By MOHAMMED TAHA
Oman observes ‘Tree Day’ today (October 31) – a day for everyone to renew their own commitment towards conserving the environment and growing more trees in the sultanate
October 31 is that day in Oman when the efforts by several quarters in the sultanate, to turn its towns green, comes to fruition, along with renewed commitments to continue the drives unabated.
‘Tree Day’, is not just a special occasion to acknowledge the year-long efforts by the government as well as the private sector, which undertake a string of CSR initiatives to plant trees in a bid to reduces Oman’s carbon footprint on the planet, it is also a time to focus on environmental sustainability as a solution for the future.
The release of an encyclopedia detailing the Buraimi’s diverse flora on the day marks a milestone in the nation’s ambitious tree-plantation initiatives and broader climate goals. Authored by Fatima al Jabri, head of the Environmental Conservation Department in Buraimi governorate, the comprehensive resource aims to educate the public, stimulate research, and foster the planting of ten million indigenous trees across Oman.
The encyclopedia’s launch comes alongside other pivotal environmental endeavours, including a groundbreaking 100 million mangrove cultivation project aimed at carbon neutrality. The encyclopedia includes 109 wild plants and trees in Buraimi, providing crucial insights for both researchers and the general public, Fatima disclosed.
The work involved three comprehensive environmental surveys across different wilayats in Buraimi to catalogue local plant species. “The project is designed to enhance public awareness on biodiversity conservation and environmental stewardship in Oman. It also complements the sultanate’s national drive to plant ten million native trees and bolster vegetation cover,” she said.
The encyclopedia additionally underscores the economic utility of these plants in sectors like pharmaceuticals, encouraging the populace to engage in planting native species and partake in Omani Tree Day celebrations, she added.
Addressing obstacles, Fatima mentioned that the endeavour confronted challenges such as extreme climatic conditions and the absence of specialised scientific equipment. “Nevertheless, through community support and sheer determination, these hurdles were successfully surmounted,” she said,
Detailing the Environment Authority’s tree-planting initiative, Fatima revealed that the organisation has distributed 24,000 native seedlings this year. Furthermore, nearly 7.9 million seedlings have been planted, and over 1.8 million wild tree seeds have been gathered. The Authority has also collected 2.29 million mangrove seeds and has already planted more than two million of these seeds in the current year.
In January 2020, EA in cooperation with Petroleum Development Oman, launched an initiative to plant 10mn wild tree saplings in the next ten years.
Since the announcement of the initiative, the authority has sought to produce healthy seedlings that are suitable for the environment and withstand difficult climatic conditions. The focus has been on the well-known wild trees in the sultanate, including Ghaf, Samar, Sidr, Shua, Tiq, Talha, Mitan, Aloe Vera, Sarh, Alal and others.
100 milion mangroves
In October, the Authority and MSA Green Projects inked an agreement to launch Oman Blue Carbon, a project for cultivation of 100 million mangrove trees in Oman. Marking a first for Oman, the initiative aims to generate carbon credits through mangrove cultivation. The initiative anticipates an investment of US$100mn to transform 20,000 hectares of land in Al Wusta governorate into suitable habitats for over 100mn mangrove trees.
The project aligns with Oman’s national strategy to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, as well as enhance environmental performance to combat climate change effects. Scheduled for completion within four years, the project seeks to eliminate 14 million tonnes of carbon dioxide and forecasts an estimated financial return of US$150mn through blue carbon credit certificates.
Mangrove and tidal marsh ecosystems are notable for their ability to capture and store significant volumes of coastal blue carbon, contributing to climate change mitigation. Mangroves play an essential role in regional ecosystems, offering vital protection against beach erosion, maintaining ecological balance and nurturing the growth of commercially significant fish and other marine species.
Making Muscat green
Muscat Municipality has many innovative afforestation plans on the anvil. Its multifaceted approach to afforestation represents a robust model for urban greenery, offering lessons in both, environmental conservation and sustainable urban planning.
Utilising scientifically approved agricultural methods, the municipality aims to balance the growth of flowering and other ornamental plants across an expansive 2.73 million sqm of green areas in Muscat governorate.
Muscat Municipality is committed to environmental conservation through its zero-neutrality programme, which aims to moderate temperatures and reduce emissions. With an emphasis on enhancing green spaces – alongside roads, in public squares, and within residential areas – the municipality also prioritises the establishment of modern parks and pedestrian walkways, equipped with essential amenities to serve as family and recreational spaces.
As part of its ongoing environmental initiatives, the municipality is exploring alternatives like planting tree species that are effective at carbon sequestration. These choices are especially prevalent in areas with heavy pedestrian traffic, where they provide shade and help lower temperatures. So far, the municipality has planted 84,205 seasonal flowers and 51,831 trees, complemented by 19,565 palm trees and 336,777 shrubs.
Seedlings and saplings
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources (MAFWR) will distribute 3,919 wild seedlings to farmers in Dhahirah governorate to mark the Omani Tree Day. The initiative includes the distribution of date palm seeds and various fruit seedlings.
‘This drive aims to spread awareness of the importance of preserving wild trees, to celebrate Omani Tree Day and support the national initiative to plant ten million wild trees,’ an official statement said.
An inaugural carbon-capture initiative in Dhofar, which will see plantation of 30,000 lemon trees, was also launched jointly by Nakheel Oman Development and Petroleum Development Oman.
Projects
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