Doha - The Qatar Foundation, with the active support of Unesco and Maersk Oil Qatar, will develop a Quranic Botanical Garden in Qatar.
A tripartite agreement to prepare a master plan for the innovative project was signed by Dr Saif Al Hajari, Vice chairman, Qatar Foundation, Dr Hamad Al Hamami, Director, Unesco, Doha and Jakob Thomasen, Managing Director, Maersk, at a function held at Qatar Foundation yesterday.
Dr Al Hajari said the project would be developed at Al Shahaniya. The master plan would be ready in six months, he said.
"Due to the growing human intervention, the ecologically sensitive Arab region is experiencing unprecedented pressure. Many of its rich flora are facing the threat of extinction. The proposed botanical garden will feature 350-odd varieties of the region's precious species, including the 50-odd sacred plants which have been mentioned in the Holy Quran," he said.
Dr Al Hamami said Unesco was highly delighted to work for the establishment of a Quranic Botanic Garden in Qatar, jointly with Qatar Foundation and Maersk Oil Qatar. "The Holy Quran encourages the respect of plant life, and to be aware of the importance of plants to mankind. The Quranic Botanic Garden connects the cultural heritage with biological diversity conservation. The garden will display the plants mentioned in the Holy Quran, and those medicinal plants entioned in the tradition of Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him), he said.
"It's with great honour and pride that Maersk Oil Qatar signed the agreement with Qatar Foundation and Unesco to sponsor the development of a master plan for the Quranic Botanic Garden", said Jakob Thomasen.
The support that we extend to the development of the garden is a reflection of Maersk's commitment to support Qatar Foundation's vision and to help combine Islamic teachings, conservation, education and research, he added.
Dr Benno Boer, Programme Specialist, Unesco, Zahra Larsen (Unesco) and Saad Al Mohannadi Deputy Managing Director, Maersk Oil Qatar, were also present.
© The Peninsula 2007
