Doha: The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MECC), represented by the Wildlife Development Department, held the final workshop on Early Action Support for Biodiversity. The event was convened in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF), with the participation of representatives of relevant national entities, alongside several experts and specialists.
According to Qatar News Agency, the workshop was convened under the theme of accelerating national action for biodiversity: from GEF-7 outcomes to the GEF-8 phase. It was part of MECC's combined efforts to strengthen the execution of the national strategy for biodiversity. The event aimed to align biodiversity protection with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Third National Development Strategy, thereby helping sustain natural resources and fulfill the State of Qatar's international obligations in this regard.
The workshop was designed to assess the key outcomes of the Early Action Support for Biodiversity within GEF-7 and the future focus and national priorities associated with GEF-8. It also sought to consolidate efforts among the relevant entities and determine the essential executive steps to achieve the strategic objectives of protecting biodiversity.
This project, as outlined by the Ministry, has contributed to supporting the State of Qatar's efforts to develop strategic frameworks and national policies relevant to biodiversity. It has fostered national combined efforts and the requirements of international environmental agreements, supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
As such, the workshop served as a platform for sharing expertise and showcasing the future opportunities offered by the GEF's new phase to sustain national efforts and strengthen environmental programs and initiatives. The event featured a series of panel discussions presented by MECC experts, covering main themes related to incorporating biodiversity into national priorities and international obligations.
The workshop also reviewed the national strategy for biodiversity and the national alignment, along with presenting the outcomes and achievements of the Early Action Biodiversity Programme (GEF-7), and the future direction of the GEF-8 programme.