In a significant initiative aimed at fostering environmental consciousness, Qatar University (QU), through its College of Arts and Sciences, proudly organized a pivotal event on National Environment Day 2024. With the theme “Together to Protect Qatar Rodhat,” the event took place at the prestigious Congress Center, Expo Doha, and drew notable figures, including Mr. Mohammed Ali Al-Khouri, the Secretary-General of the Horticultural Expo Doha2023, and Prof. Mohammed Al-Ghouti, Acting Head of the Biological and Environmental Department Sciences at QU.
The event served as a platform to underscore the critical role of Qatar's Rodhat in maintaining ecological balance and enhancing the quality of life for its residents. Prof. Mohammed Al-Ghouti highlighted the significance of preserving the country's green spaces, emphasizing their vital contributions to air purification, biodiversity, and overall environmental sustainability.
In his speech, Dr. Mohammed Al-Ghouti, Head of the Biological and Environmental Sciences Department at QU, said, “I am pleased to celebrate with you today on the National Environment Day on an important topic, which is the subject of Qatar's Rodhat and their biodiversity, and how to make them a sustainable environment. Qatar has given great importance to environmental issues and their conservation, making them a key focus of the Qatar 2030 vision. Greenhouse projects and the rehabilitation of environmental systems are among its priorities and strategies as a leading step towards a sustainable Qatari environment.”
He added, “Qatar's Rodhat are essential components in the country, forming wonderful green spaces that contribute to air purification and improve the quality of life. They provide an environment rich in biodiversity, serving as a habitat for many plant and animal species. They are one of the most productive green ecosystems after the winter rains.”
Prof. Al-Ghouti outlined the challenges facing Qatar's Rodhat, including urbanization-induced reduction in Rodhat areas, overgrazing causing soil erosion, and pollution endangering both the environment and human health. Prof. Al-Ghouti emphasized the need for collective action and unity to address these challenges, urging individuals and institutions to play their part in safeguarding Qatar's natural heritage.
“To ensure the sustainability of Qatar's Rodhat, we must implement strategic plans, promote scientific research, and involve the community in conservation efforts. Events like these play a pivotal role in enhancing environmental awareness and fostering a collective commitment to preserving our precious green spaces and Rodhat in Qatar,” Prof. Al-Ghouti declared.
Dr. Hayel Al-Wawi, an esteemed expert in wild and medicinal plants at the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, shared valuable insights into the significance of wild plants in Qatar's Rodhat. Addressing preservation methods, Dr. Al-Wawi highlighted the delicate balance required to sustain these plant species and safeguard the biodiversity within the country.
The event featured educational activities, where university students engaged in activities facilitated by QU’s Center for Sustainable Development (CSD), QU’s Agricultural Research Station (ARS), and QU Students' Environmental and Sustainability Club. These initiatives included educational competitions on animals and plants conducted by students from the Biological and Environmental Sciences Department. Additionally, the Biology Education Association, a chapter of the QU Alumni, emphasized the importance of education in spreading environmental awareness and achieving sustainable development. This was demonstrated by different educational activities and their modern educational strategies, which provided students with the opportunity to sense the importance of environmental protection.
It is worth mentioning that the event showed a symbolic commitment ceremony where all participants pledged to protect and preserve plants in the desert environment. This collective commitment underscored the shared responsibility of individuals and institutions in ensuring the long-term sustainability of Qatar's Rodhat.