Qatar Cabinet approves draft decision to consider Umm Al Sheif area a nature reserve

Doha, Qatar: The esteemed Council of Ministers approved the draft decision of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, stipulating that the Umm...

Doha, Qatar: The esteemed Council of Ministers approved the draft decision of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, stipulating that the Umm Al Sheif area be considered a nature reserve, due to its environmental and historical importance, and to preserve pearl diving sites and biodiversity.

The Umm Al Sheif area, located in the north of the country, is one of the most prominent pearl diving sites in the region, and one of the most famous pearls located in the economic waters of the State of Qatar. It is characterised by a rich marine environment as a result of the convergence of currents laden with nutrients, making it a rich habitat for marine organisms such as fish, shellfish and coral reefs.

The decision includes a number of measures aimed at protecting the region, most notably a fishing ban, to enhance the ecological balance and support biodiversity in Qatari waters, especially since pearl oysters play an important role in improving the quality of seawater through the feeding process.

Studies have revealed that the Umm Al Sheif area still maintains its good environmental condition compared to other sites that have been exposed to increasing environmental pressures, as this decision contributes to protecting the natural pearl oyster stock in Qatari waters.

This decision reflects the State of Qatar’s commitment to protecting its natural and marine heritage, and supporting sustainable development efforts, in line with the implementation of the third national plan of Qatar National Vision 2030, and the application of the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity.