Sur – The Environment Authority, in cooperation with the University of Technology and Applied Sciences in Sur, organised a forum on Tuesday titled ‘Stations of Hope and Sustainability’ to promote a culture of recycling among students and the wider community.

An official from the authority said that fostering a recycling culture is essential to building a sustainable future, particularly as environmental challenges accelerate worldwide. He noted that rising consumption and increasing waste levels demand more responsible practices, with individuals playing a central role in safeguarding natural resources.

He said the forum underlines the importance of educational institutions in instilling sustainability values in younger generations. Schools and universities, he added, provide an effective environment for shaping responsible behaviour in waste management and recycling, enabling students to adopt sustainable lifestyles in the long term.

The official stressed that recycling is no longer an option but a necessity to reduce the depletion of natural resources and curb the volume of waste sent to landfills, which adversely affects ecosystems. Reusing materials and converting them into new products can also reduce carbon emissions and conserve energy, with positive effects on public health and quality of life.

The forum featured practical workshops and interactive programmes aimed at translating awareness into everyday practice. Participants were introduced to waste sorting methods and encouraged to reduce consumption, while sessions also highlighted the risks posed by single-use plastic bags to marine and terrestrial environments.

He said efforts to raise awareness about restrictions on plastic bags reflect a broader national direction towards stricter environmental policies, supported by community and educational initiatives aimed at changing consumption patterns. The official underscored the importance of cooperation between government institutions and the education sector in building sustained environmental awareness.

He added that investing in environmental education for young people will help shape a more responsible society capable of advancing sustainable development goals in Oman.