Minister of Environment H E Ahmed Amer Mohamed al- Humaidi and QU President Prof Sheikha Abdulla al-Misnad exchanging the MoU
By Joseph Varghese/Staff Reporter
The Ministry of Environment (MoE) and Qatar University (QU) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for scientific and technical research in the field of fisheries and aquaculture aiming sustainable development in the field.
The MoU was signed by the Minister of Environment HE Ahmed Amer Mohamed al-Humaidi and QU president Prof Sheikha Abdulla al-Misnad at the Ministry’s headquarters.
The MoU focuses on developing an Aquaculture Research Centre in Ras Matbakh and updating its labs with the requirements of MOE and QU.
A committee from MOE and QU will collaborate with the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) to oversee the development and construction of the centre.
QU will appoint the centre manager while the Ministry will use QU’s facilities to conduct studies and research on the biology of the environment, including the research vessel Janan for research on the fish population in Qatari waters and other aquatic issues.
Al-Humaidi said the Aquatic Research Centre was a major project in the national strategic programme for the development of the fisheries sector, aquaculture and research of the marine environment.
Prof al-Misnad said that QU had always taken the lead in efforts to meet the requirements for marine studies with the acquisition of the sophisticated research vessel, Janan and other powerful survey assets like speed boats and advanced analytical facilities. She added that QU’s marine science programme had produced many graduates whose contribution to Qatar’s marine conservation efforts will be invaluable.
Sheikh Dr Faleh bin Nasser al-Thani, assistant undersecretary of Agricultural Affairs and Fish Resources, said that the centre would offer students opportunity to undertake their studies and research in the field of marine biology under the supervision of a team of specialists from the Ministry of Environment and Qatar University.
QU vice president for research Dr Hassan al-Derham said the agreement would be essential in documenting Qatar’s ecosystem for the benefit of future generations and advancing sustainable development of the country’s marine resources, protecting them from pollution and from being misused.
