Date & Time: Wednesday, December 4th, at 7 pm
Speaker:. Shivani Patel, Senior Marine Scientific Officer, MoECC-Qatar
IUCN Member, World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA)
Venue: Doha English Speaking School
Location Map: DESS
Synopsis:
Qatar, as a peninsula surrounded by the sea, is blessed with exceptional marine biodiversity, supported by a range of habitats such as coral reefs, seagrass meadows, and mangroves. These ecosystems are vital not only for sustaining marine life but also for maintaining ecological balance and supporting coastal resilience.
During this talk, Ms. Patel will present the recent research and monitoring efforts carried out by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change. These activities focus on understanding and protecting key marine ecosystems, including coral reefs, which are essential for biodiversity; seagrass meadows, critical for carbon sequestration and supporting species like dugongs; and marine mammals, which serve as indicators of ocean health. These efforts reflect Qatar’s commitment to preserving its rich marine heritage while addressing the challenges posed by climate change and human activities.
Speaker Bio
Ms. Shivani Patel is a Senior Marine Scientific Officer at the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change in Qatar, playing a pivotal role in marine species conservation and habitat restoration initiatives. With over 7 years of experience in marine ecosystem research and management, she is an active member of the IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA) and holds PADI Advanced Diver certification, which enhances her expertise in marine surveys and field research. Ms. Patel works on the conservation of cetaceans, dugongs, sharks, rays, whale sharks, seagrass, and coral ecosystems, conducting population surveys for marine megafauna using underwater, boat-based, and aerial survey techniques. Focusing comprehensive assessments of marine habitat, actively contributing to coral reef restoration project of MoECC. Additionally, she plays a key role in the establishment of marine protected areas, ensuring sustainable management practices while contributing valuable data to Qatar’s marine conservation efforts.
