In a move that reinforces their commitment to environmentally friendly building and business practice as well as initiatives that engage colleagues and the community together, DOHALAND celebrated its 'Green Pledge' in coordination with its partner Qatar Today magazine.
The event, held on Saturday June 5th, World Environment Day, in front of DOHALAND's Knowledge Enrichment Centre moored off the Doha Corniche saw DOHALAND CEO Eng. Issa M. Al Mohannadi along with Ravi Raman, Vice President of Oryx Advertising publishers of Qatar Today, sign the pledge card that called upon the people of Qatar to promise to protect their natural environs and resources. An amazing turnout saw over six hundred people sign the giant 'Green Card' pledge that measured over 10 meters in length.
All sectors of the community formed the enthusiastic crowd ready to sign the pledge, with youngsters as young as five right through to grandparents. By signing the pledge, the residents were promising to keep the following ten key initiatives to help the environment: To conserve energy, to not waste water, to reduce, reuse and recycle, to 'think before they print', to plant trees, to drive less, to support brands and companies that practice an environmentally friendly ethos as well as to reduce air pollution, to protect wildlife and its habitat, and basically promise to love and protect the environment around them.
Celebrated annually around the world on June 5th since 1973, the WED marks the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment, which introduced the concept of environmental legislation to politics as well as started the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
Janina Rodriguez, an expectant mother said, "This is a great initiative from DOHALAND & Qatar Today– we all need to think about the environment. When my baby is born I will buy reusable diapers that will help reduce the wastage caused by the plastic, non-degradable kind."
Pensioner,Hassan Al Salat said, "It's really important to take care of our surroundings, especially for the benefit of the younger generations. I want my family to grow up healthy and strong, keeping the air clear and fresh is important, I want them to be able to walk everywhere too – we are too reliant on cars here."
As the residents added their names to the Green pledge card, a commemorative photograph was taken and will be supplied to each person – 9 years old Aisha Mahmoud said, "I am going to keep my photograph in my bedroom, it will remind me that I need to take care of the animals and look after the planet the right way."
Employees from Qatar Today joined the crowd as well as their partners from DOHALAND to pledge their support and distribute information and goodies to raise awareness, Launched in the early 70s, Qatar Today is the country's leading English monthly magazine. Its popularity resulted in the birth of its Arabic version, Qatar Al Yom. The publication's commitment to the environment led to the establishment of the Qatar Today Green Awards in 2008 and several other environmental initiatives.
Ravi Raman Vice President of Oryx Advertising said "I am delighted at the response the pledge card has received, especially from the youngsters. Getting the message across that we need to take responsibility is vital if we are to maintain a healthy future for generations to come. I am proud that employees of Qatar Today have made such a difference at today's event. We as the country's national magazine feel responsible to spread the message and maintain a strong relationship with our stakeholders. "
DOHALAND also celebrated World Environment Day internally with initiatives that included colleagues in awareness of green practices in a fun and inclusive way.
As part of the activities, a 'Green Ideas' competition was initiated with the best idea to be implemented internally atat DOHALAND. Reusable, DOHALAND Jute bags were also distributed during Saturday's celebration at the Knowledge Enrichment Centre, and DOHALAND colleagues wore green to work last Thursday and on Saturday to help show support and spread awareness on environmental issues. Additionally, DOHALAND distributed plants as part of the 'Adopt a Plant' initiative to each of the employees.
Speaking in light of all World environment day activities Jawaher Al Khuzaei, Assistant Manager of Public Affairs, DOHALAND said, "The response to World Environment Day from DOHALAND colleagues, partners and community members has been overwhelming. On behalf of DOHALAND and our partners, Qatar Today, I would like to thank the hundreds of people who turned out at Knowledge Enrichment Centre to sign the 'Green Pledge'. The Environment is an important pillar in the mission and vision of DOHALAND and it is our duty as an organization to raise as much awareness locally as we are able. We endeavor to engage our staff also, so that they too can become 'green' ambassadors for both our company and also the community."
