Doha: Director and Regional Representative of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) for West Asia, Sami Dimassi, emphasized that Qatar stands as a model regionally and globally for achieving a balance between sustainable development and environmental conservation.
According to Qatar News Agency, Dimassi, in his speech during the launch ceremony of the Qatar Biodiversity Database, commended Qatar's progress in sustainable development, particularly in biodiversity protection. He highlighted the critical importance of preserving Qatar's natural wealth amidst growing challenges.
Dimassi noted Qatar's unique environmental diversity, encompassing terrestrial, marine, coastal, and desert systems, which enrich its natural heritage with a wide variety of living organisms.
He added that the Qatar Biodiversity Database is a product of a strategic partnership between UNEP and Qatar. This collaboration has resulted in the development of technical mechanisms that enhance biodiversity governance, scientific monitoring, and documentation systems. It also provides accurate data that supports decision-makers and national environmental policies.
Dimassi revealed that the database currently documents 2,566 living species as a first phase, with the potential for further expansion and updates. He urged government and research institutions in Qatar to continue contributing data, turning the platform into a crucial information hub that aids in fulfilling Qatar's international environmental commitments and sustainable development goals.
Concluding his remarks, Dimassi expressed UNEP's pride in its partnership with Qatar and emphasized the program's desire to expand future cooperation and enhance national capacities for informed environmental decision-making based on science and knowledge.