Muscat : Oman’s participation in the day (observed annually on June 17) reflects its commitment to international efforts aimed at raising awareness about environmental challenges, encouraging sustainable practices, supporting policies to protect natural resources, and enhancing global cooperation to combat desertification and land degradation.

The celebration highlights the role of ecosystem restoration in creating jobs, enhancing food and water security, supporting climate efforts, and building sustainable economies.

As part of its broader environmental strategy, the Environment Authority is implementing several initiatives and projects to promote green spaces, preserve biodiversity, and enhance environmental sustainability. Among the key initiatives is the National Initiative to Plant 10 Million Trees, launched on January 8, 2020. The project aims to expand green cover, combat desertification, and rehabilitate degraded lands.

Complementing this is the National Tree Cover Survey Project, which utilizes advanced technologies such as remote sensing, geographic information systems (GIS), and artificial intelligence to provide comprehensive data on tree coverage across the Sultanate.

The Authority is also spearheading mangrove restoration efforts. Mangroves, vital coastal ecosystems in Oman, currently span approximately 1,030 hectares. In cooperation with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the Environment Authority is executing a project to plant one million mangrove seedlings, aiming to enhance marine biodiversity, sequester carbon dioxide, and promote ecotourism.

It is also preparing the National Plan to Combat Desertification, which is updated every 10 years in cooperation with the Arab Organization for Agricultural Development. This is in addition to international participation and community initiatives, such as the Sultanate of Oman’s participation in the Conference of the Parties (COP16) to combat desertification