From 16 – 19 February 2025, the Royal Thai Embassy, in collaboration with Earthna Center for a Sustainable Future, organized a project to enhance cooperation between Thailand and Qatar on sustainable mangrove conservation and the promotion of halal eco-tourism. The delegation of Thai experts included Assoc. Prof. Dr. Prateep Deungkae, Dean of the Faculty of Forestry, Kasetsart University; Asst. Prof. Dr. Pasinee Worachananant, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Environment, Kasetsart University; and Mrs. Daorung Jaijing, Director, Mangrove Conservation Division, Department of Marine and Coastal Resources.

During the visit, H.E. Sira Swangsilpa, Ambassador of Thailand to Qatar, led the Thai delegation in discussions with key Qatari authorities, including the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Earthna Center for a Sustainable Future, and Qatar University, as well as representatives from the private sector and international organization specializing in coastal ecosystem preservation. The delegation also visited Qatar’s mangrove conservation sites, agricultural plantations, and eco-tourism locations in Al-Thakira and Al-Ruwais to observe conservation efforts, exchange expertise, and explore potential areas for collaboration. These exchanges aim to support the development of mangrove conservation policies and initiatives in Qatar through Thailand-Qatar cooperation.

As part of the program, the Royal Thai Embassy, in collaboration with Earthna, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, and Qatar University, hosted a seminar titled “Mangrove Conservation in Qatar: Towards a Practicable Action Plan” on 17 February 2025 at Qatar Foundation Headquarters. The seminar commenced with opening remarks by Mr. Yousef Al-Hamar, Director of Wildlife Department, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, who underscored the environmental significance of mangroves and coastal ecosystem. H.E. Ambassador Swangsilpa also delivered remarks highlighting the event's role in advancing cooperation between Thailand and Qatar on balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability, aligning with Qatar National Vision 2030. Thai experts shared insights and lessons learned from Thailand’s mangrove afforestation and conservation initiatives. The seminar was attended by over 50 participants, including representatives from key Qatari institutions such as  the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Qatar Foundation, and Qatar University as well as representative from UNESCO and private sector entities, including Agrico Farm and Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som.

Following the study visit, Thai and Qatari experts engaged in reflective discussions,  exchanging observations and identifying key areas for future collaboration. Both sides recognized opportunities for joint initiatives in biodiversity conservation, coastal nursery management, educational outreach on the benefits of mangroves, and the development of eco-tourism infrastructure in Qatar.

This visit by Thai mangrove experts was an initiative of the Royal Thai Embassy, in close collaboration with Earthna Center for a Sustainable Future, a non-profit organization under the Qatar Foundation dedicated to sustainable policy and research in Qatar. The initiative aimed to introduce Thailand’s expertise in environmental conservation to support Qatar’s ongoing efforts in this field. Mangrove conservation is one of Thailand’s key areas of expertise that aligns with Qatar’s Qatar National Vision 2030 and Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 15: Life on Land, which also showcasing Thailand’s leadership in environmental sustainability to Qatar and the wider Middle East region. This initiative underscores the Royal Thai Embassy’s commitment to fostering knowledge exchange and strengthening academic cooperation between Thailand and Qatar, laying a foundation for deeper bilateral relationship across various dimensions, including socio-economic development and people-to-people connectivity.