MUSCAT : The authority issued the clarification following discussions on social media regarding the seizure of firewood linked to illegal logging and questions over the reasons behind confiscations and the disposal of seized quantities.

Under the Regulation Governing Logging and Charcoal Production, issued by Ministerial Decision No. 65/2017 and amended by Environment Authority Decision No. 70/2024, logging in Oman is a regulated activity requiring specific permits.

The authority said permits are available for several activities, including personal logging, professional logging, selling, transporting, and heating firewood and charcoal, with each permit subject to specific conditions, validity periods and fees.

The Environment Authority stressed that simply possessing firewood does not result in enforcement action. Measures are taken when individuals are found carrying out regulated activities without the required permits, breaching permit conditions, failing to prove the legal source of firewood, storing quantities beyond permitted limits without approval, or committing other violations specified under the regulations.

The authority confirmed that seized firewood, charcoal and related tools are documented through official reports and preserved according to approved procedures. Such items are not disposed of for the benefit of any individual.

It added that Article 10 of the regulations authorises the Environment Authority to deal with confiscated items resulting from violations in accordance with applicable legal procedures.

The authority emphasised that its objective is not to restrict citizens or infringe upon their livelihoods, but to ensure that logging is practiced legally and sustainably, thus preserving the rights of current and future generations to natural resources and vegetation.

The Environment Authority urged individuals involved in logging, transporting or selling firewood and charcoal to obtain the necessary permits through official channels and contact the authority for information on requirements and procedures.

For all the latest news from Oman and GCC, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn, like us on Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube page, which is updated daily.