ACCIONA, a company specialising in the development and management of infrastructures, renewable energies, water and services, recently launched a waste initiative targeting Doha schools.
Designed for children aged 6 to 12, the ‘Proper Waste Segregation Campaign’ took place across three different schools—Qatar International School, SEK International School, and Qatar Finland International School—and sought to raise awareness of waste management and recycling practices among elementary school children.
According to the company, its campaign presentations covered various topics, including the basics of waste segregation, the importance of recycling, incorporating recycling-themed games to promote teamwork and problem-solving, and the practical application of the concepts discussed.
Globally, just 19 per cent of municipal solid waste (MSW) is recycled worldwide, while the plastics recycling rate is even lower at around 9 per cent. Regionally, in the Middle East, the figure stands at between 5 per cent and 7 per cent.
In the GCC, a number of countries have set goals for improved waste management in recent years. By 2040, Saudi Arabia aims to divert 90 per cent of all its waste streams away from landfills, recycling 40 per cent of this.
In the UAE, the country aims to treat 75 per cent of municipal solid waste by 2025, reaching 85 per cent by 2035, while specifically in Dubai, the strategic plan for waste management aims to completely divert waste from landfills by 2030. Elsewhere, in Qatar, according to the Minister of Municipality, the ministry is aiming to reach a 95 per cent recycling rate target by 2030.
Commenting on the campaign in Doha, Luis Carlos Barroso, ACCIONA ME Director for Facility Services, said: “Our goal with this campaign is to plant the seeds of environmental consciousness in our youth.
“By introducing proper waste segregation in a fun and engaging way, we’re empowering these young minds to be part of Qatar’s journey toward a more sustainable future.”
