Muscat – The Environment Authority (EA) has issued an official statement addressing social media discussions concerning the seizure of wood resulting from unauthorized logging practices.

The Authority clarified that logging in Oman is a regulated activity governed by Ministerial Decision No. 2017/65 and its amendment No. 2024/70, aiming to achieve a balance between enabling citizens to conduct legitimate activities and protecting wild trees and plant cover from unregulated exploitation.

The regulations provide various types of permits, including personal logging, professional logging, and permits for selling, transporting, and charcoaling wood under specific conditions and fees.

Seizure procedures are not taken merely for possessing wood, but occur when activities are practiced without required permits, violate permit conditions, involve unverified sources, or exceed approved storage limits without written approval.

Confiscated wood and charcoal are recorded in official reports and kept in approved facilities according to established procedures, with the Authority holding the legal right to dispose of confiscated materials following legal processes.

The Authority emphasised that its goal is not to restrict citizens’ livelihoods, but to ensure lawful and sustainable logging practices that preserve the rights of current and future generations in natural resources and plant cover.

Finally, the Authority invited those wishing to practice logging or transport and sell wood to obtain appropriate permits through official channels and communicate with the Authority for inquiries regarding required procedures.