Editor and Publications Manager at Qatar Foundation’s Earthna Center for a Sustainable Future, Dr. Mona M. Al Kuwari
Doha, Qatar: In a world increasingly focused on environmental sustainability, small individual actions can create a powerful collective impact.
Editor and Publications Manager at Qatar Foundation’s Earthna Center for a Sustainable Future, Dr. Mona M. Al Kuwari emphasises the importance of collective responsibility, environmental stewardship, and how individuals can contribute to sustainability efforts.
Dr. Al Kuwari in an interview highlighted that small actions can drive powerful collective change, underlining the significance of individual contributions to larger environmental efforts. She also explored how Qatar’s cultural and traditional practices are inherently aligned with sustainability principles.
“Sustainability is about using resources wisely to meet today’s needs without compromising future generations,” said Dr. Al Kuwari. She explained that sustainability is not limited to environmental issues alone but also encompasses economic stability and long-term well-being for societies.
According to Dr. Al Kuwari, the concept of sustainability has deep roots in Islamic and Qatari culture, even though it may not always be referred to by the same name. She pointed out that community bonding in Qatar, particularly through gatherings in the majlis, naturally encourages resource sharing and reduces waste. “This strengthens the concept of social sustainability,” she said.
Environmental stewardship, in Dr. Al Kuwari’s view, involves caring for nature and using resources responsibly. She highlighted how traditional practices in Qatar, such as fishing and hunting, were carried out with respect for the natural world and ecological balance. “Resources were not overused — such as adhering to designated hunting seasons,” she added.
Today, these sustainable practices continue through various initiatives like tree planting, water conservation, and the adoption of renewable energy. Dr. Al Kuwari emphasised the importance of promoting these traditional practices to a modern audience. For example, using clay water containers instead of plastic bottles, she believes, benefits both the environment and individual health.
Dr. Al Kuwari’s strong passion towards sustainability led her to earn a PhD in Sustainability Studies at Qatar Foundation’s (QF) Hamad Bin Khalifa University, where she researched how collaboration has transformative potential for environmental impact. Presently, at Earthna, Dr. Al Kuwari works in an environment focused on innovation, continuously reinforcing the idea that every small action can lead to meaningful progress.
One of the most important points Dr. Al Kuwari made was the role of individuals in driving sustainability. She said, “Every gradual change starts with individuals’ active and influential roles and their willingness to adapt.”
While large corporations have a significant environmental impact, Dr. Al Kuwari believes that individual actions can trigger broader change. “Sustainable habits spread through communities, fostering a culture of responsibility,” she added. Making smarter choices—such as purchasing eco-friendly products or supporting local businesses—can reduce carbon footprints and encourage companies to adopt greener practices.
Earthna promotes sustainability practices across Qatar through initiatives such as the annual Qatar Sustainability Week (QSW) help foster a culture of sustainability among the community.
Qatar faces several unique environmental challenges, many of which stem from its hot, arid climate and rapid economic growth. Water scarcity, for example, is a major concern, as the country relies heavily on energy-intensive desalination for its water supply. Dr. Al Kuwari also highlighted high energy consumption driven by the widespread use of air conditioning due to extreme temperatures. “This increases electricity demand significantly,” she said.
According to Dr. Al Kuwari, integrating traditional architectural elements like the mashrabiya and the barjeel into contemporary designs can lower electricity usage, contributing to energy conservation. These efforts show how sustainability can be modernised while preserving cultural identity.
Waste management, particularly plastic waste, is another growing issue in Qatar. However, Dr. Al Kuwari remains optimistic about the future. “Adopting sustainability strategies can help mitigate these challenges and pave the way for a more sustainable future,” she said.
Looking ahead, Dr. Al Kuwari stressed the importance of combining traditional wisdom with modern technological solutions to tackle these environmental challenges. She pointed to the Arab tradition of using qanats — underground channels for water management — as a prime example. “By respecting these cultural practices alongside innovative solutions, we can develop strategies that respect our heritage while addressing today’s challenges.”
