Latest news with #MECC
Qatar Tribune
3 days ago
- Science
- Qatar Tribune
Qatar gives top priority to protection of sea turtles
QNA Doha Sea turtles are among important wildlife species that play a pivotal role in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems. However, these magnificent creatures, which have roamed the seas and oceans since the age of the dinosaurs, are now facing unprecedented challenges threatening their survival, due to climate change, pollution, and increasing human activities along shorelines. Environmental authorities in the State of Qatar have paid significant attention to the protection of sea turtles, particularly during nesting seasons that occur annually on certain Qatari beaches. This attention is apart of a comprehensive national strategy aimed at preserving biodiversity and ensuring the sustainability of wildlife. The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MECC), represented by the Department of Wildlife Development, is making concerted efforts to protect sea turtles through monitoring, protection, and breeding programs. The State of Qatar also places great importance to its strategy on protecting endangered species, by monitoring rare terrestrial and sea species, which are considered national treasures for the country and for future generations. In 1982, the Hawksbill Sea Turtle was listed as an endangered species on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. In an early response, Qatar launched the Sea Turtle Protection Project back in 2003. According to the MECC, this project is considered one of the pioneering initiatives in the field of marine species conservation. It aims to protect this species along the northern coasts of the country, including locations such as: Ras Laffan, Huwailah, Al Jassasiya, Fuwayrit, Al Ghariyah, Al Mafyar, and the islands of Umm Tais, Rukn, Shraoh, and Halul. The project includes several measures such as: relocating nests to protect them from high tides, monitoring nest temperatures, placing tracking devices on some turtles, collecting DNA samples for analysis, and regional cooperation to track turtle movements among Gulf countries. Biology consultant at the MECC Nada Ahmed Al Jumaili told Qatar News Agency (QNA) that the MECC launches the turtle nesting season annually, usually from early April to late June, through beach cleaning and rehabilitation campaigns on key beaches like Fuwayrit. She emphasized that these campaigns see wide participation from volunteers, in collaboration with Qatar University and QatarEnergy, reflecting the sense of community partnership in protecting the marine environment. She said that the Ministry has launched the Sea Turtle Protection Project in 2003 as a long-term initiative with a special focus on the critically endangered Hawksbill Sea Turtles, adding that the project included various measures such as closing beaches during nesting season, relocating nests to safe areas, collecting environmental data, tagging, DNA sampling, and satellite tracking of turtles. Al Jumaili noted that between 2020 and 2025, the national team successfully relocated around 1,000 nests to safe locations and released more than 87,000 hatchlings into the sea, an environmental and scientific achievement reflecting the country's commitment to biodiversity conservation. She added that Qatar's northeastern coasts and marine islands are key nesting grounds for the Hawksbill Sea Turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata), which are classified globally as 'Critically Endangered' according to the IUCN Red List. Al Jumaili pointed out that Green Turtles are frequently observed in Qatari waters, although they do not nest locally, while other species such as Leatherback, Loggerhead, and Olive Ridley turtles are rarely seen in the area. She added that the MECC shuts down some beaches, such as Fuwayrit and Ras Laffan, during the nesting and hatching seasons, with environmental monitoring teams conducting regular patrols to track nesting activity, and relocating nests threatened by tides or human activity to safe areas within designated hatcheries. Talking to QNA, Jumaili indicated that scientific research teams record a range of vital indicators, such as nest temperature, egg number, and hatchling weight. They also implement strict protocols prohibiting harm to turtle hatchlings. Field teams accompany the hatchlings upon their release to ensure their safety. The biology consultant at MECC confirmed that the key challenges facing the Ministry in protecting sea turtles are the exposure of eggs and hatchlings to predation by foxes, birds, and other predators; human encroachment and coastal activities that affect nesting sites; coastal erosion resulting from climate change; turtle entanglement in fishing nets or boat accidents; marine pollution, especially plastic waste; and temperature fluctuations and their impact on hatching rates. On the other hand, Al Jumaili explained that the MECC has a strong