Doha: The State of Qatar’s annual celebration of World Environment Day on June 5 underscores the country’s enduring commitment to environmental protection and the sustainability of its natural resources, in alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030, in which the environmental pillar stands as one of its fundamental foundations, Assistant Undersecretary for Environmental Affairs at the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Abdulhadi Nasser Al Marri, said.
According to Qatar News Agency, Al Marri highlighted that this year’s motto revolves around efforts to reduce plastic pollution as a global call to foster a culture of recycling and underscore the importance of scientific research and innovation in developing sustainable environmental solutions that strike a balance between development and ecological preservation, ultimately benefiting both current and future generations.
The motto consistently aligns with the National Environment and Climate Change Strategy, which accords special priority to addressing plastic waste through core pillars that include promoting recycling, supporting research-driven innovation, and empowering sustainable environmental industries. The occasion likewise marks a vital opportunity to bolster community awareness and galvanize both institutions and individuals toward building a clean and safe environment, Al Marri underlined.
Responding to a question about approved legislations to confront this pollution, Al Marri noted that a statutory law is currently being updated regarding environmental protection, which includes statutory items and penalties for any potential infractions. The ministry is currently conducting periodic inspection campaigns in lockstep with the competent authorities to intercept infractions on land and sea, in addition to ensuring the commitment to properly managing waste, and at the end of the day, ecosystems are entirely protected, highlighted Al Marri.
Al Marri pointed out that the ministry gives foremost priority to environmental awareness programs, particularly among students, having launched educational initiatives such as the ‘Summer Environmental Club’ and the ‘Qatar Environment Champions’ program. These initiatives, he said, are intended to inculcate sustainability concepts in younger generations, in addition to encouraging creative environmental thinking and promoting active participation in recycling projects.
One of the most overwhelming challenges the world grapples with today is the dramatic upsurge in the bulk of plastic waste daily, coupled with the difficulty of exploring effective economic alternatives, alongside the limited technological capabilities in certain developing countries, as global collaboration is imperative to surmount these hurdles, Al Marri underlined.
Regarding the role of scientific research, Al Marri outlined that innovation is a pivotal pillar in Qatar’s environmental efforts, through which projects developing eco-friendly materials are supported, in addition to leveraging cutting-edge technologies for waste sorting and recycling, thereby optimizing environmental management efficiency and generating enduring economic returns.
To mark this occasion, Al Marri called upon both citizens and residents to be effective partners in protecting the environment through pursuing the correct environmental behaviors and engaging in awareness campaigns, as well as recycling and cleaning up the beaches. Protection of the environment requires an all-hands-on-deck approach to responsibly ensure a safe future for the next generation and contribute to supporting the economic and social development of the State of Qatar.
Finally, Al Marri underlined the importance of international partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). He emphasized that this partnership fosters Qatar’s standing on the global environmental stage, contributes to sharing expertise, and facilitates the implementation of joint projects, including studies on nanoplastics in marine environments.