The General Directorate of Nature Reserves (GDNR) and Qatar Shell have signed a collaboration agreement for the development and implementation of the master plan for Al Reem Biosphere Reserve, which covers almost 10% of the total land area of Qatar.
The biosphere reserve was declared in 2007 under the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) Man and the Biosphere (MAB) programme, that aims to efficiently manage natural resources for the well-being of both human populations and the environment.
It is unique concept which includes a protected area and surrounding land that are managed to combine both conservation and sustainable use of natural resources.
The signing ceremony was officiated by Nawaf Jabr al-Naemi, office manager, Director General Office, GDNR, Private Engineering Office; Anna Paolini, director, Unesco representative in the Arab States of Gulf and Yemen; Mohamed Abu Jbara, corporate social responsibility manager, Qatar Shell, and other senior officials.
Declaring Al Reem as a protected area and subsequently as a biosphere reserve has helped to overcome threats to the indigenous plants and all forms of wildlife, and has significantly enriched the biodiversity of the area.
As part of the agreement GDNR in partnership with Qatar Shell will develop a comprehensive management and sustainable development plan for the reserve in line with the Unesco guidelines for MAB programmes. Engagement with the local community will be an important component of this plan.
“We are delighted to collaborate with Qatar Shell to explore the sustainable development, preservation and management of the most valuable asset in Qatar - The Al Reem Biosphere Reserve,” al-Naemi said.
Paolini said the management plan of Al Reem biosphere will not only enable to give more sustainability to the overall area and foster activities that ensure the conservation of the Rawda, the agriculture land, and the coast line land but also help foster proper visitation of the area for people to enjoy and understand the importance of the conservation.
“Qatar Shell continues to play a vital role in shaping the future of research and development in Qatar through ground-breaking research and thought-leadership into energy and environmental challenges faced by Qatar. Our programme of dynamic collaborations with both the local and international academic community ensures Qatar Shell meets its mandate to add value to Qatar, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030,” Jbara said.