Doha, 30 Aug. 2023 (QT)

By Ashraf Siddiqui

The UN House in Doha organised an impactful awareness event dedicated to marking International Whale Shark Day and drawing attention to the vital importance of conserving whale sharks and marine ecosystems, on Wednesday.

Present on the occasion to recognise the significance of protecting marine life were Ali Al Marafi, Secretary-General of the Qatari National Commission for Education, Culture and Science; Saleh Khaled, Regional Director of UNESCO; renowned Qatari wildlife photographer Azzam Al Mannai, and representatives from United Nations regional offices.

A highlight of the event was Azzam Al Mannai’s generous donation to the UN House of an exquisite underwater photograph titled ‘Into The Blue’, capturing the majesty of a giant whale shark. Mannai’s works have been featured on prestigious platforms such as Netflix and National Geographic, and have garnered praise from the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change for their contribution to environmental advocacy.

Salah Khaled, UNESCO’s Regional Director, Gulf States and Yemen, expressed pride in receiving Mannai’s donation. He acknowledged the artwork’s role in highlighting the delicate balance of ecosystems and the urgent need for collaborative efforts to ensure coexistence between humanity and nature.

Khaled emphasised that Mannai’s work transcends aesthetics, conveying powerful messages about environmental consciousness and global interconnectedness.

Khaled also stressed the critical role of whale sharks, often dubbed ‘gentle giants of the oceans’, in the natural world. These awe-inspiring creatures face numerous threats to their survival, including habitat destruction, climate change, pollution and human activities like fishing and tourism.

UNESCO’s partnership with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change underscores their joint commitment to safeguarding natural heritage through sustainable practices.

The event resonated with the global initiative known as the Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, or the Ocean Decade (2021-2030). This initiative aims to advance the science required for the protection and sustainable management of oceans and their resources.

By focusing on the conservation of whale sharks and their habitats, the event aligns with the goals of the Ocean Decade, contributing to marine ecosystem preservation and promoting human well-being.

Learned wildlife lover, Azzam Al Mannai also spoke passionately during the event. He highlighted Qatar’s unique role as a habitat for large aggregations of whale sharks from June to September each year. He emphasised the collective responsibility to safeguard these magnificent creatures and their habitats for future generations.

Mannai stressed that education and advocacy are pivotal in ensuring the survival of these majestic creatures, advocating for increased efforts to protect and conserve the dwindling numbers of whale sharks.

In commemorating Whale Shark Day, the event served as a call to action, urging individuals and communities to unite in preserving marine ecosystems and the magnificent species that inhabit them. Through the combined efforts of passionate individuals, organisations like UNESCO, and initiatives like the Ocean Decade, the event shed light on the path towards a more sustainable future, where humans and nature thrive in harmony.