Qatar's MATAR Joins United for Wildlife to Fight Global Illegal Wildlife Trafficking

Qatar’s MATAR has joined the United for Wildlife Transport Taskforce, strengthening Hamad International Airport’s efforts to prevent wildlife trafficking and enhance detection, reporting, and staff training.

The Qatar Company for Airports Operation and Management (MATAR) formalized its participation by signing the Buckingham Palace Declaration, which sets out commitments to help prevent the transport of illegal wildlife and wildlife products.

The declaration provides a framework for transport organizations to strengthen awareness, training, reporting, and cooperation with relevant authorities, helping them identify and respond to potential trafficking risks more effectively.

The United for Wildlife Transport Taskforce brings together airports, airlines, shipping companies, and other transport and freight organizations with law enforcement and other agencies to tackle illegal wildlife trafficking. The taskforce was established in 2016, when its founding members signed the Buckingham Palace Declaration, which includes 11 commitments such as a zero-tolerance pledge on illegal wildlife trade, enhancing data systems, and improving information sharing.

MATAR’s participation builds on measures already in place across Hamad International Airport’s operations and advances the Qatar Airways Group Environmental Sustainability Policy. More than 14,000 employees across Qatar Airways Group have completed role-specific training to recognize and report potential indicators of illegal wildlife trafficking, alongside passenger awareness materials displayed at the airport.

As a signatory, MATAR will further enhance reporting procedures, increase employee awareness, and extend relevant training across the wider airport community, while continuing to work with airport partners and relevant authorities in line with its Sustainability Roadmap.