The Unesco Chair at the Center for Advanced Materials (CAM) at Qatar University (QU) recently hosted a panel discussion session on ‘Water Solutions for Sustainable Agriculture in Qatar’ at Expo 2023 Doha.
The event brought together leading experts, researchers, and stakeholders to address pressing challenges related to water scarcity and agricultural sustainability in Qatar. The aim was to address the critical challenges of water scarcity and sustainability in agriculture in Qatar.
Prof Syed Javaid Zaidi, Unesco Chair in Water Technology, chaired and moderated the seminar. The distinguished speakers include Mubarak al-Nasr, CEO of Ras Abu Fontas Desalination Plant, Qatar Electricity and Water Company (Kahramaa); Dr Jenny Lawler, senior research director, Qatar Energy and Environmental Research Institute, Hamad Bin Khalifa University; and Prof Sami al-Sayadi, director of the Sustainable Development Center, QU.
Al-Nasr provided an in-depth overview of Ras Abu Fontas’s extensive experience in water desalination and treatment. He emphasised the company’s pivotal role in ensuring uninterrupted water supply during major international events, such as the FIFA World Cup and Asian Cup, highlighting their commitment to water quality and environmental sustainability.
Al-Nasr elaborated on the company’s expansion projects, water provision for agriculture, and the implementation of thermal power generation to reduce electricity consumption.
The seminar showcased groundbreaking initiatives and technologies aimed at addressing water scarcity, soil salinity, and climate change impacts on agriculture. Discussions revolved around water desalination, groundwater treatment, smart agriculture technologies, and soil management practices tailored to Qatar’s unique environmental challenges.
Emphasising the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, Prof Mariam al-Maadeed, vice-president for Research and Graduate Studies at QU, highlighted successful partnerships between academia, industry, and government entities. These collaborations are crucial for fostering innovation, implementing scalable solutions, and ensuring long-term sustainability in Qatar’s agricultural sector, she noted.
Dr Mohamed Irshidat, director of CAM at QU, highlighted the importance of aligning research with Qatar’s sustainability objectives. “Our research initiatives are key to fostering sustainable water solutions for agriculture that support the Qatar National Vision 2030,” he commented.
