Expert session recently hosted by QSTP for coral reef preservation, restoration in Qatar

Experts from TotalEnergies Research Center – Qatar and Qatar University (QU) came together to deliver a public lecture on the significance of preserving and restoring Qatar’s reef population and to provide an update on the project in a meet the expert session recently hosted by Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP).

According to the United National Environment Program (UNEP), coral reefs benefit an estimated one billion people, either directly or indirectly, from the many ecosystem services they provide. However, due to climate crises contributing to high ocean temperatures, ocean acidification, and pollution, their survival is under severe threat of extinction. 

As per the predictions of scientists, even if global warming is maintained at 1.5ºC, up to 90% of coral reefs might disappear by 2050 due to prolonged ocean heatwaves (United Nations Environment Programme). In Qatar particularly, coral reefs represent one of the most biologically and socio-economically important natural assets of the Arabian region. Stresses such as increasing sea temperatures, high salinity, and growing coastal development have resulted in shifts in reef communities across the region in recent years. Hence, raising awareness around the subject of climate change and the preservation of Qatar’s coral reefs is essential.

QSTP’s Executive director, Yousef Al Salehi said: “We’re proud to provide a platform where experts can not only impart their knowledge but also mobilise community support, which in this case is pertinent for the preservation of our marine life. The time to act is now as coral reefs provide essential habitat for 25% of all marine life in the world and letting them die will have a drastically negative impact on the fishing industry, food supply and the health of both: us as a human population and the natural environment.”  

Dr. Alexei Godina, Sustainable Development Senior Project Leader at TotalEnergies Qatar highlighted during the session that TotalEnergies implements concrete actions for biodiversity preservation into its projects and activities.  In addition to being a strategic country for TotalEnergies in energy production, Qatar offers excellent conditions to test and deploy environmental R&D projects, thanks to the presence of skilled university partners such as Qatar University and weather conditions for testing various R&D pilots.