DOHA: In the presence of Minister of Environment and Climate Change HE Sheikh Dr Faleh bin Nasser bin Ahmed bin Ali Al Thani, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Monday with ExxonMobil Research Center Qatar (EMRQ) with the aim of cooperation in the fields of scientific and technological research and the provision of technical advice, in addition to providing training opportunities and exchanging experts between the two sides.
The MoU was signed by the Assistant Undersecretary for Environmental Protection Reserves and Wildlife Department at MoECC and Vice President and Director of ExxonMobil Research Center Qatar Dr David Palandro.
In his speech at the ceremony, Sheikh Dr Faleh stressed the vision of the MoECC, which relies on scientific research in preserving the environment, and adopting the latest findings of modern studies in the field of achieving sustainable development, indicating that the MoECC is expanding its partnership during the past period with many national research centers and institutions, which included Qatar University, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha University of Science and Technology, and the Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Attiyah International Foundation for Energy and Sustainable Development.
He noted the shared history of cooperation between the MoECC and ExxonMobil, which included the dugong protection project, and the geological studies carried out by the centre in the 'Dahl Al-Misfer' cave, in addition to training programs and technical support in the field of analysis and monitoring. He expressed his hope that the memorandum of understanding will be a central point in the process of joint work, and a starting point to support the Ministry's efforts to protect the Qatari environment and preserve its vital components.
President and General Manager of ExxonMobil Qatar Dominic Genetti expressed his happiness at signing the new MoU with the MoECC, as part of continuing the joint mission to enhance and preserve Qatar's unique environment, apply nature-based solutions, and take measures to preserve ecosystems to achieve human well-being and quality of life.
He expressed his aspiration to make more progress in the research centre to contribute to achieving the goals of the Qatar National Vision 2030 by benefiting from nature-based solutions.
Dr Palandro explained the vision behind the centre's transition by saying: "This transition is an opportunity to build on our strong research past and move into nature-based solutions. Our focus on nature-based solutions is to promote their actions to protect and restore ecosystems that address socioeconomic and environmental challenges to benefit people and nature. We believe that the application of nature-based and nature-inspired solutions with our Qatari partners, the MoECC and QatarEnergy will lead to impactful projects for the State of Qatar.
"We're excited to push the boundaries of knowledge and innovation at our centre with the support of our partners."
EMRQ was established at Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP) in 2009 and is one of the first anchor tenants. The centre was created to support Qatar's research in water reuse, geoscience, and environmental efforts and help fulfil the objectives of its National Vision 2030. Its mission is to conduct research of common interest to Qatar and ExxonMobil, progress the application of research technologies with Qatari partners, and support education outreach and capacity building.