A model of the artificial reef ball installed off the Mesaieed shoreline.

doha • Qatar Fertilizer Company (Qafco) has successfully completed the installation of its Artificial Reef Ball Project, off the Mesaieed shoreline.

QFC, with the co-operation of Environmental Studies Centre, Qatar University, installed a total of 150 reef-balls at two locations.

Announcing the successful completion of the project yesterday, Khalifa Abdulla Al Sowaidi, Managing Director, Qafco said: "Qafco's various efforts and programmes to protect the environment are in line to the State of Qatar's proclaimed stand to protect the country's fragile eco system. Qafco has identified the protection of environment as one of its prime strategic goals.", he said.

Qafco is aware of the fact that its commitment to check pollution should be handled in a structural and effective manner. Hence, the company has integrated the concerns of environment protection into its policies, plans and daily business. In fact, Qafco's operations have been based on a sound Environmental Management System since 1995. He recalled that QFC had won the prestigious 1GCC award for its best environment-friendly practices in 1998.

Khalifa Al Sowaidi announcing the installation of the Artificial Reef Ball Project.

Qafco's Artificial Reef Ball Project is yet another project that attests to its commitment to environment protection and it is another milestone in the company's endeavour to be part of the Government's revived environment protection campaign.

Al Sowaidi said that Qafco's environmental activities are not limited to any possible adverse impacts of its operations, but extended to the creation of opportunities for a proactive role in the preservation of environment and bio-diversity.

Dr Mohsin Abdullah Al Ansir, Director, Environment Study Centre, made a presentation on Artificial Reef.

Dr Al Ansir said a Reef Ball is a designed artificial reef used to restore ailing coral reefs. Reef Balls are made of a special, marine friendly, concrete and are designed to mimic natural reef system.

They are used around the world to create habitats for fish and other marine species. Long-lasting artificial reefs are useful tools for restoring reef systems to a natural and productive balance, he said.

The function, held at Al Banush Club, was attended by a large number of senior officials from various government agencies including the Supreme Council for Environment and Natural Reserves (SCENR), Qatar University and employees and members of the Mesaieed community.