Doha: The endangered sea turtle hawksbill conservation has emerged as one of most successful environmental projects in the country to preserve the biodiversity. Under this project, 31,586 baby turtles were released during 2016-2021 at the protected area, Fuwairit Beach.
Minister of Environment and Climate Change H E Sheikh Dr. Faleh bin Nasser bin Ahmed bin Ali Al Thani said that the Ministry has been implementing a number of projects to protect endangered species for biodiversity and sustainability.
Lauding the endangered sea turtle hawksbill conservation project, the Minister said that the project played a major role in protecting sea turtles and raising awareness about protecting them and preserving the environment among the community. He called on all members of society to play their role in preserving sea turtles and other organism to protect the environment and ensure sustainability for future generations.
Associate Professor in Marine Biology at Qatar University Dr. Ibrahim Al Maslamani stressed on unified efforts to protect sea turtles and endangered species. He stressed the importance of the environmental awareness and the participation of citizens, residents and various communities in this annual event.
Al Maslamani also welcomed the visits of school and university students to Fuwairit Beach, a protected area for turtles during appropriate times given by the Department of Protection and Wildlife.
The endangered sea turtle hawksbill conservation project is being implemented at Fuwairit Beach which is closed completely from April 1 until August 1 following ministerial decision No. 37 of 2010 to protect the endangered species of sea turtles and birds.
Nesting of endangered hawksbill sea turtles is monitored in beaches and islands, necessary measurements are taken and the nests are moved, and at the end of the season, large numbers of young turtles are released and returned to the sea.
During the previous seasons, genetic samples were taken from turtles, as well as tracking devices were placed and many infected turtles were treated and returned to the sea.
The 2020 turtle nesting season witnessed unprecedented records, as 119 nests were moved to the protected site at Fuwairit Beach, and 9,416 baby turtles were released into the sea at the end of the season.
The Ministry attached great importance to protect endangered species, by monitoring rare and endangered land and marine species, which are considered a national wealth for the state and for future generations, and exerting efforts to protect and develop them.
After the hawksbill sea turtle was listed among the endangered species, Qatar started efforts to protect sea turtles by announcing the project to protect the hawksbill sea turtle in 2003.
The endangered sea turtle hawksbill conservation project is being held under the supervision of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change and funded by Qatar Petroleum and implemented by the Environmental Sciences Center at Qatar University with the participation of a team from the ministry represented by the Department of Protection and Wildlife.
