On 12 March 2026, Zenia Henriksen (University of Southern Denmark) presented her research on Muslim environmentalism at Lund University’s CMES seminar, focusing on the Qur’anic Botanic Garden (QBG) in Doha, Qatar. The QBG, established in 2008 as part of Qatar Foundation’s Education City, uses plants to teach Qur’anic principles of balance (mizan), stewardship (khalifa), and gratitude (shukr). Key examples include:
- Olive trees, symbolizing blessing and resilience (Surah al-Mu’minun).
- Pomegranates, representing divine generosity and biodiversity.
- Water features, highlighting conservation, a critical message in a country facing extreme heat and drought.
The garden’s educational programs, seed-banking projects, and public markets (like the Torba Market) engage visitors in sustainable practices, grounding environmental messages in Islamic tradition. However, its state-led nature raises questions: Does it reflect grassroots activism or government branding in a country with high emissions but ambitious green goals?
This seminar was part of the CMES Seminar Series at Lund University. Coffee, tea, and pastries were served, because even sustainability discussions are better with fika!
Want to Learn More?
- Explore the Qur’anic Botanic Garden: qbg.org.qa
- About Zenia Henriksen
Don’t miss CMES next seminar: The Making of Migrant Labour: Politics of Land, Displacement and Social Reproduction in Turkey. Presentation by CMES researcher Sinem Kavak.