scientific partnership with the Environmental Science Center (ESC) at Qatar University and QatarEnergy, where advanced research programs are implemented, including environmental monitoring, genetic studies, labeling, and climate impact studies. She stressed that these efforts contribute to supporting regional databases and enhancing scientific cooperation with Gulf countries in the field of marine biodiversity conservation. The biology consultant at MECC highlighted that the community plays a pivotal role in protecting turtles. Hundreds of volunteers participate during each nesting season in beach clean-up campaigns, nest monitoring, awareness campaigns, and rehabilitation efforts, alongside teams from the Ministry. She added that school students and local participants are invited to attend turtle hatchling release events, educational lectures, and awareness sessions, fostering a sense of environmental responsibility among the public. She also explained that the Ministry encourages the public to report sightings of turtles or stranded individuals through the MECC's hotline 16066. Al Jumaili concluded her remarks to QNA by emphasizing that protecting sea turtles in Qatar is not just an environmental conservation initiative, but rather the protection of a living symbol of Qatar's marine heritage. She stated that every turtle plays a vital role in maintaining the balance of the marine ecosystem, as hawksbill turtles contribute to the preservation of coral reefs, and green turtles help maintain the health of seagrass beds. She reaffirmed that by respecting nesting beaches, avoiding disturbance during the breeding season, participating in clean-up campaigns, and reporting sightings, every citizen and visitor can contribute to ensuring that these magnificent creatures continue to thrive on Qatar's coasts and preserving Qatar's natural heritage for future generations. The MECC announced the conclusion of the 2025 nesting season for hawksbill sea turtles in Qatar, which ran from March 31 to the end of July. The season saw the release of 8,213 hatchlings into their natural habitat. This season saw 219 turtles nest in eight main locations: Fuwairit, Ras Rakan, Ras Laffan, Sharaoua, Umm Tais, Al Ghariya, Al Maroona, and Al Khor. Last month, the MECC organized an awareness event as part of the conservation project. The event focused on the importance of protecting hawksbill sea turtles and highlighted the environmental role of the Fuwairit Reserve, which accounts for approximately 90% of turtle nesting sites in Qatar, making it a critical area for the conservation of this species. The event included direct interaction with environmental teams, introducing participants to environmental monitoring and follow-up mechanisms, field demonstrations of nest relocation methods, and awareness programs for school students and visitors. According to marine life experts, the protection of sea turtles in Qatar represents an advanced model for balancing development and environmental protection, and reflects the country's commitment to protecting its natural resources and biodiversity.
Qatar Tribune
20-07-2025
- Health
- Qatar Tribune
MECC discusses development of radiation training, safety system with accredited centres
QNA Doha The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change's (MECC) Radiation Protection Department held its second consultative meeting with accredited training centres in the radiological field in the State of Qatar. This comes as part of its efforts to develop the radiation protection system and enhance the competencies of personnel working in this vital sector, in line with internationally recognized best standards and practices. The meeting discussed mechanisms for developing the training content of accredited centres and ensuring that training programs comply with relevant national regulatory controls and legislation, as well as the requirements and procedures for personal licensing of those working in the radiological field. Participants reviewed the latest updates to radiation-related legislation and regulatory frameworks, in addition to the challenges facing accredited training centres and ways to address them to achieve higher levels of training efficiency and the quality of specialized human resources. The meeting also highlighted the importance of standardizing criteria across training providers and the need to strengthen the competence and readiness of trainees to meet radiation safety requirements. It further presented a number of awareness initiatives aimed at raising radiation safety awareness among workers and trainees in the field. MECC's Radiation Protection Department affirmed its keenness to continue cooperating with all relevant entities to ensure the development of training programs, build the capacity of national cadres, and enhance the State's radiation protection system in support of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Qatar National Vision 2030 (QNV 2030).
