Quranic Botanic Gardens Project
The truly interdisciplinary Quranic Botanic Gardens Project was conceived to facilitate linkages between respect for natural habitats, the cultures inspired by the Holy Book of Islam, protection of environment and biological diversity. Furthermore, the project makes possible the development of shared strategies and programmes focused on the enhancement of science education and environmental awareness in the Arab Gulf countries, and in the Arab region more generally. It is hoped that an ethic of stewardship based on local cultural traditions will take root and reinvigorate the study of natural sciences. Climate change will undoubtedly affect the coastal regions of the Gulf States, and improved knowledge of living natural resources, such as native plants for fodder or landscaping, will be instrumental for the region to adapt. Since the Islamic garden tradition was born in arid and semi-arid lands, lessons in traditional adaptations to these conditions may also be shared with other regions where such conditions may prevail in future.  Having the genetic information of indigenous plant species will be of major importance for the future of the human population living in arid regions. This is due to the connection between people and nature, in view of food, security, productivity, culture and conservation.

UNESCO Sector:  Natural Sciences, UNESCO Office in Doha
Responsible Staff:  Benno Boër, Guido Licciardi
More information: http://www.unesco.org/mab/biodiv/q_botanicgardens.shtml