Developing Programs for Linking Protected Areas to Sustainable Development

DAMASCUS, (ST) – Minister of Agriculture and Agrarian Reform, Ahmed Qadri, has assured the importance of coordination with international organizations and bodies concerned with the environment to ensure the preservation of life and natural biodiversity, pointing to the cooperation existing with the ministries and NGOs interested in wildlife to achieve sustainable development in all areas of environmental and on the entire territory of Syria.

 During a workshop on wildlife held recently, the minister pointed out the role of the network of multi-purpose nature reserves in protecting plant and animal species in all ecosystems and mapping out integrated programs and the work to connect these reserves to sustainable development to maintain and control natural environmental balanced operations and relations.

Mr.  Qadri clarified that paying more attention to rare and migratory species of birds and migration routes ensure the continuation of biodiversity and the survival of protected areas as genetic banks and the savior of fragile ecosystems or that are exposed to natural or artificial disasters.

 The Minister underlined that mapping out national policies for the protection of wildlife must be based on information and accurate studies on the current status of wild species and the risks and threats existing or expected to occur and the impact of development activities near the natural habitats of all species in addition to clear workable legislations based on environmental surveys, conducting census of wild animals and birds, the development of programs and the need to protect and preserve these species.

For his part, the representative of the World Council of Wild Birds, Regional Director of  Birds Project, Osama al –Nouri, said  that the Council supports all activities related to the environment in Syria despite the exceptional circumstances that Syria experienced now. The fateful link, he added,  between the environment and human imposes a redoubling of efforts to preserve the rare and endangered species and through the cooperation of all bodies concerned in wildlife conservation.

 Mr. al -Nouri said that Syria as a main gateway for the birds on the line migration from Asia –Europe to Africa and an incubator for a large number of birds impose high-level coordination with all concerned for the sustainability of biodiversity and species conservation and protection of wilds.

For his part, member of the Syrian Society for the Protection of Wildlife, Dr. Nazir Khalil, referred to the efforts being exerted by the Societyin the protection of wildlife and their natural habitat in cooperation with the national authorities, regional and international organizations for the implementation of sustainable development programs.

 Dr. Khalil confirmed the importance of the preparation of environmental reports relating to biodiversity of plant and animal, training and rehabilitation of cadres in the field of management of protected areas and eco-tourism.

  Sh. al -Khatib