Qatar has established a model for using and promoting scientific research to protect the environment.
This was evident at the 9th Qatar International Agricultural Exhibition (AgriteQ), and the 3rd Qatar International Environmental Exhibitions (EnviroteQ), which were concluded on Monday.
Director of the Environmental and Municipal Studies Centre, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoCC), Dr Mohamed Saif al-Kuwari said Qatar has supported and encouraged technical scientific research that aims to promote and protect the environment from pollution in order to achieve the required balance.
He was addressing the forum at the event on ‘the role of scientific research in promoting and protecting the environment…successful Qatari models’.Dr al-Kuwari, quoted His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, saying a future roadmap was drawn up in 2008 under the title “Qatar National Vision 2030”, which aims to transform Qatar into an advanced country capable of achieving sustainable development, and ensuring the continuation of decent living for its people by 2030.“The objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030 couldn’t be achieved without a comprehensive environmental vision with top priority.
Qatar National Vision is a guide to Qatar in achieving balance between development and protection of its natural resources.
While determining this fact, Qatar has promoted research initiatives meant for environmental protection,” he said.
Dr al-Kuwari noted there are several successful practical applications in the research sector for protecting and promoting the environment.“These are implemented with the participation of the national level stakeholders including the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Ministry of Municipality, Public Works Authority (Ashghal), Qatar University, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, industrial sector, experts and factories of concrete, construction materials and asphalt.
At international level, there is participation of the Austrian Institute of Technology, Leibniz-Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research, University of the West of England – UWE Bristol, Texas University and other institutions across the world,” he said.
The official pointed out that there are many successful scientific and innovative initiatives in Qatar for protecting the environment. He explained that recycled stones taken from construction sites are used to build roads and buildings.
For asphalt mixtures, iron slag is used. Old asphalt is recycled and used in road construction. Cooking oil is used to make smart bricks.
The green cement is made from the waste of treatment plants and ashes.
Asphalt production is done with old tyres.
There is also a carbon dioxide capture plan.
Dr al-Kuwari also explained that a sustainable strategy has been developed for Doha and Berlin, Bristol, and Bristol, as well as their vegetation areas. Robots will be deployed to detect pollution levels.
He noted Qatar’s models in environmental protection have won several international recognitions.
Dr. al-Kuwari made recommendations and said that research should be a top priority. More research should be done in the environment and climate change areas, and it should be promoted.
He added that there is a need for international and national research initiatives to be used.
