The event featured a prominent participation by environmental activist Hamad al-Khelifi, who presented a live display of several migratory birds visiting Qatar's environment, alongside an artistic exhibition of photographs he captured during his field trips documenting the diversity and beauty of local wildlife.
Dr Farhoud Hadi al-Hajri, Director of the Public Relations and Communication Department at the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, affirmed that this celebration is part of a series of initiatives implemented by the Ministry to protect wildlife, preserve migratory bird habitats, and enhance community awareness, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the state's efforts to promote environmental sustainability.
He explained that Qatar is home to more than 300 species of birds and serves as an important passageway along the annual migration routes of many migratory birds that play a key role in maintaining ecological balance. He noted that these birds are an integral part of the country's natural heritage and contribute significantly to biodiversity.
Further, Khalid Juma Al-Muhannadi, Director of the Wildlife Development Department at the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, said that World Migratory Bird Day is a global occasion to raise awareness about the importance of these birds and their role in supporting the sustainability of ecosystems. He emphasized that migratory birds are among the most important indicators of ecosystem health due to their role in seed dispersal and natural pest control.
He added that Qatar's environment serves as a major stopover along the migration routes of many bird species, hosting more than 13 types of migratory birds during the migration seasons. These vary in size, color, and ecological characteristics, including the houbara bustard, curlew, swallow, osprey, greater flamingo, song thrush, as well as various duck species, rock thrush, desert wheatear, northern wheatear, sand wheatear, red-backed shrike, and crested lark.
He stressed that this diversity of visiting bird species reflects the environmental importance of Qatar's natural areas as safe corridors and vital resting points for birds during their intercontinental journeys, underscoring the need to protect these habitats and ensure their sustainability amid global environmental challenges.
Meanwhile, Maryam al-Kaabi, Assistant Director of the Public Relations and Communication Department at the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, affirmed that the Ministry is keen to actively participate in regional and international environmental events, including World Migratory Bird Day, as an opportunity to promote community environmental awareness and instill a culture of sustainability. She noted that such events allow the public to gain practical knowledge about local environmental components and the challenges they face, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of national efforts in this field.
She explained that the accompanying event included interactive and educational activities targeting various segments of society. These featured a live display of migratory bird species visiting Qatar's environment, an exhibition of environmental photos and information, and an interactive environmental competition aimed at enhancing visitors' awareness of migratory birds.