Thursday 09 / January / 2025
Muscat: The Environment Authority of Oman has showcased its significant environmental achievements in 2024, marked by the implementation of 151 projects across various sectors, including pollution control, biodiversity conservation, and climate affairs. This extensive work has resulted in a dramatic improvement in Oman's global environmental ranking, rising from 149th in 2022 to 54th in 2024 out of 180 countries.
Key Achievements and Initiatives:
Broad Scope of Projects: The 151 projects spanned diverse areas, including pollution control, biodiversity conservation, climate action, youth initiatives, and legislative efforts, aligning with Oman Vision 2040 and international agreements.
Significant Ranking Improvement: Oman's global environmental ranking saw a remarkable leap, reflecting progress in areas like habitats, biodiversity, forests, water resources, air quality, waste management, and climate change mitigation.
Oman Climate Week: The Authority announced the first "Oman Climate Week," scheduled for February 24-27, 2025. This event aims to foster global collaboration on climate action and highlight Oman's commitment to a zero-carbon future.
Community Involvement: The Authority emphasized the importance of community partnerships with government, private sectors, and local communities in implementing projects such as the National Campaign to Combat Invasive Birds, the 10 Million Trees initiative, and the Blue Carbon Project.
Focus on Pollution Control: Ten specific projects were highlighted, including studies on fuel use in industrial areas, the establishment of air quality monitoring stations, and the nationwide ban on plastic shopping bags.
Biodiversity Conservation: Eighteen projects focused on biodiversity, including national biodiversity surveys, marine mammal surveys, bird and turtle surveys, the announcement of new nature reserves, and the development of Al Saleel Nature Reserve.
Climate Action: Two major climate projects were highlighted: the First Transparency Report on Climate Change and the National Political Framework Project for Carbon Registration and Certification.
Strengthened Governance and Legislation: The number of nature reserves increased to 30, and new regulations were issued regarding wildlife trade, Ghaf tree reserves, plastic bag usage, possession of wild animals, logging, charcoal production, and noise control.
Enhanced Monitoring: The Authority highlighted its environmental monitoring efforts, including the use of drones and the "Lynx Project" electronic data collection application.
National Green Buildings Assessment System (Roznah) Launch: The Authority launched "Roznah," a new system promoting sustainable building practices, in collaboration with various government and private institutions.
The 2024 environmental review demonstrates the Environment Authority's commitment to providing accurate data and raising public awareness about environmental issues.
