Qatar to showcase ‘green’ effort at Yeosu Expo 2012 - Gulf Times

Posted - Latest Update: Monday7/5/2012May, 2012, 12:57 AM Doha Time - Gulf Times

Qatar will be sending a high level delegation of officials to participate in the Expo 2012 Yeosu Korea, where they will discuss “The Living Ocean and Coast” over the 93 day event, and showcase Qatar’s own work in the arena at their national pavilion.
World Expos take place every two years, and this year’s event is focussing on developing technology to promote a sustainable relationship between the ocean and mankind.
Some 105 countries will participate in the expo, which will feature some of the latest technological innovations to highlight many of the issues facing the global community in terms of the marine environment.
Organised over 2mn sq m of exhibition space and various facilities, the Expo is expected to attract some 10mn visitors.
“The event will explore the relationship between development and conservation of the marine environment and the need for technology to achieve this,” Korean Ambassador Chung Kee-Jong explained yesterday, adding “Yeosu Expo will also encourage maritime innovation and change the way we interact with the ocean.”
Chung spoke about the Korean concept of harmony between nature and humans, and how this is important to the country’s culture and at the centre of the expo’s agenda.
Officials from the Qatar Supervising Committee for the Participation in Expo Yeosu 2012 yesterday spoke about the national pavilion, where they will showcase Qatar’s traditions and also explore how the country is dealing with environmental challenges as one of the world’s largest producers of oil and natural gas.
Committee vice-chairman Ismail Omar al-Daffa explained that Qatar’s participation had been organised following an invitation from the Korean government, noting that the close ties between the countries will be further strengthened by their taking part in the expo.
“The cabinet decided to participate, and it is part of the country’s constitution to protect and preserve the environment for the benefit of future generations,” said al-Daffa.
Qatar pavilion manager Mona Sulaiti explained that the stand will be divided into four zones, representing “the rhythm of life, and traditions of the ocean,” teamwork and collaboration, caring for the environment and a stage for hosting daily performances of traditional Qatari music and dance.
She highlighted the importance of educating people about Qatar’s traditions, especially of the closeness of the historical relationship between the country’s pearl divers and the sea.
Sulaiti also mentioned that the pavilion will showcase the nation’s preparations for hosting the World Cup in 2022.
The Korean ambassador spoke about the importance of adopting new technology to deal with issues related to the fishing industry, and said that the expo will also issue the ‘Yeosu Declaration,’ calling on all governments to employ new technology to develop sustainable methods of using the ocean.
“Qatar will have a significant presence at Expo 2012 and will have its own pavilion in the international expo to exhibit is achievements,” noted Chung.
“Qatar and Korea have a longstanding relationship, especially in economy and energy.
“The theme of this expo is very related to Qatar’s National Vision 2030, and both call for sustaining economic prosperity through the sustainable use of natural resources – through this expo, I hope the two countries can further cooperate meeting these common goals.” 
 
At:
http://www.gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.asp?cu_no=2&item_no=503920&version=1&template_id=36&parent_id=16