Qatar sets a model in initiating research and innovation for environmental protection

Qatar has set a successful model in using and promoting scientific research for protecting the environment.This was highlighted at the ninth Qatar International Agricultural Exhibition (AgriteQ) and the third Qatar International Environmental Exhibition (EnviroteQ), which concluded on Monday.Dr Mohamed Saif al-Kuwari, director of the Environmental and Municipal Studies Centre at the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoCC), said Qatar has encouraged and supported technical scientific research aimed at promoting and protecting the environment from pollution 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 aims to guide Qatar towards establishing a balance between the developmental needs and the protection of its natural land, air and sea 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 noted there are several successful scientific and innovative initiatives for environmental protection in Qatar and explained that recycled stones from construction sites are used for building and road construction.Iron slag is used in asphalt mixtures while old asphalt is recycled and used for road construction and used cooking oil is used for making smart bricks.Ashes and human waste from treatment plants are converted into environmentally friendly green cement.Old tyres are used for asphalt production.There is a carbon dioxide capture plan as well.Dr al-Kuwari further explained that a sustainable strategy for food, water and energy resources is being formulated for the select cities of Doha, Berlin, Bristol and Vienna and their vegetation areas while deploying robots to detect pollution levels.He noted Qatar’s models in environmental protection have won several international recognitions.While making recommendations, Dr al-Kuwari said research should be a top priority and more research should be initiated and promoted in the environment and climate change sectors while bringing scholars and experts together.There is a need to make use of international and national research initiatives, he added.