Muscat – Oman intensified its environmental conservation efforts during the first half of 2026, planting tens of thousands of native seedlings, collecting millions of wild seeds and strengthening biodiversity protection, according to half-year statistics released by the Environment Authority (EA).

As part of its afforestation programme, the EA collected more than 58.73mn wild tree seeds and 2.61mn mangrove seeds during the six-month period. It also planted more than 13.11mn wild tree seeds and 2.61mn mangrove seeds to support vegetation restoration and combat land degradation.

The authority said it distributed 60,790 wild seedlings, while producing 434,153 seedlings in its nurseries. 

The authority continued to expand its environmental oversight, issuing 13,511 environmental permits and licences and reviewing 291 environmental projects and plans. It recorded 704 environmental violations, received 73 environmental emergency reports, handled 76 environmental cases, and carried out 32,078 field visits and wildlife protection patrols.

Visitor numbers to Oman’s protected areas also remained strong, with 29,521 people visiting nature reserves during the first half of the year.

Wildlife conservation programmes saw 2,642 wild animals and birds cared for at rehabilitation and breeding centres, while 46 animals and birds were rescued.

Marine conservation efforts focused on turtle nesting beaches. The authority recorded 12,957 turtles, 10,247 nesting turtles, 55 stray turtles, and 30 dead. A further 182 newly tagged and 48 previously tagged turtles were monitored as part of ongoing conservation programmes.

The EA also continued efforts to control invasive bird species, reporting the removal of 45,212 mynas and 17,084 crows, bringing the total number of birds culled to 62,296.

On the public engagement front, the authority organised 374 awareness seminars and campaigns, delivered 203 lectures, participated in 45 exhibitions, made 98 television and 70 radio appearances, distributed 4,575 brochures, and secured 1,123 newspaper mentions.

The authority also expanded training and scientific activities, conducting 20 administrative development courses, alongside programmes in biodiversity, vegetation, media, artificial intelligence, climate, environmental law and inspection. It awarded five external and internal scholarships, including postgraduate opportunities.

Its scientific output included 28 research publications covering biodiversity, climate change, environmental compliance, emergency response, vegetation, chemicals and waste management, environmental monitoring and radiation protection. Among the highlights was the documentation of a new record of leaf-toed gecko Pristurus assareen in Oman.