The Namat Competition is an annual initiative organised by the Environment Society of Oman (ESO) and supported by Veolia Oman, celebrating the environmental innovation and commitment of Omani government schools. The fourth edition this year saw the participation of 164 schools nationwide and the winners were honoured at a prestigious ceremony last weekend. “By investing in education and sustainability through Namat, we’re proud to nurture a generation of environmentally responsible leaders,” says Erwan Rouxel, CEO, Veolia Oman in an exclusive interview. Excerpts:

What inspired Veolia Oman to sponsor the Namat Competition -how does this initiative align with Veolia’s mission and values?

Veolia Oman is inspired to support initiatives like Namat because they align seamlessly with our core values of environmental protection, resource management, and sustainability. As a leader in water, waste, and energy efficiency, we see Namat as a platform that empowers young Omanis to develop practical solutions for pressing environmental issues. By investing in education and sustainability through Namat, we’re proud to nurture a generation of environmentally responsible leaders.

Can you tell us more about how Veolia’s GreenUp 2024-2027 strategic programme complements the goals of Namat?

Veolia’s GreenUp 2024-2027 programme is rooted in our commitment to decarbonisation, depollution, and resource regeneration. The Namat Competition mirrors these goals, particularly in its focus on fostering sustainability and innovation among youth. By supporting Namat, we’re helping to promote environmental education in Oman, which is key to creating a sustainable future. This alignment reinforces our GreenUp mission and our drive to actively involve the younger generation in environmental stewardship.

How does Veolia envision the impact of initiatives like Namat in creating long-term environmental awareness and sustainability practices in Oman?

We see Namat as an essential driver for long-term environmental awareness in Oman. By engaging students directly in sustainability projects, we’re helping instil environmental values at an early age, which can lead to a lifetime of positive environmental actions. Through Namat, students are empowered to take tangible steps toward conservation, and this early exposure fosters a culture of responsibility and action for sustainability that will carry into adulthood and influence generations to come.

With Veolia’s sponsorship extended to the upcoming 2024-2025, what specific outcomes or changes would you expect?

In the upcoming editions, we hope to see even more innovative projects addressing local sustainability challenges, along with increased community involvement and awareness. We envision a stronger network of schools across Oman that collaboratively share their progress and ideas. Our goal is to see students develop projects that can be scaled or implemented beyond their schools, inspiring both, their peers and local communities, to embrace sustainability as a collective responsibility.