DOHA: Innovative solutions for water conservation, recycling and re-use in Qatar were discussed at a recent gathering of experts, academics and professionals specialising in environmental sustainability.
Qatar’s limited access to freshwater reserves, a region-wide issue, coupled with rates of water consumption that far outstrip those of other developed countries like the US and UK, has created an urgent need for sustainable water management practices –an issue championed by the Qatar Green Building Council through its Water Interest Group.
The event, held at the Wyndham Grand Regency Hotel in Doha, is the group’s most recent effort to improve regional perceptions and behaviours regarding water usage.
The participants debated Qatar’s future urban ecology and how best to utilise the country’s water resources to increase animal and plant life in urban areas. Introduction of foreign plant and animal species into the nation’s environment, effects of desertification, and environmental costs of desalination were discussed.
“We have to look at managing our water better within the environment we have been given. It’s about using water more sustainably, rather than throwing it back down the drain. We are a force for change and we definitely can improve the ways we use water,” said Adam Smith, Business Development Manager of Polypipe Gulf, one of the speakers.
One such example he outlined was to capture free water from air conditioning units. By storing leftover condensation, hundreds of litres of clean water can be produced.
A discussion on the risks and costs associated with desalination was held by Ron Daniel, General Manager of Composium Group. He presented his own cost-efficient and environmentally harmless desalination system, Incrediwell, which could reduce ecological concerns in the Middle East for the future.
“My system, compared to conventional desalination systems, is cheaper. Another aspect of the invention is that it can cool a football stadium or a hotel and effectively reduce the need for cooling by two thirds,” explained Daniel.
Guilhem Joly, HSE Manager at Degremont Marubeni JV, detailed the little-known existence of a natural lagoon near the Doha West Sewage Treatment Plant. It has become a haven for birds and local flora that thrive on the constant flow of water produced by the facility.
Dr Renee Richer, professor in biology at Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar, took a strong stance on the preservation of native species, in opposition to other panellists in favour of introducing new, exotic species to Qatar.
“I am not saying we can’t have a lush green city, but we can do that while we promote local biodiversity and local species. This is all a part of sustainable development,” said Richer, highlighting a number of native species that produce colourful blooms or edible fruit, including the common caper plant (known locally as shafallah) and the country’s iconic sidra tree.
The Peninsula
