Doha, Qatar: The Department of Public Parks of the Ministry for the municipality is urging a comprehensive plan to expand and improve the Green Rooms of the nation, which are guided according to the principles of sustainability, functionality and the community advantage.
The director of the Department of Public Parks Mohammed al-Sada said that the ministry pursued a strategic and data-controlled approach when choosing locations for parks and green spaces to ensure that they meet the actual needs of the residents.
“The choice of the location depends on several factors such as population density, priorities of urban planning and the future design of streets and neighborhoods,” said Al-Sada. In conversation with Qatar TV recently, he said: “We are investigating what every area – whether it is a park, a sidewalk or another kind of public space – to ensure that the residents can really benefit from it. Our goal is not only beautification, but also the creation of rooms that serve people and improve their quality of life.”
According to Al-Sada, Qatar now has 146 public parks in its cities and districts, with more projects being implemented. The kindergartens of the department provide most of the trees, shrubs and flowers that are used in these parks and form what he describes as “complete and sustainable cycle”.
“Almost all plants and flowers that you see in our public parks come from our own kindergartens. We monitor the entire process – from cultivation to plant – which ensures quality and reduces the dependence on external sources,” he said.
Al-Sada also emphasized that the environmental strategy of the ministry focuses on sustainability and emphasizes the use of organic fertilizers and the efforts to minimize chemical input that could harm the environment. “We are working on achieving the highest sustainability in plant care and at the same time maintaining the environmental relationship,” he noted.
As part of its ongoing modernization efforts, the department has integrated environmentally friendly concepts into the design and construction of new parks. This includes the use of environmentally friendly and recycled materials as well as permanent alternatives to traditional ones that are better suited for the climate of Qatar.
“For example, we have removed from untreated wooden benches that are easily influenced by heat and humidity,” said Al-Sada.
“Instead, we use treated or sustainable materials that require less maintenance and have a longer lifespan. This approach applies to most building materials that we now use in public parks.”
He said that materials from the region are prioritized, wherever this is possible to support national sustainability goals and to reduce the effects on the environment. Through these initiatives, the Ministry of the municipality continues to promote its vision of creating an environmentally friendly, healthier urban environment and offering the residents modern leisure rooms that combine beauty, functionality and environmental responsibility. With more parks that are to be opened in the coming years, Katar's cities are constantly transforming into greener, more sustainable communities and reflecting the nation's commitment to improve urban life and at the same time preserve its natural environment.