MATAR joins United for Wildlife to combat illegal wildlife trade

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 trainingThe Qatar Company for Airports Operation and Management (MATAR) has joined the Transport Taskforce of United for Wildlife, an initiative founded by Prince William, the Prince of Wales, and The Royal Foundation, to strengthen Hamad International Airport’s (HIA) role in combating the illegal wildlife trade. In a statement on Monday, HIA said that MATAR formalised its participation by signing the Buckingham Palace Declaration, which sets out commitments to help prevent the transport of illegal wildlife and wildlife products.A stronger commitment to protecting wildlife.MATAR has joined @united4wildlife by signing the Buckingham Palace Declaration and joining the Transport Taskforce, further strengthening reporting, awareness and training across our airport community.Read more:… pic.twitter.com/IYuRK0te5c— Hamad Int'l Airport (@HIAQatar) August 24, 2026 “The declaration provides a framework for transport organisations to strengthen awareness, training, reporting and cooperation with relevant authorities, helping them identify and respond to potential trafficking risks more effectively,” the statement reads.The United for Wildlife Transport Taskforce brings together airports, airlines, shipping companies and other transport and freight organisations 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. The declaration includes 11 commitments, including a zero-tolerance pledge on illegal wildlife trade, enhancing data systems and innovation, and improving information sharing across the transport sector.MATAR’s participation builds on measures already in place across HIA’s operations and advances the Qatar Airways Group Environmental Sustainability Policy, which includes a zero-tolerance position on the transportation of illegal wildlife and wildlife products.More than 14,000 employees across Qatar Airways Group have completed role-specific training to recognise and report potential indicators of illegal wildlife trafficking.Passenger awareness materials displayed at HIA also highlight the risks associated with illegal wildlife trafficking.“As a signatory, MATAR will further enhance reporting procedures, increase employee awareness and extend relevant training across the wider airport community,” HIA said.MATAR will also continue working with airport partners and relevant authorities to support the early identification and reporting of suspected wildlife trafficking, in line with its Sustainability Roadmap.MATAR is a corporate subsidiary of Qatar Airways Group, while Qatar Airways serves as the Official Airline Partner of United for Wildlife and a founding member of its Transport Taskforce.