Doha: Qatar University (QU) and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) announced the establishment of the Unesco Chair in marine sciences at the Environmental Science Center, Qatar University. The chair in marine science is the first of its type in the region.
The Science Plan covers the following natural and anthropogenic components related to Arabian Gulf: Arabian Gulf circulation, climate change, sea-level rise, Shamal winds and swells, geomorphological changes due to coastal and offshore developments, marine pollution and its management, hypoxia formation & ocean acidification and anthropogenic impacts on the Gulf’s ecosystems.
During the announcement ceremony for the Unesco Chair, QU President Dr. Hassan bin Rashid Al Derham said that this chair is evidence of the position that QU enjoys in the scientific research sector related to the marine environment. He added that QU is a pioneer in this research and has a high research infrastructure, such as the Sea Lab, Janan Research Ship, and an elite of distinguished Qatari scientists in these important fields.
Vice President of Research and Graduate Studies Professor Mariam Al Ali Al Maadeed said that establishing a Unesco Chair at the Environmental Science Center clarifies that it becomes an important research institute in marine sciences in terms of scholars and assets. It is a reward for the excellent and persistent work done in the Center and the steady progress. QU is known for its continuous initiatives to achieve the SDGs 2030 and support society.
Dr. Anna Paolini, Director of Unesco Office in Doha and Unesco Representative in the Arab States of the Gulf and Yemen said, “Promoting international scientific cooperation on critical challenges to sustainable development such as climate change, ocean science and protection of marine ecosystems are some of our key missions in Unesco.
“I am glad to see that Qatar University has taken the initiative to foster the scientific collaboration among the universities, private sectors as well research centers in the region through the establishment of this important Unesco chair in the field of marine science. I’m confident that the chair will not only generate knowledge and expertise but also will help provide local solutions and innovations towards achieving the targets of the SDG 14 — Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources.”
Secretary-General of the Qatar National Commission for Education, Culture and Science Dr. Hamda Hassan Al Sulaiti said, “The establishment of the Unesco Chair with collaboration between Unesco, Qatar University and colleges and higher education institutions in Qatar is due to the efforts and cooperation between Qatar National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, Qatar University and Unesco Office in Doha.
“The aim is to benefit from the international organization’s potentials in support and enforcing the national capabilities, in addition to preparing the Qatari cadres to handle and manage the development projects at the upcoming phase. Those efforts resulted in signing a number of agreements of Unesco chairs with higher institutions, including the Unesco chair in education and technical and practical training with College of North Atlantic and Qatar Petrochemical Company (QAPCO), the Unesco chair in marine sciences with Qatar University.”
For his part, the Director of the Environmental Science Center, Professor Hamad Al Saad Al Kuwari, said that the marine environment is of vital importance to the cultural heritage, economy, and sustenance of Qatar as well as other Gulf countries.
