The Environment Society of Oman organised a ‘Strides for Nature Charity Run’ at Qurum beach yesterday to raise funds and awareness for Oman’s environmental causes. “When individuals and families act together, their collective impact can transform communities and protect Oman’s natural heritage,” Suaad al Harthi, ESO’s executive director, tells Hubert Vaz on the sidelines of this initiative. Excerpts:

What is the aim of your proposed Nature Charity Run?

The Stride for Nature- Charity Run aims to raise funds for ESO’s programmes, raise awareness on the importance of protecting our environment, and inspire action – marking World Cleanup Day on September 20.

What type of participation are you expecting from people in Oman?

We expect strong participation from individuals, families, schools, and companies across Oman. To popularise the run, we engaged the community through social media, press, and partner collaborations. Importantly, this event is supported by Guinness World Record holder Fahad al Abri.

Is this Nature Charity Run designed on the lines of similar runs held in other countries or the region?

The run is in line with World Clean Up Day which is celebrated globally to raise awareness on waste management and sustainable practices. Through this event, we aim to amplify our message – every step our participants take is part of a worldwide effort toward sustainability and support of nature conservation.

What awareness do you seek to achieve through this event?

When individuals and families act together, their collective impact can transform communities and protect Oman’s natural heritage.

Do you see efforts towards a greener environment and future as a collective effort by different parties, including government establishments, social organisations as well as NGOs?

Absolutely, building a greener future is a collective responsibility. It requires the combined efforts of government, social organisations, NGOs, the private sector, and individuals. By working together, we can amplify impact, drive sustainable change, and ensure that environmental protection remains a shared national priority.

Will there be any initiatives to extend the objectives of the run beyond this event?

Yes, the run is only the beginning. Beyond this event, ESO will continue to engage the community through awareness campaigns, volunteer programmes, school activities, and conservation initiatives. The aim is to keep the momentum alive and turn the spirit of the run into an ongoing movement for environmental protection.

What are your observances regarding attitudes of people in Oman (expatriates and Omanis) towards preserving the environment?

We see encouraging awareness among both, Omanis and expatriates, with more people supporting eco-initiatives and taking steps to protect the environment.

Which areas, in this regard, do you think greater attention?

Greater attention is needed in areas such as waste management, reducing single-use plastics, promoting sustainable lifestyles, and conserving natural habitats. Education and community engagement are also key to building lasting environmental responsibility across all segments of society.

Are the efforts towards garbage clearance, segregation and recycling of garbage (seen only in some recent townships) enough to keep the capital clean and beautiful?

While efforts in some areas are encouraging, keeping the capital clean requires broader community participation and ongoing awareness campaigns. We need to consider ways to reduce waste at inception ahead of generating waste that needs to be appropriately disposed of.

ESO has actively gotten the youth involved in becoming innovators and change makers implementing their ideas for sustainable waste management in Oman through a green school programme targeting government schools, titled the Namat Competition.

Which areas in the capital, not just the beaches, need greater attention and is there any action initiated to tackle these?

Beyond the beaches, areas such as residential neighbourhoods, marketplaces, and public parks, and wadis need greater attention. ESO, together with government and community partners, is supporting initiatives like regular clean-up drives and awareness campaigns to address these challenges.

What is your exhortation to people in Oman?

Visit our website and join us as a member, donating through our channels, or renewing their corporate memberships. Every contribution directly supports our projects in wildlife protection, marine conservation, and community outreach.

Importantly, none of the work that we do would be possible without the generous support of volunteers, in-kind supporters, sponsors, and donors. So, we thank everyone for participating in this run and doing their part to support us. We continue to urge our community to support Oman’s only environmental NGO and to continue to contribute towards our donation drives that enable us to conserve Oman’s beautiful natural heritage.