MoECC Announces Opening of Registration for Winter Camping Season

Ministry of Environment and Climate Change

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC) announced that the opening of online registration for the annual Winter Camping Season for 2024-2025, for all regions of the country, will be from Oct. 15 to Nov. 1. The Winter Camping Season is set to begin on Nov. 1, 2023, and concludes on April 30, 2024.

The Ministry held a press conference today to announce the updated requirements and obligations for the new camping season. The Ministry held a press conference today to announce the updated requirements and obligations for the new camping season.

The conference was attended by Director of the Public Relations and Communications Department at MoECC, Mohammed Ahmed Al Dhahi, Director of the Wildlife Protection Department, Chairman of the Winter Camping Affairs Organization Committee at MoECC Hamad Salem Al Nuaimi, First Lieutenant Abdul Hadi Ali Al Marri, Officer at Media and Preventive Education Section at the General Directorate of Civil Defense and Traffic Media Officer at the General Directorate of Traffic Lt. Abdulmohsin Al Asmar Al Ruwaili.

Mohammed Ahmed Al Dhahi said that the 2024-2025 winter camping season will start on the first of November, after the end of the application and reservation processes, which begin in mid-October.
He pointed out that the esteemed Council of Ministers, in its regular meeting held last April, approved the draft decision of His Excellency the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, regarding determining the fees for permitting winter camps, which includes reducing the fees for permitting winter camps from QR 10,000 to QR 3,000 for all areas, whether land or sea or those located within a nature reserve, with the exemption of people with disabilities and retirees from those fees. This decision comes with the aim of enhancing welfare and ensuring that society enjoys these places during the season.

He noted that the insurance amount applies to everyone, as it is worth QR 10,000 which will be refunded immediately after removing the camp and returning the site to its original condition.

Al Dhahi pointed out that the registration process for this year will be available through the MoECC's electronic application "Beeah", in addition to the Ministrys official website, explaining that this system allows the registration procedures to be completed with ease and simplicity, which contributes to providing a smooth and fast experience for all users.

He highlighted that winter camping is integral to Qatari heritage and reflects the people's connection to nature pointing out that the ministry views camping not only as a way to enjoy the outdoors but also as an opportunity to promote environmental awareness and preservation for future generations.

For his part, Director Hamad Al Nuaimi explained that the registration process will take place in three separate stages, where the registration for the central regions will be from Oct. 15 to Oct. 17, and for the southern regions, from Oct. 18 to Oct. 20, while registration for the northern regions will be from Oct. 21 to 24, and the ministry has allocated the period from Oct. 25 to Nov. 5, 2024 for unreserved places in all regions of the country.

Al Nuaimi explained that this year's new regulations require individuals aged 25 and older to obtain a camping permit. Additionally, the fee for transferring a permit from one area to another is set at QR 1,000.

He noted that the headquarters of the Wildlife Protection Department - Green Qatar opposite Tawar Mall has been designated as a center to provide assistance to the elderly and people with disabilities in the event that they are unable to register electronically, as registration will be allocated to people with disabilities on Oct. 8, 9 and 10.

Hamad Al Nuaimi announced that the Ministry of Environment will only issue one camping permit per person. Permit holders must allow inspectors to conduct camp inspections to ensure compliance with regulations. Failure to permit an inspection may result in permit revocation. He emphasized the importance of adhering to environmental protection laws and regulations.

He clarified that camping permit fees are non-refundable in the event of cancellation. Reapplication for the same camping site as in the previous season depends on site availability and application priority. If a permit holder violates any conditions, the authorities may remove the camp. The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change reserves the right to withdraw the environmental permit for non-compliance with these regulations.

Officials have announced that the Ministry will contact campsite owners to confirm their locations within 72 hours of booking. If there is no communication, owners can reach the Environmental Operations Center at 16066. It is important to note that the deposit for sites not confirmed by the Ministry will not be refunded.

He added that Permit holders must begin setting up their camps in coordination with a Ministry inspector, who must be present during the setup process. The permit is personal and cannot be rented or transferred. The permit must not be used for activities other than those specified, and harmful materials are prohibited. Officials emphasized the importance of maintaining cleanliness, protecting the environment, ensuring that camps are occupied and not abandoned, and disposing of waste only in designated containers.

First Lieutenant Abdul Hadi Ali Al Marri, presented essential guidelines for a safe camping season. He urged campers to hire professionals for electrical installations to prevent electrical accidents and recommended maintaining a distance of 5 to 6 meters between tents. Campers should equip their sites with necessary safety equipment like fire extinguishers and blankets and monitor any fires to avoid hazards. Proper ventilation is also essential to prevent suffocation, and all fires must be extinguished before sleeping or leaving the camp.

He advised placing generators away from tents and ensuring they are safely fueled, as well as isolating cooking areas from living spaces.

First Lieutenant Abdulmohsin Al Asmar Al Ruwaili highlighted the General Directorate of Traffic's annual plan to ensure road safety during the winter camping season, particularly in the Sealine Beach and Khor Al Udaid areas. The plan aims to raise traffic safety awareness, facilitate traffic flow, and enforce regulations aligned with the Ministry of Interior's strategy.

Traffic statistics indicate a decrease in fatalities and serious injuries from traffic accidents in recent years, attributed to measures such as rehabilitating access points and enforcing safety conditions for motorcycle rentals.

He noted that traffic patrols will be present in high-traffic areas, and drone technology will be used to monitor violations and manage events. The administration is also conducting statistical analyses of vehicle entries to Sealine Beach and accidents based on time and day to improve future traffic planning.

(QNA)