UDC Spearheads Qatar's Largest Seabed Cleanup With 118 Divers
In a notable environmental effort, Qatar witnessed its largest seabed clean-up operation to date, mobilizing 118 professional divers in a concerted attempt to tackle marine pollution. Organized by the United Development Company (UDC) on a Saturday, the event took place in the Porto Arabia marina on The Pearl Island, drawing attention to the urgent need for environmental preservation and sustainability.
The clean-up drive resulted in the removal of over two tonnes of plastic and metal debris from a 30,000sq m area of the seabed, demonstrating a significant stride in UDC's commitment to environmental strategies. Abdullatif Ali al-Yafei, UDC Public Services executive director, shared with Gulf Times the alignment of this initiative with the company's five-year environmental and sustainability strategy launched in 2022. The campaign not only contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14, which advocates for the conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas, and marine resources but also engages local communities in environmental stewardship efforts.
Celebrating Earth Day 2024, the initiative underscored the importance of protecting marine environments. Highlighting the event's broader impact, Khalil Rashid al-Naimi from the General Directorate of Civil Defence mentioned its role in enhancing safety and emergency preparedness among residents of The Pearl Island.
Khaled Zaki, a marine life advocate and PADI ambassador, led the diving team, emphasizing the educational aspect of such initiatives, particularly in raising awareness among the youth about the importance of environmental preservation. The event saw participation from various community and governmental entities, with Ghanem al-Diab from the Ministry of Social Development and Family pointing out the dual benefits of environmental sustainability and community empowerment. Zainab al-Shammari from the Friends of the Environment Centre echoed the sentiment, stressing the initiative's alignment with Qatar Vision 2030 and the goal of maintaining a clean marine ecosystem.
Beyond the seabed clean-up, the event engaged over 250 residents and visitors in eco-friendly activities, highlighting the community's dedication to sustainability. The emphasis was on the importance of proper waste disposal and the recycling of all collected debris to minimize environmental impact.
This extensive clean-up and awareness campaign represents a collective commitment to sustainable living and environmental preservation in Qatar, showcasing the power of community involvement in conservation efforts. Through such initiatives, Qatar sets an example for environmental responsibility and community engagement in the region.
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