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Tribune News Network
Doha
THE French Embassy in association with Francophone network Doha Accueil, Doha Environmental Cleaning Project (DEAP) and Project Rescue Ocean Qatar carried out a beach cleaning drive at Al Zubarah recently in which more than 100 volunteers took part.
The event was part of the Qatar Sustainability week 2018 organised by the Qatar Green Building Council, member of Qatar Foundation.
The deputy head of mission at the French Embassy Florian Cardinaux thanked the participants, noting that"the fight against climate change and for the protection of environment is a top priority of France. We very much value the engagement of Qatar on these issues through major events such as the second edition of the One Planet Summit organised by President Emmanuel Macron in New York in which His Highness the Amir participated."
Cardinaux added,"We also value smaller, day-to-day concrete events aiming at raising environmental awareness such as this beach cleaning operation. We strongly encourage the French community in Qatar to take part in such events."
Jos` Saucedo, head of DEAP in Qatar, said:"This was DEAP's 70th beach cleanup. Around 85 volunteers removed 1,300 kilos of trash from Zubara beach, cleaning a stretch of 250 metres of the beach. Our mission is to help others discover Qatar and to allow Qatar's natural landscapes to remain a beautiful source of pride and a litter free space for generations to come".
On her part, Mrs Val`rie Boscherel, Doha Accueil president remarked:"The French community is very sensitive to the environment and proud to contribute to Qatar's sustainability initiatives. The members of Doha Accueil enjoyed the exercise at Al Zubarah beach."
The beach cleaning initiative was preceded by a visit to Al Zubarah Fort:"I also had the opportunity to visit Al Zubarah archeological site and fort, thanks to Qatar Museums. This World Heritage site selected by the UNESCO in 2013 bears testimony to the concept of durability in hostile climates. You can clearly see the human interaction with both the sea and the desert in this protected area."
The French Embassy in Qatar participated in Qatar Sustainability week for the third year in a row this year. In 2016, a major clean-up operation of Al Wakra Beach was organised whereas in 2017, a paper and cardboard recycling process for the entire embassy was set up. Last week, accompanied by the Doha Accueil Association, a French Embassy team headed to Al Wakrah Municipal Garden to plant trees.