Zawya
07-07-2025
- Zawya
MECC stops unauthorised dumping of sewage water operation in Qatar
Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MECC) stated that it was able to locate an individual who was found dumping sewage water in an unauthorised location, causing environmental pollution in the area and harming the plant ecosystem and its components. This occurred during an extensive inspection campaign conducted by one of the patrols of the MECC's Wildlife Protection Department in the northern region, where patrol members took the necessary legal actions against the violator, and he was referred to the responsible authorities to complete the procedures. The effort comes as part of the Ministry's ongoing efforts to protect the local environment and its biodiversity. © Dar Al Sharq Press, Printing and Distribution. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Forbes
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
15 Western And Cowboy Games You Don't Want To Miss
There are some great cowboy games to play these days. It's pretty difficult to not dream of being a cowboy. Thankfully, cowboy games allow us to live out those fantasies, whether those fantasies lie in shoot outs in saloons or simply riding a horse through the Wild West. The most popular western games are well known, with games like Red Dead Redemption and its sequel dominating the market, but there's also a bunch more that can help you satisfy your cowboy cravings. From big action RPGs to indie hits and a few stranger offerings, there are a lot of cowboy games out there. It might not be easy to find those cowboy video games, so we've corralled this list of the best that you won't want to miss out on. Top Western Games Most cowboy and western games fit into two categories, or are in some way a combination of those two categories. Those categories are shooters, where you get to act out the life of a gunslinger, or adventure games, where you can role play the life of a cowboy in the wild west. That said, there are alternatives to those times of games, with more tactical games and side-scrollers both represented within the western video game genre. Cowboy games also come at a variety of price points and hardware requirements, too, so no matter what you're playing on, there's definitely going to be something that you'll be able to pick up. This list covers the best of the best based on critical and fan consensus and a bit of personal bias. Platforms: PC Made in 1985 by MECC, this is an educational strategy where the player controls a wagon travelling the Oregon trail in 1848. Surprisingly tense despite its educational nature, making it great for those looking to learn, it is a game that puts value in smart choices and makes you feel the consequence of bad ones. FEATURED | Frase ByForbes™ Unscramble The Anagram To Reveal The Phrase Pinpoint By Linkedin Guess The Category Queens By Linkedin Crown Each Region Crossclimb By Linkedin Unlock A Trivia Ladder Platforms: PC, PS3, Xbox 360 It might not be a true western game, but Bethesda's 2010 classic will make you feel like a real cowboy. One of the most beloved RPGs of all time, Fallout: New Vegas sets you off in an open world dystopia, and for those that like a heightened challenge, has a seriously difficult hardcore mode. Platforms: 3DS, PC, PS4, Switch, Xbox One How about something that isn't quite so action heavy? Released in 2013 by Image & Form, SteamWorld Dig is a 2-D platformer that sees players digging for treasure and resources as a cowboy robot. Addictive due to its randomly generated map, SteamWorld Dig is great for players who don't need gunfights to have fun. Platforms: PC, PS3, Switch, Xbox 360 If shootouts are what you're after then look no further than Techland's 2013 release, Call of Juarez: Gunslinger. You take on the role of Silas Greaves, a bounty hunter with a bit of a mean streak and a penchant for a gunfight shooting everyone in sight. This one is great for action fans. Platforms: PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox, Switch If you're someone wanting something Western with a twist, then Oddworld Inhabitants' 2005 action-adventure Oddworld: Stranger's Wrath is perfect for you. Another game in which you play as a bounty hunter, Stranger's Wrath will drop you into a dangerous world unlike any other in the cowboy genre that you won't forget quickly. Platforms: PC, Switch For a much more light-hearted approach to the wild west, you're going to want to play Asymmetric's 2013 game, West of Loathing. A turn-based RPG with a clear focus on comedy, this is a great game for those that aren't fussy about graphics but who are very keen on fun and adventure. Platforms: SNES, PS4, Switch, Sega Genesis Coming from Konami in 1991, Sunset Riders is a classic side-scrolling arcade shooter within the western genre. With four playable characters, each with unique weapons and play styles, this co-op shooter has plenty of replayability and is also perfect for anyone looking for a challenge, as getting shot even once will cost you a life. Platforms: PC For a horror twist on cowboy games, look no further than Hyperstrange's 2022 stealth FPS, Blood West. A slower, more methodical game, Blood West sees you play as a revived gunslinger, investigating and slaying monsters. It's one for genre fans, but if stealth is your thing, this is a lesser known gem. Platforms: PS4, Wii, Wii U, PC, Switch A remaster of a Super Nintendo title, Wild Guns Reloaded is an arcade shooter released by Natsume Atari in 2013. Telling the classic cowboy revenge story, Wild Guns Reloaded is perfect for players who want to experience simple but skillful gameplay in a very classic style. Platforms: PS2, Xbox Cowboys and vampires, what more could you ask for? High Moon Studios' 2005 survival horror game delivers all that and more, setting players off in a western-steampunk hybrid world as a vampire cowboy looking to rid the world of evil. This one is perfect for people looking for something unique from a western game. Platforms: Wii, Wii U, 3DS A game with a completely unique look and feel within the cowboy genre, Horberg Productions' 2012 platformer Gunman Clive provides an aesthetic unlike any other western game out there and sees players fight to save the mayor's daughter. One for people who love quirky art styles, but there is a lot to enjoy here. Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC Mimimi Games' 2020 release Desperados 3 is a RTS game that has players hunting down bandits while utilising stealth and a collection of characters with different skill sets. Slower paced than a lot of the games on the list, it's great for people who like their action to not be quite so explosive. Platforms: GameCube, PC, PS2, Xbox 360, Xbox Developed by Neversoft and released in 2005, Gun is an ambitious action-RPG with an impressive voice cast. Playing as Colton White, Gun takes players on a classic cowboy adventure: looking to get revenge for a deceased loved one. Great for anyone looking for both action and story depth. Platforms: PC, Switch, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360 Rockstar's 2010 title is a revolutionary open world game that sees players assume the role of John Marston, a cowboy who needs to hunt down his former gang so he can enjoy a more peaceful life. This one is perfect for those open world fans and a must play for any cowboy fans. Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One If Red Dead Redemption revolutionised the western video game genre, its sequel perfected it. A fantastic and huge open world with another deep and gut-wrenching story, Rockstar's 2018 title can only be considered a masterpiece and provides just as much fun and sorrow as its predecessor. If you've played the first one, this one will blow you away with a bigger open world, greatly modernised gameplay and a story that certainly rivals if not outperforms the original. There simply is no finer cowboy game, and chances are until the next game in the series arrives, this one won't be unseated. Quite simply one for all gamers, and cowboy fans, no matter what your tastes are. Bottom Line Although the time of the wild west may be over, you can still live out those fantasies through western video games. With options available regardless of the genre of game you're looking for, there's something for everyone, and they'll all leave you feeling like a true cowboy.
