Mudhaibi – The Environment Authority (EA) in North Sharqiyah organised an environmental seminar on Sunday titled ‘Releasing the Reem Gazelle: Towards Sustainable Biodiversity’ in Mudhaibi, highlighting national efforts to protect wildlife and restore native species.

The event was attended by Sheikh Saud bin Mohammed al Hinaei, Wali of Mudhaibi, along with officials from government entities and stakeholders involved in environmental conservation and wildlife protection.

Saeed bin Nasser al Abdali, Director of the Environment Department in North Sharqiyah, said the seminar reflects the sultanate’s commitment to safeguarding biodiversity and ensuring the sustainability of wildlife. He noted that the release of the Reem gazelle is a key component of wildlife reintroduction programmes aimed at restoring ecological balance in natural habitats.

The seminar featured two scientific presentations. The first, titled ‘Biodiversity as a Pillar of Sustainable Environmental Development’, reviewed the concept of biodiversity, its environmental, economic and social importance, the challenges it faces, and national efforts to protect it.

The second presentation focused on ‘Reintroduction of Wild Gazelles into their Natural Habitats (Reem 2)’ project, outlining its phases, objectives and expected environmental impact. The efforts form part of the national conservation strategy under Oman Vision 2040, which aims to preserve biodiversity and rehabilitate native species.

EA launched a project in January 2025 to resettle 54 Reem gazelles into the wild in Maqshin in Dhofar, marking the first time such a resettlement programme outside designated natural reserves in Oman.

The project seeks to restore the historical and geographical distribution of the Reem gazelle, allowing the animals to roam freely as they are reintroduced to their natural environment.