Muscat – The foundational workshop for the ‘Plant Oman 2050’ initiative commenced today in Muscat under the patronage of H E Dr Ahmed Nasser al Bakri, Undersecretary for Agriculture in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources. This ambitious national project aims to expand organised afforestation, enhance environmental sustainability, and support food security while contributing to the Sultanate’s net-zero carbon targets. The two-day event focuses on restoring degraded natural habitats, combating desertification, and increasing green cover through the planting of native and wild trees across various governorates.

Building on the success of the previous national initiative to plant ten million trees between 2020 and 2025, which exceeded its targets by planting millions of seeds and mangrove trees, “Plant Oman 2050” represents a more comprehensive strategic extension. The initiative is based on three main pillars: enhancing biodiversity, supporting food security through fruit-bearing trees, and advancing climate action via blue and green carbon projects. Ali Said Ali al Araimi, CEO of Oman Agriculture Development Company, emphasised that the project includes qualitative targets such as the creation of “Oman Forests,” green cities, and national parks, representing a shared national responsibility between the government, the private sector, and civil society.

The workshop also witnessed the signing of a cooperation programme between the Environment Authority and Oman Agriculture Development Company to research and develop tissue culture protocols for propagating wild and mangrove trees. Discussions during the sessions cover international partnerships in sustainable agriculture, land use policies, and modern irrigation technologies, including the use of smart water boxes for arid regions.