This agreement marks the first formal partnership between the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the State of Qatar. Under the agreement, IUCN will provide technical support to enhance Khor Al-Adaid’s readiness and alignment with global standards and international best practices for effective protection and management.

Speaking on the occasion, H.E. Dr. Hany El Shaer, Regional Director of IUCN ROWA, described the agreement as a significant milestone and a foundation for long-term collaboration between IUCN and the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change.

“This initiative will pave the way for global recognition of Qatar’s unique biodiversity and protected areas,” said Dr. El Shaer. He emphasized Qatar’s potential to demonstrate regional leadership by adopting an integrated approach and applying the IUCN Green List standards at an early stage to potential UNESCO World Heritage sites, while contributing meaningfully to the global biodiversity agenda, including the 30×30 target under the Convention on Biological Diversity.

The agreement was signed by Their Excellencies Mr. Abdulaziz bin Ahmad Al Mahmoud, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, and Dr. Hany El Shaer, Regional Director of IUCN ROWA.

Khor Al-Adaid is not only a jewel of Qatar’s natural heritage but also a site of global significance. Its unique landscapes and biodiversity merit recognition and safeguarding for generations to come. Today’s signing marks a decisive step toward realizing this shared vision and commitment.

About IUCN

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is a membership Union uniquely composed of both government and civil society organisations. It provides public, private, and non-governmental organisations with the knowledge and tools that enable human progress, economic development, and nature conservation to take place together.

Created in 1948, IUCN is now the world’s largest and most diverse environmental network, harnessing the knowledge, resources, and reach of more than 1,400 Member organisations and around 17,000 experts. IUCN is a leading provider of conservation data, assessments, and analysis, and serves as a trusted repository of best practices, tools, and international standards.

About IUCN ROWA

The IUCN Regional Office for West Asia (ROWA), based in Amman, Jordan, supports Members and partners across West Asia to strengthen environmental governance, enhance the effective management of protected areas, and advance inclusive, science-based approaches to biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. IUCN ROWA works closely with governments, regional institutions, and international partners to address the region’s unique environmental challenges and priorities.

About Qatar’s Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MECC)

Qatar’s Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MECC) is responsible for protecting the environment, conserving biodiversity, and addressing climate change impacts across the State of Qatar. The Ministry leads national efforts to safeguard natural resources, manage protected areas, and promote sustainable development in line with national priorities and international environmental agreements.

Through strategic partnerships and policy leadership, MECC plays a key role in advancing environmental stewardship and strengthening Qatar’s contribution to regional and global sustainability efforts.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Razan Baqain
Communications and Documentation
IUCN Regional Office for West Asia (ROWA)
📧 [email protected]