Qatar is taking part in the 17th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP17), held from October 19 to 30 in Yerevan, Armenia. The event brings together representatives from countries, international organizations, and environmental experts to address pressing challenges and priorities in global biodiversity conservation.

The conference coincides with the 12th meeting of the parties to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety and the sixth meeting of the parties to the Nagoya Protocol on access to genetic resources and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from their use. Participants are focusing discussions on protecting endangered species, restoring degraded ecosystems, enhancing the management of protected areas, and developing mechanisms to monitor biodiversity more effectively. Additionally, efforts to mobilize financial resources and foster international cooperation are key topics under consideration.

Qatar’s delegation, led by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, highlighted the country’s ongoing commitment to biodiversity preservation through various national programs. These initiatives include protecting and breeding native wildlife, rehabilitating rawdas—natural depressions that support vegetation within Qatar’s arid environment—expanding plant cover, conserving endangered species, and safeguarding critical habitats such as mangrove forests and coral reefs. The ministry also emphasized efforts to strengthen the sustainable management of its nature reserves.

Officials from Qatar noted that participation in COP17 offers an important platform to exchange scientific and technical knowledge, learn from global conservation initiatives, and establish partnerships with relevant international bodies to enhance national conservation strategies.

Qatar’s involvement aligns with its obligations under the Convention on Biological Diversity and supports the goals of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. The ministry underlined that these international engagements complement Qatar’s National Vision 2030, which aims to integrate environmental protection with sustainable development and ensure the preservation of natural resources for future generations.