Qatar Airways partners with MoECC to take part in Qatar Whale Shark Conservation Forum

Under the patronage of HE the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Sheikh Dr Faleh bin Nasser bin Ahmed al-Thani, Qatar Airways, Qatar Tourism and Discover Qatar joined forces to support the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC) in organising the Qatar Whale Shark Conservation Forum 2023. The event on biodiversity attempted to educate attendees on the preservation of this endangered species.The two-day forum was held in partnership with the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) on May 22 and 23.Qatar is home to one of the largest whale shark congregations on Earth. These are gentle and beautiful creatures, which congregate in huge numbers in the waters off the coast of Qatar, between the months of April and September. They are unfortunately under threat due to unregulated fishing worldwide. The forum intends to inform and spread awareness on these creatures.Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive HE Akbar al-Baker said: "Qatar has the largest concentration of whale sharks in the world; making it the only place visitors can see so many in a single sighting. Unfortunately, the marine life is in danger due to the unregulated fishing seen all over the world. As part of Qatar Airways’ commitment toward the environment, we fully support the forum’s initiative and as the official Airline Partner, we are proud to have invited a number of experts and speakers in the field of whale sharks at regional and neighbouring levels to address the issue and raise awareness.”As part of the social responsibility towards the environment, and in order to spread awareness about the whale sharks, the Qatar Whale Shark Conservation Forum is pushing for preservation efforts, as well as raising the attendees’ awareness about these creatures. The information includes marine biodiversity and the importance of protecting these endangered species.Further, Qatar pushes for responsible tourism, where visitors can safely observe, as well as learn about these gentle creatures.To enjoy the unique experience yourself, guests can book Discover Qatar’s once-in-a-lifetime tours to view Whale Sharks This Summer. For more information and to book, visit www.discoverqatar.qa/wsoqDiscover Qatar is the only operator in Qatar licensed by Qatar Tourism to operate this eco-tour.