Qatar's Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC) has made significant strides in coral reef preservation through its dedicated Coral Reef Protection and Restoration Programme. This initiative is crucial for maintaining a healthy marine ecosystem, which provides vital food and shelter for fish populations and offers numerous other environmental benefits. The program aims to bolster the country's food security by enhancing fish stocks within Qatari waters while simultaneously restoring and revitalizing coral reef ecosystems.

These efforts were highlighted at the MoECC's Marine Wildlife Forum 2025, held under the patronage of H.E. Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie, Minister of Environment and Climate Change. The forum, themed "The marine environment... our sustainable heritage, let us preserve it," featured a panel discussion focused on "Coral Reefs... Protection and Development." Discussions centered on solutions and recommendations outlined in the 2023 United Nations Environment Programme report, emphasizing the importance of coral reef conservation and the need to mitigate harmful activities.

The forum saw the attendance of high-ranking officials from the MoECC, including the Undersecretary, Assistant Undersecretary for Protection and Natural Reserves Affairs, Assistant Undersecretary for Environment Affairs, and Assistant Undersecretary for Climate Change Affairs.

Dr. Mohammed Saif Al Kuwari, Chairman of the Forum, noted that the MoECC launched the Coral Reef Protection and Restoration Programme last year. As part of this project, the ministry surveyed 17 sites within Qatar's territorial waters to assess the health of coral reefs and associated species. The goal is to develop, expand, and restore damaged coral reef areas. Dr. Al Kuwari also announced the discovery of five types of soft coral, further demonstrating the rich biodiversity of Qatar's marine environment.

Yousef Al Hamar, Director of the Wildlife Development Department at MoECC, stated that the first phase of the program was successfully completed in October of the previous year. The team conducted a comprehensive survey of all coral reef areas within Qatar's territorial waters in just ten months.

The panel discussion also included contributions from Professor Dr. Shaker Hamza Hussein Al Hazeem from Kuwait, Dr. Mohsen Abdullah Al Ansi Al Yafei from Qatar University, and environmental activist Brigadier General Mohammed Yousef Al Jidah.