MUSCAT : This prestigious ranking, announced by the Yale Center for Environmental Law and Policy and Columbia University’s Center for International Earth Science Information Network, reflects Oman’s significant strides in environmental protection.

The country’s score rose to 51.9 out of 100, propelling it from 149th in 2022 to a remarkable 50th position globally amongst 180 nations.

The EPI prioritizes the health of ecosystems, measuring a country’s success in preserving, protecting, and enhancing these vital systems. This category accounts for 42 percent of the total score and encompasses six key areas: habitat and biodiversity, ecosystem services, fisheries, water acidity, agriculture, and water resources.

Spearheaded by the Environment Authority and other relevant authorities, Oman has made significant progress in this area.

Royal decrees establishing new natural reserves have played a crucial role in boosting Oman’s ranking. The total number of protected areas in the country has reached 30, with over 25 designated biodiversity hotspots. The Environment Authority’s dedication to effective reserve management, including infrastructure development and specialized staff, further strengthens these efforts. Additionally, initiatives to combat invasive species, rehabilitate endangered wildlife, and fight desertification contribute to Oman’s commitment to biodiversity.

Beyond ecosystem health, several other areas contributed to Oman’s improved EPI ranking. This includes advancements in fisheries management, environmental health, air quality, and climate change mitigation. The fisheries sector has witnessed significant progress, while water sanitation, waste management, recycling rates, and air quality have all shown improvement. Notably, Oman has also launched a national Green Growth Plan and declared 2050 as the target year for achieving carbon neutrality.

Oman’s commitment to environmental sustainability has garnered global praise. The inclusion of the EPI as a strategic indicator in Oman Vision 2040 demonstrates the country’s long-term focus on environmental protection. This achievement is a source of pride for the Environment Agency, various relevant national bodies, and the dedicated steering committees and technical teams who have tirelessly worked towards this goal.

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