MoECC promotes ecotourism in Ras Abrouq

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC) stressed the importance of ecotourism and its role in raising awareness about natural reserves in Qatar and promoting environmental consciousness that entails adopting sustainable practices that would contribute to preserving biodiversity.

As part of the ministry’s increasing interest in supporting ecotourism, the MoECC is partaking in the Ras Abrouq events, organised by Visit Qatar in collaboration with a host of partners.

Thanks to its natural and heritage riches, Ras Abrouq is a prominent local eco-touristic destination and an embodiment of Qatar’s vision of striking a balance between tourism development and environmental preservation.

The reserve is one of the key sites involved in wildlife relocation projects, home to hundreds of gazelles and oryx, exemplifying the country’s efforts to promote sustainable development in line with Qatar National Vision 2030, which seeks to balance economic growth and environmental conservation.

Designated as a natural reserve under Law No 7 of 2005, Ras Abrouq lies within the Al Reem Biosphere Reserve, which is part of the International Co-ordinating Council of Unesco’s Man and the Biosphere programme, together with 23 other new global sites.

In this context, head of the Ras Abrouq unit Faisal Falah al-Rumaihi said that the reserve is characterised by its unique terrain and breathtaking landscapes, making it an exceptional destination that combines the beauty of nature with authentic Qatari heritage, providing a unique experience for explorers and adventure enthusiasts.

Al-Rumaihi added that the ministry’s Natural Reserves Department has put in place a comprehensive plan to ensure that events on site meet environmental sustainability standards, in addition to monitoring tourism activity there in order to prevent the occurrence of any negative impacts on the reserve, in co-ordination with relevant authorities. The plan includes the safe disposal of waste, noise reduction, and the protection of wildlife on the reserve.

Al-Rumaihi said that the ministry places great emphasis on Ras Abrouq due to its status as one of the country’s most important natural reserves. He added that the MoECC is working on plans to maintain ecological balance and to turn reserves into major ecotourism destinations by creating sustainable facilities that could support the continuity of this type of tourism.