Environmental regulation for Qatar development projects

Qatar: Each new project in Qatar must now have an environmental impact assessment (EIA) to ensure compliance with new regulations before construction can get underway. Qatar's Deputy Emir and Heir Apparent Shakir Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani issued the order in a bid to protect the country's environment from increasing development.

According to the decree, every new project in the domain of industry, agriculture, urban development and infrastructure must gain environmental clearance from the Supreme Council for Environment and Natural Reserves (Scenr).

According to SCENR director of technical affairs Yousuf Ebrahim Al Hamar, there are currently 54 projects at the planning stage which will need an EIA before clearance will be granted.

Existing projects will also need to comply but will be given a two year grace period to fall into line with the regulations which are in accordance with the guidelines of the United Nations Environment Programme.