MUSCAT : Aligned with Oman Sustainability Week (OSW), the  Environment Society of Oman (ESO) are pleased to announce the renewed support and commitment  by Veolia Oman of the Namat School Competition and Capacity-Building Programme until 2028. 

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on the 18^th of May at Veolia’s booth during the  Oman Sustainability Week, reinforcing the long-term commitment of both organizations towards  empowering youth, strengthening local environmental expertise, and advancing environmental  education and community engagement in support of Oman Vision 2040. 

The Namat School Competition is one of ESO’s leading environmental education initiatives aimed at  promoting sustainable practices within schools across the Sultanate and the surrounding  communities. The competition encourages government schools to form dedicated teams comprising  students, school staff, and members of the parent council to design and implement impactful  environmental projects. The program is implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Education  and the National Commission for Education, Culture and Science.  

The Capacity Building Programme has been equipping young and aspiring Omanis with comprehensive understanding of environmental challenges and practical skills training required to  contribute to building a sustainable future through a structured and mulXdisciplinary approach including science communication, field research, community engagement and environmental  

Suaad Al Harthi, Executive Director of ESO said, “Since its inception, the Namat Competition has been
growing in its reach and impact, reiterating its commitment to infuse environmental and sustainability
awareness into young minds. On the other hand, the Capacity Building Programme has been
producing young and aspiring Omanis through training, practical skills and hands-on experience
required to contribute to building a sustainable future. We are thankful to Veolia Oman for their
continued support and commitment with their generous sponsorship of these projects, underscoring
a shared commitment to strengthening the national capacity in environmental conservation and
sustainability.”

Added Mr Erwan Rouxel, Chief Executive Officer of Veolia Oman, “We are very pleased to renew our
ongoing collaboration with ESO for two of their key projects; the Namat Competition and Capacity
Building Programme. Veolia have been partnering with ESO for several years in supporting their
mission to address environmental challenges with innovation and responsibility these projects. While
the Namat Competition promotes environmental awareness, sustainable practices, and eco-innovation among students across Oman, the Capacity Building Programme aims at nurturing a new
generation of Omanis, who can actively drive sustainable development and lead the transition toward
a more sustainable and resilient society. This collaboration is also fully aligned with Veolia’s GreenUp
strategy, reinforcing the Group’s ambition to accelerate ecological transformation.”

With the principle, “Sustainability is a lifestyle,’’ the Namat Competition aims at fostering
Environmental Stewardship in Omani government schools across three key pillars;

• Resource & Energy Efficiency: Practical actions to reduce consumption and promote
responsible use of water, energy, and materials.

• Nature-Based Solutions (NbS): Enhancing biodiversity and ecological resilience through school  greening and ecosystem restoration.

• Climate, Community Behaviour & Circular Economy: Driving sustainable consumption, waste  reduction, and community-led circular solutions 

Since the implementation of the Namat Competition in 2019, the project has reached over 760  participating schools. The 2024/2025 edition of the competition witnessed remarkable participation  from 164 registered schools representing 10 governorates across Oman. An award ceremony was  held on 18 December 2025 under the patronage of His Excellency Dr. Saif Abdullah Suleiman Al  Hadabi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, as chief guest.  The award recognized seven winning schools from four governorates for their outstanding  environmental achievements and innovative projects. 

The competition continues to inspire students, educators, and communities through creative  environmental solutions and strong community engagement. ESO remains encouraged by the  dedication demonstrated by participating schools. 

The Capacity Building Program is structured around ESO’s four core operational pillars – Community  Engagement & Sustainability Management, Communication, Research & Conservation, and Education  & Community Outreach. Participants gain a substantial understanding of Oman’s environmental and  sustainability challenges and its sustainability goals, learn practical skills while discovering career  opportuniXes to focus on specific areas of interest. 

Looking ahead, ESO remains committed to empowering young environmental champions and  strengthening sustainability awareness among future generations. Through this strategic partnership,  ESO and Veolia Oman reaffirm their shared vision of fostering environmental responsibility,  innovation, and sustainable development across schools and communities in Oman.