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Green Island

Doha, Qatar

2024 - Ongoing
RecyclingRenewable EnergyUrban AgricultureWaste Management

Project Description

Approach Words: Capacity Building, Participatory Approach, Sustainability

Public Policy Instruments: Communicative, Financial Mechanism, Organization, Physical Intervention

Green Island is a pioneering waste management initiative located within Education City in Doha, Qatar. Designed as a community-driven environmental hub, It combines education, research, community engagement, and innovation to inspire eco-friendly practices and set new sustainability standards in Qatar and beyond.1
Green Island envisions a future where “sustainability is a way of life, empowering communities through education, innovation, and responsible waste management”.2 The initiative aims to reduce waste through recycling, promote urban farming and renewable energy research.3 It acts as both a learning space and a recycling hub.4

Title: Site Plan Render of the Green Island in Qatar

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Title: Bird-eye view of a section of the Green Island.

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Title: Self-service Recycling Stations at the recycling hub.

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Title: Courtyard with seating areas inside the Green Island.

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To implement its vision, Green Island span 8,000 square meters across from Al Shaqab metro station in Education City.5 It integrated education, applied research, and private sector collaboration to create an impactful space for environmental learning. Key components include a waste management center that processes seven main recycling streams—paper, plastic, glass, metals, batteries, cables, and electronics—6 7 while supporting sustainability-focused research in biofuel development and urban agriculture.8 Additionally, it addresses regional challenges like food waste by incorporating urban farming and sustainable food production techniques.9

Green Island utilizes multi-sectoral partnerships and policy tools,10 such as:

  • Environmental Education: School field trips and sustainability workshops,11 including “Little Farmer,” which teaches essential skills for sustainable agriculture.12
  • Research and Innovation: Collaborations with academic institutions such as Hamad Bin Khalifa University and Texas A&M University,13 and incubation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to support the development of new eco-friendly solutions and promote local innovations in waste management.14
  • Public-Private Partnerships: Organizations contribute to the initiative.15
  • Community Accessibility: A self-service recycling station for responsible waste disposal,16 and Snoonu’s ‘Snoosend’ service for doorstep recycling collection.17
  • Creative Upcycling: Transforming demolition waste into art through partnerships with organizations like Arab Engineering Bureau and Milaha.18

Community engagement lies at the heart of this initiative through interactive exhibits, guided tours, and workshops, offering visitors an experiencein recycling processes and sustainable technologies.19 20

Owner/Developer (Public)

Qatar Foundation (QF)33

Funder

QatarEnergy34

Contractor/Implementer

QatarEnergy35

Agrico36

Seashore Group37

Owner/Developer (Public)

Qatar Foundation (QF)33

Contractor/Implementer

QatarEnergy35

Agrico36

Seashore Group37

Funder

QatarEnergy34

Green Island serves diverse groups iincluding local residents seeking sustainable lifestyles,21 students and educators participating in field trips and sustainability education,22 entrepreneurs and researchers,23 and businesses and policymakers integrating environmental responsibility into their operations.24
Green Island is a collaborative effort developed by Qatar Foundation (QF)25 in partnership with government agencies, private businesses, and research institutions. Key partners include QatarEnergy, which supports energy research and sustainability initiatives;26 Agrico, which contributes to urban farming and sustainable food production;27 and Seashore Group and Al Awalia, which lead upcycling and construction waste transformation workshops.28
Green Island was launched in September 2024 as part of Qatar Sustainability Week.29 Its expansion, in phases, includes enhanced public engagement,30 strengthened research collaborations,31 and new digital solutions to track recycling efficiency.32

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