(MENAFN- The Peninsula) laila el attar |
The Peninsula
Doha, Qatar: To mark World Environment Day, which takes place every year on June 5, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC) has lined up events and activities to educate people about the importance of preserving environment.
The event which began on Monday at Doha Festival City will run until today (Wednesday) from 4pm to 9pm. Under the slogan of 'Reducing plastic pollution', the ministry is arranging various activities and celebrations to increase environmental awareness.
The activities include Qatari folklore dances and drums, an insightful play about fishing in plastic-infested waters, colouring stations for children and various information booths, including that of the Ministry of Municipality.
To commence the celebrations, a play following a father teaching his son how to fish using a hook, rod and fishing bait began. As they are finishing, they stumble upon plastic bottles disposed of in the ocean. The father uses the opportunity to suggest ways that plastic could be repurposed, such as reusing the plastic bottles to plant flowers for decoration.
“Use a product then repurpose it for another use,” added the father,“pass it on to your children and later grandchildren.”
Speaking to The Peninsula Dr. Ibrahim Abdul Latif Al Muslimani, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for Protection and Natural Reserves Affairs, said that plastic waste is an international issue that requires more awareness and understanding from the community.
Speaking about the impacts of plastic pollution on human health, he said that the long term effects include severe damage to the liver of those who regularly consume fish, as microplastics have become increasingly consumed by fish.
“The ministry is at constant work and research about the ways to reduce plastic pollution in Qatar environment. Hosting this event proves that the ministry has a plan to reduce plastic pollution,” said Al Muslimani.
At the Ministry of Municipality's booth, the head of the awareness team in the Al Daayen Municipality, Kholoud Al Mohannadi said that the ministry is actively looking for ways to encourage the replacement of plastic bottles with reusable ones. Their current campaign rewards those that give the ministry 10 plastic bottles at their booth, with a reusable water bottle made with recycled materials.
“We want to raise awareness among the young that it's time they replaced their plastic water bottles with reusable bottles,” Al Mohannadi added. She said that they plan on distributing seedlings at the Doha Expo 2023 and reward those that successfully plant and cultivate the seedlings.