During the early part of 2009, Steve Wilkinson from the Doha English Speaking School, came to our office and suggested and discussed UNESCO’s capacity in establishing an environmental awards programme for schools in Qatar much like the one he had experienced in the UK.

We could also see that such a program is well compatible with our previous and planned activities regarding urban environmental enhancements, such as Better Buildings, and the Doha Green Conference, as well as a core activity of ours, partnership-based environmental stewardship.

We could also see that a programme which could provide an excellent set of guidelines to encourage student driven ecologically friendly projects and awareness amongst students is very much in demand in the region.  Nevertheless, there were many practical and cultural differences to be considered before such a programme could be implemented here in the region.  

There are many other ongoing programmes from a variety of different stakeholders already available.  All of these programmes will offer different views and pursue different tactics towards stimulating positive change.  Faced with such diversity we at UNESCO have no interest in competing for status nor do we have any interest in the recognition, we simply want long-term impact.

UNESCO is by its very nature an organisation of multiplicity. In the very same spirit of cooperation with our partners in Doha Bank and Mr. Wilkinson, we decided to provide a platform where schools can use whichever programme they feel most comfortable with, while still receiving recognition for their efforts towards improving our urban ecosystems, be it through recycling, energy awareness, even water efficient permaculture landscaping!  Furthermore, we are designing the programme to encourage the active participation of the private sector, so they can help either with technical advice, in kind contributions or financial support, either to the programme or to the schools.  

This means the process is simple, and it is simple for a reason.  If a programme is overly complicated, there is a great risk that it will discourage all but the most committed.  From our view, this only seeks to preach to the converted, when the challenge is to encourage others to join in.

With 1 year behind us we have already learned a lot, and we will continue to improve the programme as we go along.  This means there is still room for stakeholders to join us into making a truly participative programme open to all.

For more information about our exciting programme, "The Big Tree Society" please go to www.ecoschools.com.qa