Doha: The local community, downstream industries, schools and universities united at Al Wakra beach for the success of the regional Waste Free Environment (WFE) clean-up campaign.
Over 1,500 students also participated in sustainability workshops and competitions aimed to promote best practices related to waste disposal.
The annual initiative by Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA) aims to promote responsible disposal of waste, restore local environment to it its beautiful, pristine state and tackle challenges associated with plastic litter.
For the third year in a row, GPCA rolled out the campaign in the GCC, India and Europe by mobilising downstream industries and the general public.
Dr Abdulwahab Al Sadoun, Secretary-General, GPCA, said: “GPCA is committed to the principle that plastics should not be disposed irresponsibly; it should be reduced, reused, recycled and recovered for energy value. The campaign is a testimony to our resolve to encourage the use of best practices in waste management and raise awareness about societal benefits of plastics.”
Dr Mohammed Yousef Al Mulla, Vice-Chairman & CEO, Qatar Petrochemical Company (Qapco) which is one of the founding members of GPCA, and local liaison of the campaign, said: “We believe that the campaign can act as a catalyst to propel waste disposal best practices in our community. Raising awareness about the consequences of irresponsible waste disposal is one of the first steps towards shaping a sustainable future.”
On February 26, activities were organised at 18 locations in 13 cities to increase corporate and public awareness about the amount of plastic and other waste thrown away each year in the Gulf and inspire the community to reduce wastage and recycle.
Dr Saif bin Ali Al Hajjari, Chairman, Friends of the Environment Center, said, “The campaign coincides with National Environment Day. With waste surrounding us, from household, electronic and medical, for instance, waste management challenges become greater and we have to handle all kinds of waste. We need to find the right methods for safe disposal and recycling to ensure the protection and health of our environment.
Fifteen schools, two colleges and two universities took part in the clean-up covering a 3km stretch of the beach and removed plastic waste, glass bottles and other waste.
Sustainability-oriented workshops and lectures on waste management were also held.
The Peninsula
