Muscat – Oman has made significant progress in environmental protection, recycling and the circular economy ahead of its participation in the 31st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31), scheduled in Antalya, Türkiye, from November 9 to 20.

The sultanate has recycled 1.77mn tonnes of municipal solid waste, while the number of recycling plants has reached 85. It has also achieved 100% coverage in the safe management of solid waste and waste collection and transportation services.

Marine protected areas now account for 16.19% of Oman’s exclusive economic zone, up from 0.33%, exceeding the target set for 2030. Forests cover 1.5% of the country’s total land area, also meeting the 2030 target.

Oman had 32 nature reserves in 2025, with investments exceeding RO44mn through nine contracts across seven reserves. The sultanate is also targeting the planting of 100mn mangrove trees across 20,000 hectares under its blue carbon initiatives, with an estimated potential to remove 14mn tonnes of carbon dioxide.

The Environment Authority (EA) is coordinating national preparations for COP31, involving teams responsible for negotiations, media, the Omani pavilion, youth, innovation and logistical support.

Oman advanced six places in the 2026 Environmental Performance Index to rank 49th globally, compared with 55th in 2024. It also ranked first worldwide in six sub-indicators covering waste management, wastewater treatment, species habitats and emissions reduction, among other areas.

The sultanate’s environmental initiatives have received regional and international recognition, while investments in conservation and the use of digital technologies continue to support sustainability efforts.

Oman’s participation in COP31 is expected to provide an opportunity to showcase its experience in environmental protection, biodiversity conservation and the green economy, strengthen international partnerships and support its ambition to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.