Minister of Environment and Climate Change H E Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie and Founder of the Royal Botanic Garden of Jordan Her Royal Highness Princess Basma bint Ali during during the forum.
Doha, Qatar: The Qur’anic Botanic Garden (QBG), a member of Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), has successfully concluded its Third International Forum held under the theme “The Role of Plant Conservation in Promoting Biodiversity and Environmental Preservation.”
Organised to celebrate Qatar Environment Day, the Forum sought to enhance environmental awareness and convey educational, scientific, and ethical messages to local and international communities emphasizing the importance of ecological conservation. It also highlighted the role of conservation institutions in safeguarding plant resources and wildlife to ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.
Distinguished guests attending the Forum included Minister of Environment and Climate Change H E Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie, and Founder of the Royal Botanic Garden of Jordan Her Royal Highness Princess Basma bint Ali, who delivered a keynote speech during the opening session.
The Forum also brought together 22 organisations from Qatar and beyond, with more than 40 representatives from government agencies, international institutions, academia, and the private sector. Its programme featured various scientific sessions addressing key environmental challenges, including the risks and threats facing native plant ecosystems and legislative perspectives on environmental protection. The Forum also served as a platform for exchanging knowledge and showcasing the latest technologies and innovations supporting biodiversity.
Notable highlights from this year’s Forum included QBG’s official receipt of international accreditation as a “Conservation Practitioner” from Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI). This makes QBG the first botanic garden of its kind in Qatar and the second in the Middle East to receive this accreditation, reinforcing its leadership in plant conservation and biodiversity protection.
As part of efforts to strengthen regional and international partnerships, the Forum also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between QBG and the Royal Botanic Garden of Jordan. This agreement aims to enhance collaboration in scientific research, knowledge exchange, technical consultancy, workshops, and symposia on plant conservation and environmental sustainability. This partnership reflects both parties’ commitment to uniting environmental efforts and sharing best practices to protect plant resources.
Commenting on the forum, Fatima Saleh Al Khulaifi, Director of the Qur’anic Botanic Garden, stated, “We are delighted to host this forum, which brings together leading scientists and specialists to discuss environmental protection. It also plays a vital role in fostering local and international collaboration to develop sustainable scientific solutions for current environmental challenges and biodiversity conservation.”
An exhibition was held on the sidelines of the Forum featuring the participation of local and international organizations showcasing their efforts in biodiversity conservation and environmental preservation.
The Forum concluded with key recommendations emphasizing the importance of continued collaboration between environmental institutions to ensure a more sustainable future for upcoming generations. It also stressed the need to promote environmental awareness at both local and international levels to support biodiversity conservation and protect plant resources.
In recognition of their valuable contributions, speakers and participants were honored for enriching discussions and providing practical insights into tackling environmental challenges.
