Doha, Qatar: MATAR, the Qatar Company for Airports Operation and Management, has joined the Transport Taskforce of United for Wildlife, an initiative founded by His Royal Highness Prince William, The Prince of Wales, and The Royal Foundation, to reinforce Hamad International Airport’s (HIA) role in combating the illegal wildlife trade. 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.
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.
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 for recognising and reporting potential indicators of illegal wildlife trafficking. Passenger awareness materials displayed at HIA also highlight the risks associated with the illegal trafficking of wildlife and wildlife products.
As a signatory, MATAR will further enhance reporting procedures, increase employee awareness and extend relevant training across the wider airport community. It will continue to work with airport partners and relevant authorities to support the early identification and reporting of suspected wildlife trafficking, in line with MATAR’s Sustainability Roadmap.
MATAR is a corporate subsidiary of Qatar Airways Group, and Qatar Airways serves as the Official Airline Partner of United for Wildlife and a founding member of its Transport Taskforce. As the Taskforce marks its 10th anniversary in 2026, it brings together airports, airlines, shipping companies, freight organisations, law enforcement agencies and other partners to improve awareness, information sharing and reporting across the transport sector.
