The UNESCO Office in Doha, in collaboration with the Department of Protected Areas of the Ministry of Municipality and Environment of the State of Qatar and Richer Environments, is proud to announce the launching of an Environmental Awareness Pilot Programme in the Al Reem Protected Biosphere Reserve. This is in support of UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme, whose aim is “to establish a scientific basis for enhancing the relationship between people and their environment”, and towards the implementation of the Integrated Management Plan for Al Reem (2018-2022). Al Reem was enlisted as a Biosphere Reserve under UNESCO’s MAB Programme in 2007.

The Environmental Awareness Pilot Programme will take place in the Al Numan Rawdat of Al Reem. The objectives of the Programme are: to enrich the participants’ understanding of the value of biosphere reserves and the ecology that they encompass; to inform them on aspects of waste pollution and on ways to be pro-active stewards of nature globally and locally; to increase exposure to biospheres and encourage sustainable lifestyles in harmony with nature.

The Environmental Awareness Pilot Programme administered by expert Desert Ecologist Dr. Aspa D. Chatziefthimiou, and Environmental Actions Organizer Ms. Jeanne Bédard, is designed in two parts targeting the general public through a free-of-charge educational tour, and an initial select student population in Qatar through scientific activities exploring the Al Numan Rawdat of Al Reem. Informational brochures on biosphere reserves and ways to be pro-active will be handed out. In addition, awards will be given to the top three participants who will pack a “zero waste” lunch with the least amount of plastic.

To Register for FREE for the Educational Tour: Please fill out this Form

Dates & Time: First Tour: Friday, December 15 2017 Second Tour: Saturday, January 20 2018

Duration:

6 hours including travel time and lunch on site

Meeting Place for Carpooling:

Family Food Centre (Airport Road) at 8am

Location of Meeting place:

Coordinates: 25°15'43.9"N 51°33'25.1"E

Meeting Place on Site of Tour:

Al Zubara Road at 10am

Location of Meeting place:

Coordinates: 25°55'12.0"N 51°08'42.6"E

Educational Tour Leaders and Programme Coordinators:

Dr. Aspa D. Chatziefthimiou / [email protected] Ms. Jeanne Bédard / [email protected]

Educational Tour Leaders Bios

Dr. Aspa D. Chatziefthimiou is an ecologist and her work centers in extreme environments. Currently she is a Visiting Research Scientist at Weill Cornell Medicine and Exxon Mobil Research. She is very active in the field of sustainability and urban ecology as a Scientific Advisor at QGBC and a Principal Investigator for MetaSUB. Dr. Chatziefthimiou is a passionate educator and through the ecological consultancy Richer Environments, she organizes a myriad of outreach activities and eco-tours to expose the general public to the beauty of nature.

Ms. Jeanne Bédard is the Founder of Doha Environmental Actions Project (DEAP), leading a group of volunteers performing, amongst other things, weekly beach restorations throughout Qatar. She is a licensed Professional Dietitian, graduate of McGill University, Canada. Ms. Bédard is passionate about the interconnections between food, people and the environment. Currently, she is dedicating her professional efforts to communicate information and solutions related to food systems, sustainability and the environment.

Follow us on our social media channels: @ILQlive @ILQlive @ILoveQtr ILoveQatar

QNE

Start a discussion