DOHALAND, in partnership with Qatar Today/ Oryx Advertising, is organizing anevent inviting the people of Qatar to commemorate World Environment Day on June 5, 2010. To be held outside DOHALAND’s Knowledge Enrichment Centre, moored off Doha Corniche, the event calls on the people of Qatar to take a pledge to protect the environment by signing on a gigantic card measuring over 10 meters in length
Held from 4.30 p.m. outside the Knowledge Enrichment Centre gates, near Sheraton Park, the event is open to everyone, and people will be provided digital images of them taking the pledge and given trendy ‘jute bags. DOHALAND, Oryx Advertising employees will participate in the event and wear green DOHALAND T-shirts, while visitors are encouraged to wear green in support of environmental efforts and initiatives around the world.
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.
DOHALAND’s internal WED programme also includes other activities such as the ‘Green Ideas’ contest, where employees have been asked to submit their green workplace ideas; DOHALAND’s Best Green Practices, the first of which will be the introduction of reusable water bottles to replace plastic ones; and Adopt a Plant, where DOHALAND employees each receive a house plant to take care of as a symbol of their care for the environment.
Qatar Today, launched in the early 70s, 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
Speaking about the WED activities, Ms. Jawaher Al Khuzaei , Assistant Manager Public Affairs , DOHALAND said: “We want to make a statement about our desire here at DOHALAND to move towards more sustainable practices and greener standards that would reduce the impact on the environment and safeguard our environment for generations to come. Our partners at Oryx Advertising will be joining the initiative by asking their staff to attend the activities at the Knowledge Enrichment Centre on Saturday June 5th, and wear green for the day.”
“What we are doing is not just to spread awareness on the environmental concerns we have today. We want people to take a stand and express their position on this matter. If the public can make this ‘green’ statement on a wide scale, it will have a huge impact on regulators, real estate developers, energy companies, and even world leaders who take important decisions on the world stage,” said Jawaher Al-Khuzaei.
Ravi Raman Vice President of Oryx Advertising said: “For us making environment a mass movement is critical, our aim from this unique initiative is make every resident aware and conscious of his/her duties towards the environment. These are 10 simple promises which can bring about a huge change in the environment and society. Having a partner like DOHALAND who share our vision certainly adds immense value to the whole programme”.
Since its inception, DOHALAND has sought to promote the values of eco-friendliness and environmental awareness through their signature project Musheireb, as well as the numerous green building and sustainability conferences and forums they hosted and participated in. DOHALAND’s efforts extend not only as far as the construction and real estate development sectors are concerned, but also in the everyday practices and habits of DOHALAND employees and members of society in general. The Environment pillar, one of the five pillars of DOHALAND- the others being Sustainability, Heritage, Enrichment and Innovation- has been central in all their activities.
“We have a highly creative and proactive team here at DOHALAND, and we get most of our ideas from them. We are also thankful to partners such as Oryx Advertising Co, who always support such events. We have structured our initiatives around events like World Environmental Day because they tend to bring people around the globe together and inspire them to take concrete actions to express their support. On June 5th we will be taking a similar stand for the environment,” concluded Ms. Jawaher
Since 1973, World Environment day has motivated individuals and organizations around the world to strengthen the collective fight against man’s exploitive relationship with the environment. This year it will be hosted by Kigali, Rwanda, with the theme ‘Many Species. One Planet. One Future.’
