The pledge was signed by more than 600 people.
green scene
Eng Issa Al Mohannadi, CEO, Dohaland signs the World Environment Day Pledge along with family members.
A Promise to Conserve
World Environment Day is celebrated annually around the world on June 5
t
he people of Qatar celebrated the World Environment Day (WED) by taking a pledge to protect the environment and to conserve its resources. DOHALAND in collaboration with Qatar Today celebrated Environment Day in front of Knowledge Enrichment Centre off the Doha Corniche by signing the ‘Green Pledge’. Eng Issa M. Al Mohannadi, DOHALAND CEO along with Ravi Raman, Vice President, Oryx Advertising (publishers of Qatar Today), signed the pledge card that called upon the people of Qatar to protect their natural environs and resources. An amazing turnout saw over 600 people sign the giant ‘Green Card’ that measured over 10 metres in length. All sectors of the community irrespective of the age group formed the enthusiastic crowd. Employees from both the organisation joined the crowd to pledge their support and distribute information and goodies to raise awareness.
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Raman 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. We as the media feel responsible to spread the message and maintain a strong relationship with our stakeholders.” As part of its environment day activities, DOHALAND initiated a ‘Green Ideas’ competition. Reusable, DOHALAND Jute bags were also distributed on WED. Plants were also distributed as part of the 'Adopt a Plant' initiative to each of the employees. DOHALAND, Assistant Manager of Public Affairs, Jawaher Al Khuzaei said, “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 endeavour to engage our staff also, so that they too can become ‘green’ ambassadors for our company and the community.”n
By signing the pledge, the residents in Qatar have committed to follow 10 key initiatives to help the environment: Conserve energy Not to waste water Reduce, reuse and recycle Think before you print Plant trees Drive less Support brands and companies that practice an environmentally friendly ethos Reduce air pollution Protect wildlife and its habitat Promise to love and protect the environment around them.
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Bahrain
Rwanda
Rwanda, this year's global host for WED, organiased a vivid celebration in the Volcanoes National Park that brought together a Hollywood star, the Rwandan President, environmentalists and businesses alongside 30,000 people. School children and villagers across Rwanda will receive solar power and more than $85,000 will go to gorilla conservation as part of the lasting legacy of WED 2010. In a final wave of WED celebrations in Rwanda, Don Cheadle, an internationally respected humanitarian and environmentalist, was appointed Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) on June 5. Cheadle, who starred in the acclaimed film Hotel Rwanda in 2004, is passionate about the link between natural resources and peace. He will advocate sustainable lifestyles, promote the greening of the entertainment industry and other sectors, and take part in UNEP public outreach initiatives
UNEP’s Regional Office for West Asia (ROWA) started the Cultural Environment Week in celebration of WED 2010 and the International Year of Biodiversity. UNEP ROWA worked in close collaboration with the Bahrain Environment Society and civil society associations to organise the event. The activities included: Photo Exhibit, Friendship Artwork Exhibit, Bahrain Singers Band, Dance of biodiversity from India, and live rendition from poet Qassam Haddad accompanied with live music.
North America
Pittsburgh, selected as the North American host city by the UNEP for the World Environment Day 2010 scheduled a series of events that highlighted the theme for celebrations, ‘Biodiversity – Ecosystems Management and the Green Economy.’
India
The nation celebrated WED to stimulate awareness of the environment and enhance political attention and public action for environmental conservation. People all over the country carried out colourful activities such as street rallies, city-wide scientific forums, bicycle parades, green concerts, essays and poster competitions in schools, tree plantings, as well as recycling and clean-up campaigns.
No Plastic Day gets enthusiastic response
Qatar Today Green Awards, presented by HSBC in partnership with Dohaland observed May 7 as ‘No Plastic Day’ with an extensive awareness campaign, that included the distribution of re-usable cloth shopping bags and information about the harmful effects of plastic on the environment. The campaign
was held for two days and information booths were set-up at Hyatt Plaza and Centrepoint where visitors to the mall obtained their bags. The campaign was inaugurated on May 7 by Dr Saif Al Hajri, Vice Chairperson, Qatar Foundation at Hyatt Plaza by handing over the first bag. Applauding the initiative he commented “I hope people start using these bags and bring down the plastic bag consumption. The harmful effects of these bags should be communicated strongly.” On May 8, at Centrepoint the first bag was handed over to the customer by Farhan Johar Abdullah Al Suwaidi, Public relations Manager, Centrepoint.
The event has marked the start of a campaign through which re-usable cloth tote bags would be given free to over 30,000 customers over the course of the programme, ‘No Plastic Day’ is part of the Qatar Today Green Awards initiative, which is the country’s first and only environmental award presented by HSBC in partnership with Dohaland. Qatar Today Green Awards 2010 recognises companies, institutions and individuals in Qatar, who demonstrate a commitment towards responsible consumption and sustainable growth. Companies wishing to nominate their case studies can log on to www.qtgreenawards.com and register.
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