Katara, Al Shabhana Association sign pact

Katara - the Cultural Village Foundation yesterday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Al Shabhana Association to enhance the cultural scene and environmental sector, and spread knowledge about planting and the environment. Al Shabhana Association is an environmental group. The agreement was signed in the presence of Katara general manager Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti and Al Shabhana Association co-founder Abdullah Khalid al-Khater.The MoU will allow small-business owners to benefit from Katara’s facilities such as theatres, halls and others for hosting lectures, seminars, exhibitions and other activities to spread environmental awareness within the Qatari society, QNA reports.In addition, the agreement will help in introducing the activities of Al Shabhana Association and its goals such as increasing green areas in Qatar, combating desertification by planting local trees and promoting ecotourism.In this regard, a campaign on the national ‘black tree’ has been launched at a time when the country is under siege, with the association trying to offer something to the homeland.The tree has been chosen as a symbol of strength, stability and co-existence with different environmental conditions. The campaign has received wide acclaim in the Qatari society among artists, writers and painters. The ‘black tree’ will also be planted on the Katara premises.