By Abbas Nazil
Qatar has taken a significant step toward environmental restoration by deploying drones to disperse native wild plant seeds in Rawdat Umm Al Sahnat, located in the Al Kaaban area.
The initiative was carried out by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change through its Wildlife Development Department as part of ongoing national efforts to enhance vegetation cover and address land degradation.
Using advanced drone technology equipped with GPS navigation and smart spraying systems, approximately 5,000 seeds were precisely distributed across the targeted rawdat area.
The seeds included indigenous species such as wild ziziphus, ghaf, acacia ehrenbergiana known locally as salam, and acacia tortilis commonly called samr.
All seeds used in the operation were sourced from the same local environment to ensure ecological compatibility and sustainability.
Before dispersal, the seeds were treated and coated with biodegradable organic materials designed to protect them from harsh conditions and improve germination rates once they reach the soil.
The deployment of drones allowed for even and accurate distribution, ensuring that hard-to-reach areas within the meadow could be covered efficiently.
Assistant Director of the Wildlife Development Department, Dr Dhafi Heedan, described the activity as part of a broader package of national initiatives aimed at rehabilitating degraded meadows.
He explained that the Ministry is increasingly relying on innovative, environmentally friendly technologies to restore ecological balance in Qatar’s natural landscapes.
According to Heedan, drone technology combined with artificial intelligence represents one of the most effective future tools for accelerating cultivation and environmental restoration processes.
He emphasized that the project holds strategic importance due to its role in expanding green spaces and strengthening national efforts to combat desertification.
The initiative was implemented in cooperation with QDrone Company, whose Director, Hamad Rashid Al Ward, expressed pride in supporting the Ministry’s environmental objectives.
Al Ward highlighted that the project was carried out entirely on a voluntary basis as a contribution to national environmental goals.
He noted that the collaboration also supports the localization of expertise and modern technologies in the field of biodiversity conservation.
The activity followed a detailed field study to identify suitable locations and determine the optimal timing for seed dispersal.
The operation was deliberately conducted during the rainy season to maximize the likelihood of successful germination and long-term vegetation growth.
Environmental experts involved in the project believe this timing significantly improves the effectiveness of meadow rehabilitation efforts.
The initiative is being described as a pioneering model for the integration of modern technology into environmental management practices.
It reflects the Ministry’s broader orientation toward environmental innovation and sustainable solutions.
The project aligns with Qatar National Vision 2030, which prioritizes environmental development alongside economic and social progress.
It also supports the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy and the National Action Plan to Combat Desertification for 2025 to 2030.
