Endless potential

The environment is in the spotlight. There are serious concerns addressed by the international community and its numerous institutions about the importance of coordinating global efforts to protect the planet from current environmental damages caused by the massive industrial and technological revolution in both rich and developing countries.

These efforts were the centre of discussions in the UN, most recently the Climate Change Summit, who wanted to send a clear and strong message to the world about the negative impacts of damaging the natural ecosystem to the planet and human well-being.

According to UNEP and REN21 report, global investments in renewables topped non-renewables in 2009. Investments in core clean energy (new renewables, biofuels and energy efficiency) reached hundreds of billions of dollars as clean energy investments showed resilience in recession.

In most developing countries and the Middle East in particular, sustainability is a key element in economic and social growth and for future generations to live and to exist in. Many countries in the region have realised the importance of achieving sustainable development and started to deal with climate change and environmental issues far more seriously. Aggressive steps have been taken towards economic diversification and exploring alternative sources of energy.

Eastern promise
Qatar National Vision 2030 clearly highlighted the country’s concern towards environment development and the need for increasing public awareness on environmental conservation and protection.

An important member of the Qatar National Vision 2030 was quoted as saying: “The environmental pillar will be increasingly important as Qatar is forced to deal with local environmental issues, such as the impact of diminishing water and hydrocarbon resources, the effects of pollution and environmental degradation, as well as international environmental issues such as the potential impact of global warming on water levels in Qatar and thereby on coastal urban development. Assessing the severity of risks and dealing with anticipated changes will require mobilising our capacities and coordinating efforts to tackle problems that arise”.

Qatar is aware of the enormous potential that lies in the sources of clean and renewable energy, particularly the solar energy that is abundantly available in our climate. The Government has encouraged the existing industries, educational establishments and scientific research centers to develop renewable energy technologies that would contribute to improving efficiency and performance suitable for local conditions.

Qatar is looking forward to a more intensive international effort in sharing information and expertise in the development of solar and other renewable energies, and urges developed countries to provide modern technologies in this area and contribute to implementing and financing renewable energy projects around the world.

The country is pleased to be part of many practical efforts that aiming to achieve QNV 2030 by organising an international exhibition and conference in Qatar (ecoQ 2011) to showcase some of the latest technologies and products in environment protection and renewable energy, as well as to discuss environmental issues and challenges from regional and local perspective.

Changing perceptions
EcoQ is an international annual exhibition and conference taking place in Qatar from the 16-18 October 2011 at the Doha International Exhibition Centre. The 10,000 sqm expo will showcase technologies, products on environment protection and sustainable energy covering various related sectors. In addition, a high profile conference is organised in parallel to the Expo to discuss environmental issues from regional perspective.

Some of the supporters of this year’s event include: the Ministry of the Environment, The Environment Research Centre, the Qatar Chamber of Commerce & Industry, the German Delegation for Trade & Commerce AHK and the Friends of the Environment Centre.

The conference will cover a plethora of different environmental sectors. Just some the sectors include: Solar energy, sustainable cities, air pollution treatment, eco-friendly transportation, bio-fuel, marine protection and reservation, anti-pollution and noise technologies and water and sewage treatment.

United vision
Qatar’s future vision towards achieving sustainability is encapsulated in the following objectives: 
– Introducing the latest technologies and products in environment protection and sustainable energy to the business sector in Qatar.

– Highlighting efforts and initiatives adopted by Qatari organisations, companies and institutions to achieve Qatar future vision on sustainable development and protecting the environment.

– To share knowledge and network with leading global organisations, companies, institutions and research centres.

– Build and increase public knowledge and awareness on environmental issues especially among youngsters and teenagers to create the concept of a ‘environmentally-cultured’ society. 

The right place and time
The conference and exhibition provides an excellent opportunity and a unique platform for global business leaders and investors in the environmental, renewable energy and sustainability sectors to meet with local and regional government officials, business representatives, trade associations, institutional stakeholders, academics, NGOs and other parties interested in reaching out to the rapidly growing markets of products and technologies designed to protect the environment.

EcoQ covers an array of sectors from the small energy-saving light bulb to major industrial waste-management technologies. It is comprehensive and it is focused.

Qatar’s winning bid to host the World Cup in 2022 for the first time in the Middle East has generated positive global attention to the state and its vision to set a leading example in organising this massive sporting event with minimum impact on the environment. Qatar 2022 will be the first carbon-neutral World Cup, utilising sustainable technologies and high-end cooling systems for its twelve state-of-the-art stadiums, fan zones and training grounds.

The event is a live-on-ground source of information on environment protection technologies and renewable energy resources. It will have interactive events featuring business ethics and corporate social responsibility towards the environment. Furthermore, it will support efforts to increase and foster public awareness on environmental topics and sustainable development.