Muscat – Oman celebrated World Wetlands Day on Sunday, highlighting the crucial role of wetlands in maintaining ecological balance and supporting biodiversity.

Observed under the theme ‘Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future’, the event emphasised the importance of these ecosystems.

Badr bin Saif al Busaidi, a specialist at Environment Authority, informed that wetlands in Oman are a vital source of fresh water, while supporting agriculture, environmental sustainability and economic activities. “These areas play a fundamental role in mitigating climate change by acting as natural carbon sinks,” he said, adding that wetlands help regulate water quality and preserve biodiversity.

Environment Authority implemented several initiatives in the past year to protect wetlands, including planting 4mn mangrove seeds and 54,000 mangrove seedlings in coastal areas. A study was conducted to assess changes in 59 coastal and inland wetland sites, alongside a project to survey bird and marine life in these ecosystems. Phase 1 of the Oman Blue Carbon Project has also been launched to enhance conservation efforts.

Oman has been working to strengthen regional and international cooperation in wetland conservation by sharing expertise and providing mangrove seeds to neighbouring countries. The sultanate formally joined the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in 2013, reflecting its commitment to preserving these ecosystems and contributing to global conservation efforts.

World Wetlands Day serves as an opportunity to raise awareness on the role these ecosystems in sustaining life on Earth.