Environmental sustainability, whether it is for the current generation or future generation, is a major issue Qatar is concerned with and the state formulates its developmental policies based on this conviction.
Qatar has already set its sustainability goals detailing them in the Environmental Sustainability Strategy (NDS-2) 2018-2022. It is based on the Qatar First National Development Strategy (NDS-1) 2011-2016, and developed in line with Qatar National Vision (QNV) 2030, which considers environmental development as one of the main pillars of nation-building.
Recently, Minister of Municipality and Environment, H E Eng Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie, reiterated that environment, whether its is regarding land or marine environment, is a priority to which Qatar and the Ministry attach great importance. During his opening remarks at the first environmental forum held by the Ministry, H E the Minister said that preservation of the environment should be done through legislations, initiatives and community projects, ensuring cooperation of community members, especially because protecting and preserving the environment is a shared responsibility of all individuals and institutions.
H E the Minister pointed out a very vital issue, which vexes countries across the world, that is striking a balance between development to meet the ever-increasing needs and demands of the modern world, and the preservation and protection of the environment.
In Qatar, it is a Constitutional duty to protect the environment as the country’s Permanent Constitution has a separate provision for this which obliges the state to take steps such as provide a healthy environment that ensures the future, address the negative impacts of climate change, minimalise pollution, manage environmental protection, preserve natural equilibrium and nurture biodiversity. Article 33 stipulates that the State shall protect the environment and maintain its natural balance to achieve comprehensive and sustainable development for all generations.
Putting ideas into action, Qatar has already taken several tangible steps. Qatar Foundation’s flagship Education City is one of the best examples of sustainability and green building practices. The unique Oxygen Park in the City is a 130,000sqm of green space. The Quranic Botanic Garden is a treasure trove of hundreds of rare plant species, including the Sidra tree which is a part of Qatar’s heritage. The State has enacted clear legislations on environment-friendly use of electric appliances, building practices, industrial developments etc. There is a myriad of awareness programmes, some of which run permanently such as the energy-conservation effort Tarsheed.
The Environmental Science Center at Qatar University and the Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (QEERI) at the Hamad Bin Khalifa University give a fillip to these efforts.
