The Centre for Sustainable Development at Qatar University (QU) organised the third International Sustainability Conference, which focuses on all topics related to food security and food systems in Qatar and worldwide in terms of improving food quantity, quality and sustainability of production systems. The event was attended by Prof Ahmed Elzatahry, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) in QU as well as a group of researchers, stakeholders and other senior officials.
Dr Haitham Abou Saleh, professor in CAS said: “Qatar has a hot and dry desert climate and therefore faces significant challenges in its food and water security, such as the lack of arable land, low soil fertility and the scarcity of natural water resources. Despite all these challenges, Qatar's food security is an absolute national priority, and the government is committed to reducing the country's dependence on food imports by working to develop self-sufficiency in local production. In this context, the Ministry of Municipality and Environment has set ambitious targets for 2023. It should be noted that Qatar has become 100% self-sufficient in fresh dairy and poultry products since 2019.”
Dr Abou Saleh also pointed out that the Centre for Sustainable Development at the College of Arts and Sciences at QU is working to find sustainable and integrated solutions to these pressing problems in Qatar through continuous research to develop advanced technological solutions. These research solutions can help agricultural activities achieve food security, address environmental challenges and sustainability by leveraging renewable energies, by-product treatment and waste recycling technologies, treated water use, and advances in monitoring and artificial intelligence technologies
Prof Sami AlSayadi, director of the Centre for Sustainable Development gave an overview of the centre and presented the research programmes, objectives and the prominent activities and research that the centre undertakes to achieve food security.
Dr Haitham Abou Saleh, professor in CAS said: “Qatar has a hot and dry desert climate and therefore faces significant challenges in its food and water security, such as the lack of arable land, low soil fertility and the scarcity of natural water resources. Despite all these challenges, Qatar's food security is an absolute national priority, and the government is committed to reducing the country's dependence on food imports by working to develop self-sufficiency in local production. In this context, the Ministry of Municipality and Environment has set ambitious targets for 2023. It should be noted that Qatar has become 100% self-sufficient in fresh dairy and poultry products since 2019.”
Dr Abou Saleh also pointed out that the Centre for Sustainable Development at the College of Arts and Sciences at QU is working to find sustainable and integrated solutions to these pressing problems in Qatar through continuous research to develop advanced technological solutions. These research solutions can help agricultural activities achieve food security, address environmental challenges and sustainability by leveraging renewable energies, by-product treatment and waste recycling technologies, treated water use, and advances in monitoring and artificial intelligence technologies
Prof Sami AlSayadi, director of the Centre for Sustainable Development gave an overview of the centre and presented the research programmes, objectives and the prominent activities and research that the centre undertakes to achieve food security.
