The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change celebrates the International Whale Shark Day
The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change celebrated yesterday, Wednesday, the International Whale Shark Day, which falls on August 30th of each year. This comes as part of its commitment to protect the marine environment and its biodiversity, as the whale shark is considered one of the endangered fish species.
The celebration took the form of a significant event organized by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change at Qatar Mall. The event included a documentary film screening about the whale shark, which is found in high numbers in Qatari territorial waters. Additionally, the event featured an exhibition by Qatari artist Azam Al-Manaei, showcasing several photographs captured by the artist of this creature during its presence in the Qatari territorial waters, in the northeastern part of Qatar.
In this context, Mr. Jassim Lari, the Head of the Marine Life Development Department at the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, stated that the ministry’s participation alongside other countries in celebrating the International Whale Shark Day reflects the ministry’s commitment to engage in all international events and activities that focus on the environment and contribute to its sustainable preservation and development. He pointed out that the whale shark is considered an endangered species, which has led the ministry to prioritize its protection from all threats that jeopardize its existence.
During the celebration, he further added that the ministry ensured involving the public and the youth in this event, as part of its comprehensive awareness campaign. This campaign, led by the Ministry of Environment, aims to educate the local community about all environmental issues. He emphasized that the objective of the event is to introduce this creature and its significance in maintaining global environmental balance. Moreover, it aims to familiarize the audience with the challenges that whale sharks face throughout their lives, which threaten their existence on Earth.
Mr. Jassim Lari also pointed out that events of this nature, held with public participation, contribute to shaping a collective perception among the general public about the importance of conserving both terrestrial and marine environments, as well as their living organisms. Such events also raise awareness about the significance of these creatures in the food chain and the potential risks associated with their loss to the marine ecosystem in the region and globally.
