Unesco launches environmental awareness pilot programme in protected biosphere reserve

The Unesco Office in Doha, in collaboration with Qatar’s Department of Protected Areas of the Ministry of Municipality and Environment, and Richer Environments, has launched an environmental awareness pilot programme in the Al Reem protected biosphere reserve.
The new initiative is in support of Unesco’s ‘Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme,’ aimed at “establishing a scientific basis for enhancing the relationship between people and their environment,” and towards the implementation of the ‘Integrated Management Plan for Al Reem (2018-2022).’ It will take place in the Al Numan Rawdat of Al Reem.
Al Reem was enlisted as a biosphere reserve under Unesco’s MAB programme in 2007.
The programme aims to enrich the participants’ understanding of the value of biosphere reserves and the ecology that they encompass; to inform them on aspects of waste pollution and on ways to be pro-active stewards of nature globally and locally; to increase exposure to biospheres; and encourage sustainable lifestyles in harmony with nature. The programme, administered by expert desert ecologist Dr Aspa D Chatziefthimiou, and Environmental Actions organiser Jeanne Bédard, is designed in two parts: targeting the general public through a free-of-charge educational tour, and an initial select student population in Qatar through scientific activities exploring the Al Numan Rawdat of Al Reem. Informational brochures on biosphere reserves and ways to be pro-active will be handed out. In addition, awards will be given to the top three participants who will pack a “zero waste” lunch with the least amount of plastic.
The first tour will take place on Friday (December 15) while the second tour is set on January 20, 2018. The meeting place for carpooling is at the Family Food Centre (Airport Road) at 8am.