QF’s Earthna launches reports on Qatar’s road to circular economy
THE Earthna Center for a Sustainable Future (Earthna), a member of Qatar Foundation (QF), in collaboration with policy consulting firm Global Counsel, launched the Circular Economy and Energy Transition in Qatar reports at an event attended by the Minister of Environment and Climate Change HE Sheikh Dr Faleh bin Nasser bin Ahmad bin Ali Al Thani on Monday.
Bringing together new and pre-existing national and international research to explore the challenges and opportunities associated with creating a new pathway to a circular economy, key findings show it can be achieved across several sectors in the country. The reports aim to help businesses and organisations accelerate their journey towards circularity by proposing a greater collaboration, encouraging innovative sustainable technologies and promoting behavioural change.
Focusing on three priority sectors — food and domestic waste, hospitality, and the built environment — the reports present evidence to support the transition to a circular economy – a system-level framework that promotes economic growth, enabled by efficient use of resources throughout their lifecycle. On the importance of establishing a circular economy in Qatar, Sheikh Dr Faleh, who spoke at the event, said: “Qatar National Vision 2030 sets out our country’s ambition to transform the economy so that it can sustain its own development and provide a high standard of living for citizens and residents for generations to come.
“One of the leading priorities of QNV is economic diversification, moving the country away from its dependence on oil and gas. However, it is imperative that we do this in a sustainable way, which protects and enhances our environment. Striving to create a circular economy is an important step in this process.”
Reflecting on the reports and how the findings will help contribute to the Qatar National Vision 2030, Dr Gonzalo Castro de la Mata, Earthna’s executive director, said: “We are delighted that the reports identify opportunities for Qatar to drive economic growth in a sustainable way by supporting the journey towards a circular economy across industries in Qatar.”
Benjamin Wegg-Prosser, managing director at Global Counsel, said: “Qatar’s sustainable development, in both senses of the word, depends on its ability to progressively drive growth away from its carbon sectors while also striving to achieve it in a sustainable manner. The Circular Economy reports make the case that there are not only economic opportunities to be gained from the transition but also advantages for the environment and future generations. Global Counsel is proud to have collaborated with Earthna on these reports to support progress on addressing climate change, preserving Qatar’s ecosystems and biodiversity, and recommending policies that can act as a guide for other similar countries in the region.”