Qatar Whale Shark Conservation Forum 2023 kicks off

Qatar Whale Shark Conservation Forum 2023, organised by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC) in partnership with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), was wrapped up at the Aquatic Fisheries Research Center in Ras Matakh, north of Qatar.

Three main sessions were held in the forum, during which 18 research papers were presented, with the participation of more than 11 local, regional and international experts and researchers.

Qatar Whale Shark Conservation Forum 2023 has recommended for signing international conventions that conserve whale shark, such as the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, the Convention on the wildlife.

Meanwhile, head of the organising committee, Director of the Wildlife Development Department Mohamed Ahmed al-Khanji emphasised that the attendance of a host of researchers from different world countries has enriched the forum's sessions, pointing out that such an event has largely succeeded in achieving all objectives set out by the MoECC prior to its launch, in terms of extending bridges of communication with all relevant parties interested in this species including regional countries that exist within the course of shark migration.

He added that attendees shared ideas, information and facts related to whale shark regardless of the forum's recommendations which constitute a roadmap for all parties to conserve this endangered species.

Commenting on the recommendations, al-Khanji outlined that the forum stressed the importance of all parties' action to sign international conventions that conserve the whale shark, such as the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, the Convention on the wildlife, et al, noting the importance of launching campaigns to assist sharks that are stranded in their course of migration.

Al Khanji emphasized the necessity of proposing a regional convention for GCC states to conserve whale shark and its habitats, forming rescue team at the MoECC to undertake the mission of rescuing sharks upon their entry to ports, as well as incorporating whale shark into the Convention on the Preservation of Wildlife and its Natural Habitats in GCC states.