Being a responsible state, Qatar, in recent years, has taken many steps and launched many green initiatives to protect the earth from growing threat of climate change. In September 2019, Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani announced the State of Qatar’s contribution of $100m for the support of small developing island states and the least developed states to deal with the climate change, natural hazards, environmental challenges and to build the capacity to counter their destructive effects.
An important tool in nations’ fight against climate change is recycling of waste material that definitely lowers the dangerous burden on natural environment and Qatar is fully employing this tool.
The holding of 1st International Conference on Waste Management by the Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME) last week was the continuity of Qatar’s efforts towards environment protection.
A number of governmental institutions, private sector and local factories, some external parties, a group of experts and local and international specialists in the waste management and treatment participated in the conference. According to official figures released ahead of conference, 434,000 tonnes of building materials were produced by recycling construction waste in 2020. Also 482,402 tyres were also processed in the same year.
Qatar’s National Development Strategy Goals 2018- 2022 include encouraging and supporting the private sector to pursue recycling projects for all types of wastes; devising a plan to manage solid waste which would emphasise country’ recycling strategy and handle hazardous waste and substances. Raising the percentage of the utilisation of recycled materials to 20 percent by the end of 2022 and recycling 15 percent of all generated waste by the end of 2022 are also part of strategy. In his speech at the opening of the conference, Minister of Municipality and Environment H E Eng.
Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie said Qatar has adopted a comprehensive plan to manage and recycle this waste by establishing a waste management and treatment centre in Mesaieed, which is one of the largest centres in the region, as well as meet environmental safety requirements in terms of treating waste in a modern and safe manner.
Meanwhile to promote use of recycled materials in projects, Ashghal Research and Development Center run by the Quality and Safety Department has prepared the Ashghal Recycling Manual. No doubt that in coming years Qatar will be a leader in the region in terms of sustainable management of waste and will reduce hazards to environment significantly presenting a model for other countries.
