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Natural resources

Qatar's Commitment to Environmental Sustainability: A Strategic Approach to Combating Desertification

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Qatar has demonstrated a deep commitment to environmental policies and sustainability, prioritizing the protection of natural resources, improvement of land management, and enhancement of community resilience to desertification and drought. Through a comprehensive national strategy, Qatar aims to achieve significant milestones in reforestation, land reclamation, and sustainable agriculture, while reducing carbon emissions and promoting a green economy. The country's initiatives, including the 'One Million Trees' and 'Plant a Million Trees' programs, have shown remarkable growth in public parks and green spaces, with a notable increase in per capita green space from less than 1 sq m in 2010 to 16 sq m in 2022.

Key Takeaways:

  • Qatar plans to plant 10 million trees by 2030 as part of its 'One Million Trees' initiative, launched by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, with a focus on native flora species such as Prosopis cineraria, Ziziphus nummularia, and Acacia tortilis.
  • The initiative is open to all members of society, government institutions, and the private sector, with registration open for financial, in-kind support, or practical participation.
  • Qatar has ambitious plans to transform deserts into green landscapes, enhance biodiversity, and utilize treated water for irrigation, air quality improvement, and greenhouse gas emission reduction.
  • The country has increased the number of public parks from 56 in 2010 to 148 in 2022, with a remarkable growth rate of 164%.
  • The per capita share of green space in Qatar increased to 16 sq m in 2022 from less than 1 sq m in 2010, a 16-fold increase.
  • Qatar is investing heavily in land reclamation to achieve self-sufficiency in agricultural products and address desertification challenges, such as altering desert soil and increasing its fertility.
  • The country's hosting of Expo 2023 Doha and the 12th edition of the Qatar International Agricultural Exhibition (AgriteQ 2025) showcased its commitment to sustainability, agricultural technologies, and international partnerships for innovation and investment.

Statistics:

  • By 2022, the number of public parks in Qatar had reached 148, up from 56 in 2010, reflecting a remarkable growth rate of 164%.
  • The per capita share of green space in the country increased to 16 sq m in 2022 from less than 1 sq m in 2010, a 16-fold increase.
  • Qatar aims to plant 10 million trees by 2030.
  • As of 2024, the 'Plant a Million Trees' initiative has planted 1 million tree saplings, while the 'Plant 10 Million Trees by 2030' initiative has already planted 320,000 tree saplings.

Sources:

  • UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)
  • Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MECC)
  • Ministry of Municipality
  • Law No 30 of 2002 Promulgating the Law of the Environment Protection
  • Qatar National Vision 2030
  • Expo 2023 Doha
  • Qatar International Agricultural Exhibition (AgriteQ 2025)

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