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IHSAN YOUSSEF

DOHA EXPERTS, academics and professionals in the field of environmental sustainability have called on Qatar’s government and residents to make judicious use of water to promote a greener city.

The call came at a seminar orgainsed by Water Interest Group (WIG) of the Qatar Green Building Council (QGBC) to discuss innovative solutions for water conservation, recycling, and reuse in Qatar.

The experts discussed the future of urban ecology in Qatar and recommended judicious use of the scarce water resource and changing the general behaviour of reckless use of water within the country to build a greener urban Qatar.

It is worth mentioning that despite Qatar’s limited access to freshwater reserves, the country has one of the highest per-capita consumption of water in the world, far outstripping developed countries like the US and the UK.

Adam Smith, business development manager of Polypipe Gulf, was one of three keynote speakers who explained tactics for implementing more sustainable water management practices in Qatar.

“Managing our water is everyone’s responsibility, not just from the construction sector, especially with water consumption on the rise and fresh water reserves on the decline,” said Smith.

“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 down the drain. We are a force for change and we definitely can improve the ways we use water.” 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, he said.

A lively discussion on the risks and costs associated with desalination was also given 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.

Additionally, Guilhem Joly, HSE Manager at Degremont Marubeni JV, detailed the little-known existence of a natural lagoon near the Doha West Sewage Treatment Plant, which has become a haven for birds and local flora that thrive on the constant flow of water produced by the facility.

The experts discussed how best to utilise the country’s water resources to increase animal and plant life in urban areas. Subjects under deliberation included the introduction of foreign plant and animal species into the nation’s environment, effects of desertification, and environmental costs of desalination.

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,” commented Dr 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.

Reflecting on the event and the topics at hand, QGBC Director Meshal al Shamari said, “By partnering local expertise with international perspectives, we aim to identify the best means for Qatar to manage its water resources sustainably and green the built environment.

Today’s event was certainly a step in that direction, and we hope to continue this critical discussion over the coming months.”

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