QATAR
ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENT “Q
atar’s bountiful hydrocarbon resources can be leveraged to make sustainable development a reality for all its people. Converting
these natural assets into financial wealth provides a means to invest in world-class infrastructure; build efficient delivery mechanisms for public services, create a highly skilled and productive labour force; and support the development of entrepreneurship and innovation capabilities.” General Secretariat for Development Planning (GSDP) Qatar’s ambitious plans for a highly developed society by 2030 are underpinned by notions of sustainability. Te environmental development pillar of the National Vision
encompasses management of the environment to such an extent that there is harmony between economic growth, social development and environmental protection – viewed as the three dimensions of sustainable development. Human and economic development and the protection of the environment
are competing demands, which need to be reconciled with each other. Rapid economic growth, urban development and high population growth can have an adverse impact on sustainable development. In order to minimise risks, Qatar has adopted several initiatives to protect its natural environment, including projects to monitor air and water quality, reduce carbon emissions and maintain biological diversity. Even so, Qatar faces major environmental challenges that need to be swiftly resolved, particularly achieving water security, reducing carbon
emissions and increasing energy efficiency as well as mitigating risks that threaten the safety of the marine environment. Assessing the severity of risks and dealing with the changes needed will
require mobilising resources, co-ordinating efforts and putting a number of appropriate policy and regulatory frameworks in place. A 2009 report from the Qatar General Secretariat for Development Planning – the body responsible for overseeing the implementation of the QNV 2030 - identified issues and challenges relating to three critical environmental stress points in Qatar: Water security, threats to the marine environment and climate change. If left unattended, the 2009 Human Development Report (HDR),
‘Advancing Sustainable Development’, stated that “these concerns have the potential to halt or reverse the significant development progress that the nation has achieved.” Maintaining progress, especially on the heels of the severe global financial crisis, necessitates addressing these sustainable development challenges. Te 2009 HDR made recommendations to help overcome the challenges. Of course, Qatar is acutely aware that its environmental sustainability
efforts will count for little if done in isolation. Qatar is part of the wider Gulf ecological system which is affected by the practices and activities of every country in the region. Qatar will continue to play a proactive, significant regional and international role in efforts to promote wider sustainable development.
40 I CITYSCAPE I MAY 2012
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