Qatar National Library’s March Events Promote Environmental Sustainability

A full schedule of cultural and educational events for the community will take place at Qatar National Library (QNL), a member of Qatar Foundation (QF), during March, with a special emphasis on environmental awareness.

Sustainability and self-sufficiency are the topics of several events, starting with STEM Day at QNL on March 22. Held in conjunction with World Water Day, the event will offer useful information on how conserving water translates directly into saving energy, both of which have positive environmental benefits. The issue is of particular importance in Qatar, where the desalinization process that creates all of the country’s fresh water accounts for up to 40 percent of Qatar’s total gas usage.

Additionally, on March 29, world-renowned environmental activist and scholar Dr. Vandana Shiva will deliver a lecture on food security and climate change, a key issue as Qatar moves towards greater self-sufficiency. The lecture is presented in partnership with the Arab Youth Climate Movement Qatar.

“Environmental issues affect everyone in Qatar, and these presentations will educate visitors on the ways in which we can all contribute to a more sustainable and efficient lifestyle,” said Abeer Saad Al Kuwari,Director of Research and Learningat QNL. “The experts we are hosting at these events are some of the foremost leaders in their fields, providing great opportunities for members of the community to learn about how they can play their part.”

Two other events being held at QNL during March aim to connect visitors with the plants in their own homes. On March 27, ‘Organic Gardening for the Green Thumb’ will show aspiring gardeners how they can grow beautiful organic plants, and the many benefits of organic gardens. Also on March 27, QNL will host a lecture on the plants of the Holy Qur’an, which will be accompanied by a display of the plants discussed.

Continuing its Philharmonic at the Library series, the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra, a member of QF, will perform a selection of music by Argentinian composer Ástor Piazzolla, accompanied by photos of Buenos Aires, on March 15.

Furthermore, on March 17, QNL will host around 100 participants from the Reach Out to Asia annual youth conference. The invitation-only event will consist of orientation sessions about QNL and a workshop related to the conference’s theme of active citizenship and communications. A treasure hunt activity will follow in the QNL building.