Prince Charles hails Qatar’s eco-initiatives

Qatar University President Professor Sheikha al-Misnad and Qatar National Food Security Programme Executive Chairman Fahad bin Mohamed al-Attiya greet Prince Charles at the MIA event.

By Salman Siddiqui/Staff ReporterPrince Charles yesterday commended the good work being done by Qatari researchers, youth activists, businesses and government officials and encouraged them to continue with their efforts to meet the environmental challenges Qatar and the wider world faces.The Prince of Wales  met with more than 40 Qataris who are leading a variety of environmental projects in the country at a programme held at the Museum of Islamic Art Park. As he moved from one table to another, meeting with the Qatari delegates split into small groups of four, he looked visibly impressed with the environmental solutions that the teams had come up with.He was especially happy to meet with the young Qatari men and women, and encouraged them to carry on with the good work in building their country.   Qatar University President Professor Sheikha al-Misnad and Qatar National Food Security Programme Executive Chairman Fahad bin Mohamed al-Attiya greeted Charles at the event.Dr Saif al-Hajari, founder of the Friends of the Environment Centre and Sheikha Noor al-Thani, co-founder of Doha Oasis, discussed with him the role of civil society in creating greater awareness and providing opportunities for action on environmental issues.  Leaders in business and industry including Green Gulf CEO Omran al-Kuwari and Dr Yousef al-Horr of the Gulf Organisation for Research and Development also spoke with Prince Charles about championing opportunities through innovation. Young Qataris from Reach Out To Asia and Qatar Foundation International also had a chance to meet with the visiting dignitary. Representatives of Qatar University’s Environmental Studies Centre joined their president to speak about the current collaboration with the UK’s Bangor University on the preservation of Qatari coastal habitats, such as mangroves and seagrass beds, and plans for future marine research links.Rounding up the event, representatives from a variety of government-led initiatives shared how environmental commitments and the Qatar National Vision 2030 are being delivered through the first ever carbon-neutral FIFA World Cup, a wide range of national projects, and the recently completed National Food Security Plan.   “Environmental challenges across our planet demand that we work together as never before,” said Justin Mundy, Director of the Prince’s International Sustainability Unit (ISU) in his opening presentation to the group.“HRH The Prince of Wales established the ISU to facilitate discussion and action towards resolving some of the key environmental challenges facing the world  such as food security, ecosystem resilience and the depletion of Natural Capital.  I know those of us here who share in that vision, are encouraged to see the great things that are being accomplished in Qatar as we work towards this common goal.”The hour-long MIA event marked one of the several stops for the Prince of Wales in his second visit to Qatar over the past year. Prince Charles met Foreign Minister HE Dr Khalid bin Mohamed al-Attiyah during which a “stimulating discussion” about Syria and the region was held.He also held discussions with HE Sheikha al-Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani at the  Mathaf Museum of Modern Art.British ambassador to Qatar Nicholas Hopton said: “The visit of HRH has provided an excellent opportunity to bring together environmental researchers, youth activists, negotiators, businesses and government officials each with their own particular view of the environmental challenges Qatar and the wider world faces. “Cross-cutting discussions such as this are important and necessary as Qatar moves forward with its 2030 National Vision. I am always encouraged to meet and hear from people who are working to make a difference in their communities and for the world we share.”Prince Charles is  to wrap up his visit to Qatar today. He arrived in Doha on February 19 after his visit to Saudi Arabia.

Emir meets CharlesHH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani met yesterday evening at Al Bahr Palace with Prince Charles of Wales. Discussions during the meeting dealt with bilateral relations and ways to enhance them.