Qatar Science and Technology Park, a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, organized a discussion session on ways to benefit from research and technology to provide nature-based solutions to environmental challenges, through measures aimed at protecting, managing or reviving an ecosystem in a sustainable manner, addressing societal challenges and protecting the people. He introduced the session, which is part of a series "Meet with the expert" Organized by Qatar Science and Technology Park, experts from the Center "Exxon Mobil" Research in Qatar, a well-established partner of Qatar Science and Technology Park, during which they reviewed the center’s research initiatives, how to take advantage of advanced technologies to reduce climate risks, encourage environmental resilience and enhance sustainability efforts in the country. In this context, Dr. David Palandro, Vice President and Director of Research at the Center "Exxon Mobil" Research in Qatar, expressed his happiness to participate with representatives of the academic and industrial community in the State of Qatar, by working to develop new technologies for nature-based solutions, in support of the Qatar National Strategy for Environment and Climate Change, and have a positive and sustainable impact in the country. He presented the results of an ongoing study focusing on enhancing marine biodiversity in coastal areas of Qatar, saying: "Mapping benthic habitats and collecting environmental DNA from these areas has helped us better understand biodiversity, in terms of species richness and habitat coverage, and has allowed us to identify actions needed to provide nature-based solutions that enhance biodiversity"He indicated that the next step is to develop the procedures required to protect, manage and restore marine ecosystems in Qatar. Pallandro noted that water treatment is among the nature-based solutions that the center is focusing on "Exxon Mobil" For research in Qatar, where it is currently being worked on within the early testing phase, explaining that by studying the water produced in Qatar, which is the water that comes out of the well with crude oil during the production process, the team was able to identify 33 strains of microalgae, which are capable of degradation. Biological pollutants in these waters, pointing to the center’s intention to publish all the results of experimental tests at industrial levels, to determine options for measuring and reusing this water, with the ultimate goal of enhancing water security through reuse. For her part, Nayla Al-Naima, an environmental researcher at the Center "Exxon Mobil": "We focus on sustainability projects that serve not only the Center, but also the State of Qatar, as we seek to advance our expertise and use new technologies that would put Qatar in a leading position in the field of environmental research, in a way that supports Qatar National Vision 2030."In turn, Ahmed Al-Saeed, Director of Operations and Development Department at Qatar Science and Technology Park, considered this meeting a new occasion to introduce the valuable potential of technological progress and creativity in protecting our communities and our environment, expressing his pride in providing a favorable work environment for companies such as "Exxon Mobil"This allows it to focus on advanced scientific research that works to address the major challenges facing us as a global community. The discussion session started with an introduction to the center "Exxon Mobil" for research in Qatar, and reviewing its continuous contributions to support the well-being of the country’s population, preserving its environment and marine life in it, as the center is one of the first tenants to start working in Qatar Science and Technology Park in 2009 through a research and development center, which includes offices, laboratories and training facilities, Within five years, the center has invested more than 200 million Qatari riyals in supporting research projects that are consistent with the pillars of the National Vision 2030 and nature-based solutions. The center’s efforts and expertise fall within three specialized research areas: environmental management, water resources management, and geosciences, with a focus on evaluating and implementing nature-based solutions to support national initiatives in this field. It is worth noting that the series "Meet with the expert"Organized by Qatar Science and Technology Park, it brings together policy makers, experts, researchers and academics from various sectors, to encourage knowledge exchange on strategic topics covering technology and innovation, education technology, climate change and sustainability.
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