Muscat – In a significant progress towards sustainable waste management, Oman now boasts 67 waste recycling facilities, recycling 31% of the total waste collected in the country’s engineered landfills.

This announcement was made by Abdullah bin Ali al Amri, Chairman of Environment Authority (EA), at the inauguration of the Public Hygiene Symposium on Monday.

Amri also informed about activation of EA’s National Waste Management Register, an integrated and transparent electronic system. It will efficiently monitor and record waste collection and transportation from various sources to treatment sites and ensure safe disposal in specialised facilities. “The emphasis on a circular economy is clear, engaging the private sector to bolster a diverse economy adept at maintaining environmental preservation and sustainability of natural resources.”

The Public Hygiene Symposium focused on enhancing environmental awareness and transforming attitudes towards the environment.

“This symposium reflects Oman’s commitment to ensuring environmental safety and combating pollution within the framework of sustainable development goals. The EA is dedicated to achieving integrated waste management by formulating a general policy and a national strategy for waste management and updating environmental legislation and regulations.”

Amri described the symposium as a culmination of efforts of various sectors under the ‘Be Careful’ public hygiene campaign. The event featured sessions on building a community movement, developing sound environmental behaviours, and showcasing experiences of different countries and organisations that have succeeded in environmental conservation and promoted public hygiene behaviours.

The symposium presented various working papers and included a special presentation on Japan’s public hygiene awareness experience by Yamada Miki, Secretary-General of Japanese Omani Parliamentary Committee.

Through the ‘Be Careful’ campaign, EA aims to enhance social responsibility towards public cleanliness and amplify messages related to maintaining cleanliness, further reinforcing Oman’s commitment to a sustainable and environmentally respectful future.