Duqm – The Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ), represented by the Environmental Awareness Team in the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD), organised a clean-up campaign called ‘Together for a Sustainable Environment in Duqm’ recently. The campaign aimed to clean the seabed near Hamar Rock, off Nufoon Village in the wilayat of Duqm, with the participation of 12 divers and volunteers.

In a partnership between the public and private sectors, several entities participated in the initiative, including the Environment Authority, Royal Navy of Oman, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, Royal Oman Police, Port of Duqm, Asyad Dry Dock and Renaissance Services Company.

“The clean-up campaigns conducted by OPAZ, represented by SEZAD, are aimed to raise environmental awareness in the community about the impact of waste on the sea and on land. Over a tonne of waste was removed from the sea by the diving team,” said Marwa bint Hamdoon al Hashmi, environmental inspector and head of Environmental Awareness Team in the Environmental Regulatory Department at SEZAD.

“The Environmental Regulatory Department of SEZAD seeks to organise such campaigns within an annual programme targeting several environmental aspects and to promote the culture of environment conservation in the community. These are in the form of awareness programmes, clean-up campaigns and other activities held in partnership and cooperation with government bodies and companies operating in Duqm with the support of the local community,” Marwa explained.

According to Hassan al Ajmi, one of the participants in the clean-up campaign, such activities contribute to preserving a healthy marine environment for the growth and propagation of aquatic organisms. “Having a clean ocean will also give divers a good experience at these sites and help attract more tourists to discover the beauty of Duqm,” Ajmi said.