Muscat – The sultanate, represented by Environment Authority (EA),  celebrated World Wildlife Day on Sunday. Themed ‘Connecting People and Planet’, the celebrations this year focused on digital innovation in wildlife conservation. 

The event aimed to enhance environmental awareness, spotlighting the crucial role of digital technology in the preservation of wildlife and advocating sustainable and lawful wildlife trade practices.

An EA official elaborated on the authority’s commitment to wildlife protection, underlining a variety of environmental projects and initiatives. 

Among these, the National Biodiversity Survey Project stands out for its comprehensive study of both land and sea organisms, leveraging advanced technologies for wildlife monitoring. 

The use of drones and satellite tracking devices to observe and follow specific species marks a significant step forward in conservation efforts, enabling a deeper understanding of wildlife behaviour, lifecycles and ecological balance. 

Additionally, implementation of camera traps assists in the surveillance of critical and endangered wildlife, aiming to boost Oman’s environmental performance index in terms of biodiversity.

On the international front, Oman became a member of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) on March 19, 2008. CITES represents a key global agreement focused on the preservation of wildlife, overseeing the international trade of over 35,000 listed plant and animal species. 

Oman’s participation in these efforts underscores its resolve to curb smuggling activities and tackle illegal trade, aligning with approximately 183 countries that are now party to the convention.