital role mangroves play in protecting shorelines, conserving biodiversity, and addressing climate change. The day also highlights the ongoing challenges mangrove forests face due to human pressures and environmental threats, calling for concerted conservation and restoration efforts worldwide.