MUSCAT – The initiative, carried out in cooperation with Dhofar Municipality and the Awareness Initiative team, also includes active participation from the local community. The campaign will run until October 30.
Hatem bin Salem Kalshat Al Mahri, Director of the Vegetation Cover Development Department at the General Directorate of Environment in Dhofar, said the current phase targets two major pests that threaten rare and ecologically significant tree species: stem borers and termites.
He emphasised that the campaign prioritizes the preservation of the wild fig tree (Tiq-Ghaydit), which holds environmental, aesthetic, and historical importance in the region.
He added that the work teams at this stage are relying on a dual approach, including the safe use of specialized pesticides with limited environmental impact, in addition to applying manual and traditional methods that ensure the removal of localised infestations and reduce reliance on chemicals. This will ensure the effective elimination of pests and preserve the overall safety of the trees and the surrounding ecosystem.
He explained that this phase builds on the success of the campaign’s previous two phases this year and in previous years. Previous phases yielded positive and tangible results, and the Authority’s teams and partners were able to significantly reduce the spread of infections in the targeted areas.
It is worth noting that insect pest control campaigns on perennial trees have wide-ranging benefits, as they preserve biodiversity and ensure the sustainability of native plant species, which are a vital habitat and component of the food chain for local organisms.