Zawya
30-06-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Qatar enhances climate resilience through proactive measures
Doha: Qatar is advancing bold and coordinated actions to address the global climate change through comprehensive collaboration among government institutions, the private sector, and civil society. These efforts reflect the nation's strong commitment to environmental sustainability and climate resilience. Environmental Specialist at the Climate Change Department of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MECC) Sultana Abdullah Al-Wajhan, highlighted Qatar's proactive approach during a recent appearance on Qatar TV. She emphasised the high level of inter-sectoral cooperation, noting that government entities have taken a leading role in shaping and implementing the National Adaptation Plan. 'Government sectors have demonstrated outstanding leadership in coordinating climate adaptation projects,' she said. 'As someone directly involved in these efforts, I can attest to the exemplary level of coordination.' She also recognized the increasing role of the private sector in climate resilience. 'Private entities are stepping up, actively participating in climate-related initiatives. Their growing involvement reflects a shared sense of national responsibility for mitigation and adaptation,' Al-Wajhan added. She pointed to several national initiatives that showcase this collective commitment. The Ministry of Municipality has launched a Climate-Smart Agriculture program to strengthen food security under changing climate conditions. Similarly, the Ministry of Public Health and Hamad Medical Corporation are enhancing the health sector's resilience to climate risks. Other vital efforts include biodiversity protection led by the Environmental Systems Protection Department and the Department of Nature Reserves and Wildlife under MECC. Furthermore, the Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa) and the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) are promoting water reuse after treatment for irrigation of trees and landscaping and rationalization of electricity and water consumption through the National Program for Conservation and Energy Efficiency (Tarsheed). Addressing the importance of public engagement, Al-Wajhan stressed the need for collective environmental awareness. 'Community-wide awareness and participation are essential. When society works together, it fosters innovation and supports sustainable solutions, helping to build a more resilient future,' she said. Al-Wajhan also discussed the recent national workshop titled 'The Future of Climate Change in Qatar', which focused on advancing the National Adaptation Plan. The plan, under development by the Ministry for the past two years, aims to establish a unified strategy for climate resilience. 'The workshop's main objective was to define adaptation measures across priority sectors: water, public health, biodiversity, infrastructure and coastal resilience, agriculture and livestock, and energy and industry,' she explained. Stakeholders from each sector collaborated to classify and prioritize these measures, aligning them with Qatar National Vision 2030 and broader sustainable development goals. 'This workshop is not an isolated event; it is part of a broader, ongoing process to develop a comprehensive and inclusive national adaptation framework,' she said. As Qatar continues to assert its leadership in global climate action, these joint efforts highlight the power of national unity in confronting environmental challenges. Through such strategic initiatives, Qatar is laying the foundation for a sustainable, climate-resilient future. The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MECC) is committed to developing the National Adaptation Plan using a scientific and methodical approach that assesses climate vulnerabilities and their potential impacts. This process is carefully aligned with the country's priorities and national strategies for sustainable development. The workshop marked a significant milestone in advancing the proposed adaptation measures, which were formulated with input from government agencies, the private sector, academic institutions, and international partners. It served as a platform to review these measures, evaluate their readiness for implementation, and identify the necessary requirements to ensure their effectiveness and integration across all relevant sectors. © Dar Al Sharq Press, Printing and Distribution. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
