With HE Dr Hamad bin Abdul Aziz al-Kuwari and Nicholas Hopton looking on, Fatima bint Saleh al-Khulaifi speaks at the tree-planting programme.
By Joey Aguilar/Staff Reporter
The British embassy in Doha has extended support to Qatar Foundation’s Qur’anic Botanic Garden (QBG) project by joining the “Ghars” planting campaign, which aims to increase the number of trees in Qatar.
Speaking at the Qur’anic tree planting ceremony yesterday at the embassy, British Ambassador Nicholas Hopton said QBG’s “Ghars” planting and awareness campaign aims to promote tree planting efforts around the world and increase the number of trees in Qatar.
“Cultural and religious gardens provide a focus for communities and a place for healthy reflection to tackle the mental stress and strains of daily life,” he noted.
The event was attended by HE the Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage Dr Hamad bin Abdul Aziz al-Kuwari and QBG project manager Fatima bint Saleh al-Khulaifi. QBG is a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development.
The dignitaries led the planting of olive, pomegranate and fig trees on a lot within the embassy premises.
In his speech, Hopton stressed that trees form an essential part in greening the environment by supporting sustainability, water management and diversity.
He said the idea to have a Qur’anic Garden at the embassy stemmed from a presentation of al-Khulaifi in April last year, which was attended by embassy staff and members of the British Chamber of Commerce.
The embassy has been conducting a series of lectures in a bid to raise awareness of Qatari culture.
At the end of the activity, Hopton recounted that they showed al-Khulaifi a Sidra tree in the garden planted by the Prince of Wales some years ago. For these reasons, he said they are pleased to be part of QBG’s “Ghars” planting campaign.
The ambassador added that it is only fitting that the event falls within the British Festival in Qatar this year, which aims to highlight the social, cultural and scientific links between the two countries.
“I hope the three trees we plant and the garden we create today will witness the success and impact of the embassy’s work, and will provide welcome respite for those working in, or visiting the embassy for years to come,” Hopton said.
A booklet published by QBG noted that many Qur’anic verses and Prophetic Sayings mentioned trees.
The booklet also cited a number verses from the Holy Qur’an emphasising the importance of trees.
Al-Khulaifi said trees are also mentioned in the Prophet’s Sayings, often encouraging people to grow fruit trees for the benefit of living things including animals.
While trees play a critical role in preserving the environment, the QGB booklet noted that half of the world’s tropical forests are deteriorating or disappearing rapidly.
According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation, Forestry Department, the main causes of deforestation are overpopulation, unequal access to land and poverty.