Qatar University and the Ministry of Environment have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the preparation of a training program to develop the basic skills of environmental inspectors. The agreement includes the implementation of a training program for 60 trainees divided into groups. The training program is for a period of 768 hours spanning over two academic years in four semesters, starting from autumn semester 2011 to spring semester 2013. The agreement was signed for the QU by Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr Sheikha bint Jabor Al Thani and for the Ministry of Environment by Assistant Undersecretary for Environmental Affairs Dr Rashid Al Kuwari. In her speech following the agreement signing, Dr Sheikha emphasized the importance of this agreement as it falls under the development strategy of the State of Qatar and Qatar University strategy 2010 - 2013 in the field of human resource development. She said that Qatar University was seeking to contribute to the implementation of Qatar\'\'s strategy through many ways including environmental development and human development. Dr Al Kuwari highlighted the importance of this program for the Ministry which considers the training of national staff in the field of environmental inspection a priority, pointing out that constructive cooperation with QU is at the center of the Ministry of Environment\'\'s work that aims to take advantage of the extensive experience of the university in order to better qualify the ministry staff.