Does Qatar need a Green Awards? After all rarely does one walk down the streets of Doha storing exhaust fumes in one's lungs or breathing garbage stench piled up across the streets.

As true as this may be statistics tell a whole other story.

Qatar is rated among the five most polluting countries of the world;

300 million gallons of water is consumed in Qatar everyday, far above the average that is available;

The Arab world produces approximately 44% of the world’s wastage and the conservation status of the desert is endangered, with species including the white oryx and sand gazelle threatened and the striped hyaenas, jackals and honey badgers already extinct.

The list is endless but the answer is a short and resounding yes, Qatar does need a Green Awards and here’s why.

1. To recognise and promote local environmental efforts and achievements
Let’s face it – the local green scene is sadly lacking in recognising and promoting earth-friendly efforts and achievements. Globally and regionally however environmental awards in governmental, corporate and other sectors have been evolving for several years, if not decades. While in the country almost every single earth-friendly effort is voluntary, there is hardly any appreciation for such endeavours. The QT Green Awards provides an ideal platform to honour, appreciate and promote such voluntary efforts and achievements.

2. To provide environmental groups with a platform to make a coordinated effort
Although the Qatar Today Green Award is a first of its kind for Qatar, the fact remains that several organisations – corporate houses, institutions, schools etc – are engaging in a relentless effort to protect and preserve the environment. The lack of an umbrella organisation which will bring these players together and facilitate better coordination and exchange of ideas creates an inherent lacuna in the system. The QT Green Awards quite naturally facilitates a forum for coordinated eco-efforts in the country.

3. To create & increase awareness and to mobilise & motivate greater action
Lack of awareness inevitably breeds inaction. Environmental activism in Qatar stands at a sad minimal, with an urgent need for greater awareness and action. Various material associated with the awards – such as the QT Green Awards Campaigns, this website etc, – will create and increase environmental awareness, these will also lead towards greater action in the long term, both at a community and decision making levels.