Environment Minister Joins Sea Turtle Release Initiative

Minister of Environment and Climate Change H E Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC) organized a campaign yesterday to release baby hawksbill turtles, an endangered species, at Fuwairit Beach. The event was attended by the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, H.E. Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie.

The campaign aimed to raise environmental awareness among school students and the Qatari community, emphasizing the importance of preserving local biodiversity and educating the younger generation about protecting turtles from extinction.

Several school groups participated in the campaign, including the Children’s Literature Center, Al Khor Model School, and students from Qatar Foundation schools. 

MoECC's efforts have led to an increase in the number of turtles during the breeding season. Over the past two weeks, specialized teams relocated more than 125 nests to Fuwairit Beach.

During the campaign, the Minister honored various Ministry employees, volunteers, and local residents who have helped protect turtle nests by reporting nesting activities outside designated areas to specialized teams.

Mohammed Al Khanji, Director of the Wildlife Development Department, noted that the 2024 sea turtle nesting season saw an increase in nesting and breeding activities, with nests being relocated to Fuwairit Beach, a designated turtle nesting site since 2020. He attributed this rise to the end of the winter camping season and the removal of marine camps from the northeastern shores.

Al Khanji praised the local community's efforts to protect turtle lives and their cooperation with the Ministry. He also highlighted the increasing environmental awareness among Qatari society and the success of the Ministry's environmental awareness initiatives in achieving their goals, particularly in protecting endangered species like the hawksbill sea turtle.

 

 

Source: QNA