Doha: Qatar Museums’ Cultural Heritage Protection department has announced the successful installation of an innovative trash boom at Al Zubarah Archaeological Site, Qatar’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site. The project, unveiled yesterday, represents a significant step forward in marine conservation efforts and protection of Qatar’s cultural heritage.
The installation ceremony was attended by the Chairperson of Qatar Museums H E Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani; CEO of Qatar Museums Mohammed Saad Al Rumaihi; CEO of Oryx GTL Sheikh Thani bin Thamer Al Thani; and other representatives from the Ras Laffan Consortium.
CEO of Qatar Museums, Mohammed Saad Al Rumaihi, commented on the occasion, “Al Zubarah Trash Boom Project exemplifies Qatar Museums’ dedication to preserving our cultural heritage through innovative and sustainable solutions. Our mission is to protect and preserve unique heritage sites throughout the country and to pass a deep sense of appreciation and understanding of the history and culture they embody to the future generations, and to everyone at large.”
Al Zubarah Trash Boom Project, developed with support from the Ras Laffan Consortium, addresses the persistent challenge of marine waste washing ashore at Al Zubarah beach from the Arabian Gulf. The installation will significantly reduce the need for regular beach cleanup efforts, which have been rendered less effective by the constant influx of debris.
Director of Qatar Museums’ Cultural Heritage Protection department, Abdullatif Al Jasmi, commented, “This innovative solution not only protects our World Heritage Site but also creates an opportunity to raise awareness about the devastating effects of plastic pollution on our oceans. We are deeply grateful for the support from the Ras Laffan Industrial City Community Outreach Program, without which this project would not have been possible. The trash boom demonstrates our shared commitment to sustainable practices in heritage preservation, ensuring Al Zubarah’s historical significance and natural beauty is maintained for future generations to come.”
The trash boom consists of floating, buoyant barriers interlinked as a chain along the shoreline. In addition to its primary purpose, the Al Zubarah installation incorporates two innovative features: collected materials will be recycled and repurposed for use within Al Zubarah as installations or fittings, and the boom’s anchors double as artificial reefs to support marine life in Al Zubarah bay.
