With a strong focus on environmental preservation, Qatar has been driving efforts to increase its green spaces over the last few years.

This is mirrored in several of the country's initiatives such as setting up new parks and engaging community members, particularly school students in plantation drives. 

In September last year, the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) announced that it had begun the first phase of a nation-wide campaign that will see Qatar's green areas increase 240 percent by 2022.

Among other developments, Ashghal's ambitious project would include adding 10 million square meters of green spaces across the country.

#MME is making great efforts in the field combating desertification, through the implementation of several programmes, initiatives and projects related to preserving the vegetation and working to rehabilitate green areas. #DesertificationAndDroughtDay #Qatar pic.twitter.com/JQz8WyVZhx

— Baladiya (@Baladiya1) June 17, 2020

Yesterday, on the occasion of the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, a top official from Qatar's Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME), revealed that in the past 10 years, the number of trees planted in the country had risen by 93 percent.

The Director of the Public Parks Department at MME, Mohamed Ali Al Khouri said, Qatar saw an increase in tree plantations from 30,735 in 2010 to 59,386 in 2020.

Moreover, he said the number of palm trees planted during the same period went up from 14,983 to 19,058, reflecting an increase of 27 percent.

The official affirmed the Ministry's commitment toward enhancing green areas in different regions of Qatar, guided by the aim of protecting the environment and combating desertification.

He mentioned that the efforts are carried out with the cooperation of several bodies working in this field.

Al Khouri said between March 2019 and May 2020, the department distributed tree seedlings to government agencies, farms, and citizens, besides planting various trees in co-operation with the municipal parks sections of the municipalities.

He mentioned that as many as 104,356 trees were distributed and planted during this period.

The World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, marked annually on June 17, seeks to raise public awareness on international efforts to combat desertification and shine a light on neutralizing the impact of land degradation that can be achieved through problem-solving, strong community participation and combining efforts at all levels.

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