Doha: An awareness event to promote Qatar’s mangrove ecosystems and their importance to its coastal environment was recently conducted by the Centre for Sustainable Development (CSD) at the College of Arts & Sciences (CAS).
About 150 male and female students from CAS and other QU colleges and the Environment Club visited Purple Island at Al Dakheera to be oriented on mangrove ecology, biodiversity conservation and restoration, and the importance of carbon sequestration to mitigate harmful effects on ecosystems. A workshop delivered by Qatar Shell Professorial Chair in Sustainable Development Dr Muhammad Ajmal Khan ahead of the visit engaged the students on the “Role of mangroves in sustainable development in Qatar”.
During the visit to the island, the students gained valuable information on the major role mangroves play in climate change mitigation and protection against coastal erosion. They were shown mangrove vegetation, fish, birds, and salt marshes, among others, during their 75-minute walk around the island.
The students also learned about the negative impact of human behavior on the island’s animal and plant life which are being destroyed or damaged due to coastal development projects, oil spillage, pollution, and littering. They also collected litter to contribute to activities to protect and conserve the island’s ecosystem and habitats.
“This was an important activity for our students as they will be the next generation of leaders who will advance national efforts to protect the land, coastal and marine environment of Qatar and contribute to the initiatives and strategies towards sustainable development”, Dr Khan said.
CSD director Dr Hamad Al Saad Al Kuwari said: “The Center continues to be a key partner in promoting sustainable development in Qatar in keeping with national development strategies and in building collaboration with the wider community to increase awareness of the country’s natural resources and their importance in its development and progress”.
The Peninsula
