Dumfries House: Qatar Foundation's (QF) Earthna Center for a Sustainable Future has announced a groundbreaking partnership with The King's Foundation, a UK charity established by HM King Charles III. This significant collaboration was unveiled during a special event at the charity's headquarters, Dumfries House, in Scotland, with HE Vice Chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al-Thani in attendance.
According to Qatar News Agency, the partnership aims to initiate four urban development pilot projects across the globe, demonstrating the role of traditional knowledge in guiding sustainable practices in the 21st century. The projects will be implemented in India, Guyana, Sierra Leone, and Tanzania.
This two-year collaboration underscores the shared commitment of both institutions to harness traditional knowledge for promoting environmental sustainability, stimulating local economic growth, and fostering resilient communities.
Each of the four projects is selected to showcase traditional sustainability practices from different regions. They aim to demonstrate the integration of cultural heritage into architectural design and construction, addressing contemporary challenges and informing sustainable urban planning.
In Tanzania, the project will focus on the restoration of the iconic Zanzibar Doors in Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and establish sustainable timber supply chains. The initiative in India will draw insights from Dhun, a development in Jaipur that transformed 500 acres of degraded land into a thriving ecosystem.
In Guyana, the partnership will support the research and development of a demonstration building near restored mangroves in Georgetown's waterfront, utilizing traditional design principles and local materials. The project in Sierra Leone will explore sustainable construction inspired by traditional knowledge, aiming to protect natural landscapes in Bo while informing urban planning in this rapidly expanding city.
HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al-Thani expressed that the partnership is rooted in a mutual belief in the enduring value of traditional knowledge for building a sustainable future. Chief Executive of The King's Foundation, Kristina Murrin, emphasized their enthusiasm for applying their expertise in sustainable community building to this partnership and expressed gratitude to all involved for their support and vision.
These projects will be highlighted at the upcoming Earthna Summit in Doha, Qatar, from 22-23 April 2025, focusing on advancing sustainability in hot and arid environments.
The partnership between QF and The King's Foundation highlights the critical role of international collaboration in tackling environmental challenges, emphasizing the importance of traditional knowledge as a valuable resource for sustainable development.