Plans for national program to conserve Qatar's coastal ecosystems announced
Gulf Times
A Memorandum of Understanding between the three parties to establish the program was signed on Sunday at the sidelines of a Doha ceremony to officially name MSC Cruises’ first LNG-propelled cruise ship, MSC World Europa.
The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Qatar University’s Environmental Science Center, and Qatar Foundation’s Earthna Center for a Sustainable Future have signaled their intent to collaborate on a national program to conserve and restore Qatar’s coastal ecosystems.
A Memorandum of Understanding between the three parties to establish the program was signed on Sunday at the sidelines of a Doha ceremony to officially name MSC Cruises’ first LNG-propelled cruise ship, MSC World Europa, which is designed to set a new standard for sustainability in the cruise industry. During the ceremony, the MSC Foundation of MSC Group announced its intention to collaborate with Qatar Foundation and support the national conservation and restoration program with grant funding.
The multi-year program aims to work on the synergistic power of three ecosystems – mangrove forests, seagrass, and coral. It will seek to conserve, restore, and nurture Qatar’s mangrove forests, which support marine biodiversity and fisheries; provide protection against coastal erosion; open up opportunities for ecotourism; and support development through a building-with-nature approach.
Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice Chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation, said: “I am happy to announce the national program for coastal conservation and restoration that will join the efforts of Qatar University, Qatar Foundation’s Earthna Center, and the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change. This will be supported by the cooperation between Qatar Foundation and the MSC Foundation.
