By Raynald C Rivera
DOHA: Qatar e-Nature — the first of its kind smartphone application that highlights the diversity of Qatar’s environment — will introduce the country’s marine life this year to its existing features, according to an official.
Access to the rich biodiversity of Qatar’s environment is at the fingertips of thousands of app users especially young students who benefit most from the app in their studies.
Sasol, an international integrated chemicals and energy company, created the app as part of its corporate social responsibility programme in partnership with Friends of the Environment Centre and since its launch more than two years ago, more features have been added.
Currently it provides a repository of birds, insects, flora, reptiles and mammals found in Qatar including their photos, bird sounds, and specific information such as common and scientific names, colour, size and habitat as well as detailed descriptions making it easier for students to identify and learn.
“With regard to the new features, we are now focusing in particular on marine life. We want to add more species and information about marine life and this will be launched this year,” Phinda Vilakazi, President of GTL Ventures at Sasol, told The Peninsula.
Earlier this year, a new “Nature Reserves” category was included raising awareness among people about the areas whose wildlife is being protected by the State from extinction. In the list are the 12 protected areas in Qatar including Al Sheehaniya, Al Mashabiya, Al Thakira, Al Eraiq, Al Reem, Al Wusil, Khor Al Adaid, Al Rafa, Sunai, Um Al Amad, Um Qarn and Irkaya.
Vilakazi said Sasol has been continuously developing the App to make it more informative and accessible to everyone.
“We want to continue improving the app, adding more features to it, importantly adding more accurate information about all spheres of the environment. We want to make it accessible and available to all students in Qatar and even teachers,” he said, adding the app has played a significant role in raising awareness among the young on protecting the environment. Vilakazi was speaking on the sidelines of the conclusion of the annual Qatar e-Nature Schools Contest recently organised in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, in which nearly 200 students from 60 private and Independent schools participated.
Every year, the competition is unique and this year it was more exciting turning it into a live quiz show for Primary students.
“We try to cover various levels. This year we chose to focus on Primary students, in the future we will cater to high school as well,” he explained.
The annual school competition has given an added value to the App reaching more than 350 schools and 250,000 students since it started.
Qatar e-Nature app can be downloaded for free on Apple App Store, Google Play store for Android, Windows Phone Store and on the website (www.enature.qa) which is also available for desktop access.
The Peninsula
