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Sahara Forest Project to transform Doha into a sustainable region

The Middle East is a region that’s witnessing a lot of development despite being a desert. Efforts by the government and private parties have seen schools, hospitals, institutes and other aspects of infrastructure growing at a fast pace. Urban areas resemble metropolises and it is only when you look closely that you realize entire cities have been developed from scratch. Now, a new project is in the works, which will see residents being able to get by comfortably irrespective of the nature of the landscape. Undertaken by the Sahara Forest Project, it aims to convert the deserts of the Middle East into areas that will be able to produce ample food and power.

Epic Sahara Forest Project

So far, 60 people from 12 nations have contributed research for the project. While Jordan was the first to join, Qatar joined a few days back through Yara International and QAFCO, which are chemical and fertilizer companies. The collaboration will see a pilot plant being set up in Doha, measuring one hectare.

The $5.3 million project will receive funds from Yara and QAFCO. The venture will make use of seawater to provide humid and cool conditions needed for growing vegetables in greenhouses. These greenhouses will also be able to produce freshwater. But that’s not all. The Sahara Forest Project envisions establishing concentrated solar power plants to generate renewable heat and electricity. Algae cultivation facilities, halophyte cultivation units and vegetated outdoor areas will also be set up. In addition, evaporative ponds and hedges will reduce brine to dry salts.

The Sahara Forest Project is owned by Michael Pawlyn, a biomimicry architect; Bill Watts, a structural designer; and the Belladona Foundation, a Norwegian environmental group. The project, which came into being in 2009, seeks to turn desert lands into regions that can successfully grow food and produce water and power using existing technology. Doha can expect to see the project being completed by 2012.

Via: Greenprophet

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