Qatar University (QU), Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, celebrated Qatar Environment Day.
The programme featured a variety of activities and events, including seedling distribution. It was attended by students and faculty from QU as well as students of a number secondary schools in Qatar.
The goal was to educate students on ecosystems and to motivate the younger generation towards a greater responsibility for their environment. The College of Arts and Sciences dean, Prof Ahmed Elzatahry; Dr Khalifa Hazaa, associate dean, Sciences and Applied Sciences Sector and Prof. Mohammed Abu-Dieyeh head of the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences were present.
Lectures were given by Ahmed ElGharib from the Qur’anic Botanical Garden of Qatar Foundation, and on the initiative to plant one million trees in Qatar by Mohammed Ali al-Khoori, director of Public Parks Department at the Ministry of Municipality.
All QU students were invited to participate in the two environmental competitions, one of which is about the best picture representing Qatar’s plants and the other about the best environmental article about the plants of Qatar.
Prof. Dr. Abu-Dieyeh noted that Qatar has mangroves. These three types of seagrass are home to over 600 species of marine mammals and more than 400 species of plants. They live in an environment of drought, salt, and poor soil but they can resist and live and reproduce.
Qatar’s planting of one million trees will have a significant impact on the environment, including the reduction of dust pollution and carbon emissions, as well as limiting soil contamination with toxic hydrocarbons or heavy metals. This is in addition the positive psychological impact trees have on human health and well-being.
Dr. Abu-Dieyeh stressed that the department will continue to collaborate with the Ministry of Municipality and Ministry of Environment and Climate Change to plan many joint activities and campaigns as well as the participation of graduate and faculty students in biodiversity research and environmental protection and sustainable development.