To safeguard Qatar's marine environment, the Environmental Operations Department of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC) has unveiled a cutting-edge early warning system. The system, launched at the ministry's headquarters in the presence of HE Sheikh Dr. Faleh bin Nasser Al Thani, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, employs satellite technology to monitor oil pollution in the country's marine ecosystem.

Developed in collaboration with renowned entities such as Sky Perfect JSat Corporation, Norwegian Kongsberg Satellite Services, and Japanese Itochu Company, this project represents a solution for accurate oil pollution monitoring via satellite radar.

One of the newest features of this system is its ability to detect even the most minor oil spills, as small as 40 liters, irrespective of challenging weather conditions such as clouds, rain, fog, or sunlight. By emitting radar waves and capturing their reflection from the surface of oil slicks, the satellite identifies these areas as black or blind spots, providing visual evidence transmitted as pictures and reports to the ministry.

Engineer Dareen Saleh Al Msifri, a representative of the Environmental Operations Department, elucidated the purpose of the early warning system, emphasizing its alignment with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change's vision and strategy to protect the marine environment and combat pollution that poses risks to aquatic organisms.

She highlighted the system's compliance with the International Convention on Preparedness, Response, and Cooperation in the Field of Oil Pollution of 1990, a commitment the State of Qatar made to ensure preparedness in handling such incidents.

The project will provide the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change with a daily satellite image and a detailed report on the economic zone. This invaluable information empowers national experts with extensive expertise in satellite monitoring and oil spill response to combat pollution incidents in the marine environment effectively.

With the launch of this state-of-the-art early warning system, Qatar reinforces its commitment to preserving its marine ecosystem, ensuring the sustainable coexistence of nature and human activities.