Qatar’s Al Reem Biosphere Reserve is a protected, inhabited area in the country’s northwestern region. It’s accessible from major roadways and less than 50 miles from Doha, making it an attractive destination for people who want to enjoy nature’s beauty without planning major excursions. This project has many lessons to teach eco-minded individuals.
Understanding the various project phases can inform you of what to consider when measuring success and outlining priorities.
Collaboration is Key for Success
Planners officially established the Al Reem Biosphere Reserve in 2005. Since the land encompasses three jurisdictions, collaboration between multiple parties was essential during all phases. UNESCO designated it as a biosphere in 2007, and it was the only such protected area in Qatar then. Since this project comprises approximately 10% of Qatar’s total land area, it requires significant and ongoing cooperation.
Sustainability professionals, development companies and other commercial entities must meet conservation goals by operating in the best interests of endangered and threatened animals. They can do so by setting parameters for permitted activities. Although people can visit the Biosphere Reserve for falconry, it is only an option during a specific period and for a limited number of licensed hunters.
Whether someone is a visitor or tour operator, people must respect the land while abiding by stipulated rules. A decade after UNESCO officials gave Al Reem its designation, officials from that organization collaborated with government authorities to offer an environmental awareness program.
One phase of the two-part initiative encouraged the public to go on free educational tours. The other enabled schoolchildren to travel to the Reserve for scientific activities. A competition also resulted in people winning awards for packing lunches with the least amount of plastic.
These accessible, themed efforts are crucial for helping people understand how to enjoy and protect the Biosphere Reserve with conscious actions and an enthusiasm for learning. Although professionals perform essential work in safeguarded areas such as this one, everyone can contribute.
Planners Need a Detailed Understanding of the Topography
Those involved in nature reserves or similar projects must evaluate the most effective ways to preserve the land for existing and future plants, flowers and animals while carefully considering when to take a hands-off approach versus installing human-made innovations to provide resilience against natural occurrences.
Stretching over more than 445 square miles, the Biosphere Reserve has many topographical differences depending on the area you examine. For example, the Zekreet Peninsula features steeper elevations than other parts of the land, and some coastal areas feature salty mud flats and swamps. Additionally, people can find numerous rocky plains and elevations throughout the inland sections.
Additionally, people cleared some of the flattest parts of the Reserve to make it suitable for farming. These important economic activities support the food chain, allowing agricultural professionals to grow dates, cereal grains, vegetables and fruits. Animals like goats and camels use other flatlands as grazing areas. Whether the animals are domesticated or wild, authorities control the particulars. For example, camels can only graze while in enclosures.
Weather, the activities of humans and other animals, and additional relevant factors can necessitate innovations like soil nails to enhance the ground’s stability by artificially increasing its cohesion. Inserting these accessories into predrilled holes redistributes the soil’s weight and relieves pressure on unstable areas.
The Biosphere Reserve’s varying topography teaches parties interested in biodiversity, land preservation and other relevant subjects to scrutinize specific environmental factors and incorporate them into subsequent decision-making processes.
Responsible Parties Must Manage Growth
Several factors have been drivers of Qatar’s previous economic growth and may continue to support it in the coming years. For example, the country’s leaders have invested in liquefied natural gas infrastructure and supported numerous projects that allow the product’s export. Additionally, Qatar was the FIFA World Cup host in 2022, resulting in the subsequent creation of a multimillion-dollar legacy fund to facilitate sustainable development.
The creation of the Al Reem Biosphere Reserve emphasized the country’s commitment to protecting wildlife and the land. However, authorities must capitalize on and maintain that momentum by exploring practical ways to pursue smart growth. Successful implementation allows urban planners and other stakeholders to maximize economic efficiency while continuing to uphold environmental goals.
The United States offers numerous examples of those ideals in action. For example, in Gonzales, Louisiana, authorities focused on electrifying the transportation network by holding a workshop to nurture community involvement and stakeholder engagement in efforts to minimize the city’s carbon footprint. They also revealed a climate resilience plan to halve emissions by 2050. This example shows how committed parties can allow anticipated growth while continuing to minimize negative impacts.
Some growth-management activities can happen on a smaller scale, such as through engagements with parties who own businesses near the Al Reem Biosphere Reserve. Perhaps a developer plans to open a hotel on its borders. It would likely attract more visitors wanting to explore the protected area, which isn’t a bad thing if they behave responsibly. Hospitality employees could be instrumental in reinforcing the cultural norms to make that happen. Similarly, conversations should occur with agricultural professionals who want to expand their farming areas.
Awareness and Proactiveness Support Sustainability Gains
Many lessons associated with the Al Reem Biosphere Reserve likely sound familiar if you have gotten involved in local environmental projects requiring input from multiple parties. That’s because they still apply for less extensive projects that center on protecting the planet and encouraging the public to do their part.
Decision-makers must also remain aware of the interconnectedness of local ecosystems and how human-driven activities affect them. As the above examples show, protecting at-risk wildlife does not necessarily mean banning people from their habitats. Humans can live in harmony with animals. However, authorities may need to set and frequently evaluate guidelines to maintain a realistic and mutually beneficial balance.
