Muscat – Oman Animal and Plant Genetic Resources Centre of the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation (MoHERI) organised an introductory session on the Manafa’a 2022 programme at Innovation Park Muscat last week.

This year, Manafa’a – organised by Mawarid and the Environment Authority, sponsored by Oman India Fertiliser Company (OMIFCO) as the main sponsor, and Vale in Oman as the golden sponsor – is being held under the theme of climate change and air pollution to support and encourage ideas that contribute to reducing air pollution and climate change.

The session included presenting detailed information about the programme, which is a platform that provides researchers, interested parties and entrepreneurs in Oman the opportunity to develop and present their innovative business ideas based on protection of the environment, and preserving its natural resources and biodiversity.

Manafa’a also helps targeted groups transform these ideas into commercial projects that are viable and can be translated into reality, besides encouraging the establishment of startups taking advantage of research conducted in the field of genetic resources and building public awareness about the investment opportunities available in the field of biodiversity.

The session, which was streamed live on Mawarid’s official YouTube channel, was attended by Abdullah bin Ali al Rawahi, assistant director of Mawarid, Dr Mohammed bin Saif al Kalbani, acting director general of Environmental Affairs in Environment Authority, and Ibrahim bin Ahmed al Ajmi, adviser at Civil Aviation Authority. The session was moderated by Dr Almutasim bin Mohammed al Mamari.

Registrations for participation in Manafa’a 2022 are being accepted till September 22. Interested applicants can register through www.mawari-d.gov.om/ manafaa.