Muscat: World Environment Day, celebrated globally, is a crucial platform for raising environmental awareness and promoting collective action. This year, Oman joined the international community in emphasizing the importance of restoring lands and enhancing environmental policies.

In a bid to mitigate desertification and land degradation, Oman’s Environment Authority has spearheaded several initiatives. Notably, the national initiative launched in 2020 aims to plant 10 million trees across the Sultanate. This ambitious project seeks to expand green areas and rejuvenate degraded lands.

Efforts include the construction of Green Belt fences in Dhofar Governorate, where 45 fences are being built to facilitate wild tree planting. Additionally, the Environment Authority has rolled out awareness campaigns targeting diverse community groups to promote farming and the conservation of green spaces.

Oman’s dedication extends to comprehensive planning, with the national plan to combat desertification being updated every ten years since its inception in 2005. The 2018-2030 plan is in progress, alongside developing a national plan to combat drought in collaboration with the Arab Organization for Agricultural Development.