The present study focuses on the importance and need to identify criteria and indicators (C&I) for sustainable
landscaping using native plants in Qatar. The conditions for operationalizing the criteria and
indicators approach are being incorporated into sustainable development practices and management
planning in Qatar. This paper aims to develop criteria and related indicators for strengthening the global
sustainability assessment system (GSAS) in order to provide a holistic approach for sustainable environmental
assessment and the enhancement of ecosystem services. A total of 50 potentially native plant
species were prioritized and categorized based on the following different parameters: weather conditions
tolerated (temperature, humidity, and rainfall), multiple use value (ecological, economical, and
medicinal), standard crown size (≤50 cm and ≥50 cm) and water requirement(moist, moderate, and dry).
Diverse local stakeholders as well as international experts were consulted to rank the plant species, and
concluded that these prioritized native species are fit for sustainable landscaping as opposed to the exotic
plant species which are imported from different geo climatic zones. Environmental, social, economic,
human, and policy sustainability aspects were considered, along with 12 criteria and 49 related indicators
which were identified by promoting the use of potential native plants for sustainable landscaping in
Qatar.
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