Muscat – The Environment Authority (EA) will launch an Environmental Atlas on Sunday as part of its official World Environment Day celebrations, marking a step towards building an integrated digital system for environmental information and planning.

The event, organised by EA in partnership with the youth team Our Footprint is Different, will focus on climate action, environmental awareness and sustainability.

The launch of the Environmental Atlas is expected to be the centrepiece of the programme. Developed under the Tenth Five-Year Development Plan, the atlas brings together maps and data on environmentally sensitive areas, nature reserves and key ecological sites across the sultanate.

According to EA, the platform is designed to improve access to environmental information, support planning and sustainable development, and strengthen coordination among government entities and stakeholders.

Speaking ahead of the event, Dr Mohammed bin Saif Al Kalbani, Director General of Environmental Compliance at EA, said World Environment Day remains a key platform for highlighting environmental priorities and promoting action to address climate change. He noted that this year’s global theme focuses on climate change and the need to adapt to and mitigate its effects.

Alongside the official celebration, the authority has organised a series of activities across several governorates, including tree-planting campaigns, seedling distribution and awareness programmes. Special attention is being given to Dhofar, where activities coincide with preparations for the khareef season.

The campaigns will also promote the protection of vegetation cover and encourage responsible waste disposal in valleys and natural environments.

The authority said the Environmental Atlas reflects Oman’s commitment to strengthening environmental knowledge and making reliable data available for decision-makers, researchers and the wider public.

Oman has expanded environmental initiatives in recent years, including programmes to increase vegetation cover, protect biodiversity and enhance environmental monitoring systems. The country has also pledged to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and has launched projects in renewable energy and green hydrogen as part of its climate strategy.

World Environment Day, observed annually on June 5, was established by the United Nations in 1972 and has become one of the largest global platforms for environmental awareness and action. 

This year’s international observance highlights nature-based solutions to climate challenges, a theme closely aligned with Oman’s efforts in ecosystem conservation and restoration.