Qatari delegation visits German UNESCO biosphere reserves A Qatari delegation with senior officials from Qatar University, Qatar Foundation, Shell-Qatar, Qatar Energy and Environment Research Institute, QF Qur'anic Botanic Garden Project, Qatar Science and Technology Park and other institutions embarked on a 10-day trip to Germany (23 June - 01 July 2013) upon invitation of the German Federal Government. The scholars visited three cities (Bonn - Hamburg - Berlin) and 4 UNESCO biosphere reserves in Germany in order to deepen bilateral ties in the field of biosphere reserves, nature conservation and botanical gardens. In addition to day-long visits of the German coastal, terrestrial and river nature reserves the group had several political meetings, among others with the German UNESCO Commission in Bonn, high-level representatives of the German Federal Foreign Office and representatives of the Qatari Embassy in Berlin. The trip was offered upon initiative of the German Embassy in Doha and the UNESCO Doha Office. Financially supported by UNESCO, it was primarily funded by the Visitor's Programme of the Federal Republic of Germany; a long-standing programme designed to showcase high-level stakeholders and experts specific aspects of Germany. In the case of this visit it was related to sustainable environmental development aspects fostering the rapprochement of cultures and as a support element towards the Qatar National Vision 2030. The German Ambassador in Doha, H.E. Angelika Storz-Chakarji stated: "We are pleased that we could invite this group of 12 Qatari stakeholders from various environment-related sectors to Germany. Germany has a world-renowned profile in environmental management and boasts 38 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. I am happy the Qatari delegation could gain first-hand impressions of many of them during their trip. I hope this will further strengthen the German-Qatari ties in that sector in a year during which we also celebrate 40 years of German-Qatari diplomatic relations. The Embassy is working hard to offer similar tailor-made trips for Qatari stakeholders from other disciplines in the near future." UNESCO's Ecological Sciences Advisor of the Arab Region, Dr. Benno Böer said: "At UNESCO we are extremely happy about this important element aiming at international friendship and inspirations into environmental best practices. A majority of female candidates participated. This is a significant support promoting women's capacity in science-based environmental management. We are very thankful for the partnership with the German Embassy, and the support of the participants, as well as the German and Qatari UNESCO Commissions". - ILQ News -

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