MUSCAT – The initiative is part of the Authority’s ongoing efforts to implement the third phase of Ministerial Decision No. 8/2024 regarding the ban on plastic shopping bags.
Mohammed Amer Al Hajri, Director of the Environment Department in the governorate, explained that the initiative includes an awareness week targeting commercial outlets and traditional markets in the wilayats of North Al Sharqiyah. The campaign began today with a visit to the ‘Thursday Market’ in the Wilayat of Sinaw and will continue next week to cover the ‘Monday Market’ in Wadi Bani Khalid, the ‘Tuesday Markets’ in Al Mudhaibi and Bidiyah, the ‘Wednesday Market’ in Ibra, as well as traditional markets in the wilayats of Al Qabil and Dima wa Al-Ta’een.

He clarified that the initiative aims to raise environmental awareness among vendors and marketgoers by educating them on the importance of reducing plastic bag usage and replacing them with eco-friendly alternatives.

Al Hajri noted that the campaign includes distributing multilingual awareness brochures (in Arabic, English, and Urdu) to ensure the environmental message reaches all segments of society, in addition to providing reusable bags to shop owners and consumers.

He added that the campaign involves participation from members of the student environmental council from higher education institutions in the governorate, reflecting the importance of engaging youth in environmental initiatives and strengthening community partnerships.

It is worth mentioning that the Environment Authority continues to implement awareness programs and initiatives in North A’Sharqiyah, with the aim of promoting positive environmental practices and achieving a clean, safe, and sustainable environment across all wilayats of the governorate.