Oman: EA launches initiative to combat desertification in North Sharqiyah
Called 'Wild Cropping to Combat Desertification', the initiative is a collaborative effort led by Directorate General of Housing and Urban Planning in North Sharqiyah, the Environment Department and North Sharqiyah Municipality.
As part of the initiative, 5,000 wild trees will be planted in Al Rumayl and Hayal. The reforestation plan aims to increase natural vegetation cover, preserve native wild plant species, and curb the expansion of desertification and environmental degradation.
Several volunteer groups and local sports teams of the wilayat are also participating in the initiative, highlighting the role of community engagement in environmental protection.
An EA official said the initiative is a cornerstone of the national strategy to fight desertification, aligning closely with goals of Oman Vision 2040 in environmental conservation.
'This initiative reflects our commitment to the sustainable use of natural resources and is a practical application of the sultanate's broader sustainable development strategies,' the official stated. 'It also reflects growing environmental awareness among local communities and the power of collective action.'
© Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
2 days ago
- Zawya
Oman: Environmental awareness exhibition opens in Salalah
Salalah – The Environment Authority in Dhofar Governorate has launched an environmental awareness exhibition at Salalah Grand Mall, running from July 2 to 5. The exhibition aims to promote public awareness of environmental protection and biodiversity conservation. Visitors can explore a rich display of wildlife imagery and learn about rare and endangered species native to the region, including the Arabian leopard, Nubian ibex, Arabian gazelle, as well as various bird and reptile species. The initiative is part of ongoing efforts to foster environmental responsibility and highlight the ecological heritage of the Sultanate of Oman. © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
3 days ago
- Zawya
Oman: Shoppers buy ‘green' bags as third phase of plastic ban rolls out
MUSCAT: Shoppers in Muscat were taken aback when they discovered on Wednesday that some supermarkets had stopped giving plastic bags with the items they had purchased. 'When I paid for the products, I had to purchase a green bag for 125 baisas at a supermarket in Ruwi as I was left with no other choice than to carry the products to my car without the bag,' said Sujata, an Indian expat living in Rex Road. This comes after Oman rolled out the third phase of its plastic bag ban on Tuesday, July 1, in accordance with the approved timeline in Decision No. (8/2024). Officials said if the regulations are violated, they can be fined ranging from OMR50 to OMR1,000. The Environment Authority (EA) said that the activities in this phase included sale of vegetables, fruits, grocery, foodstuffs, sweets, gifts and bakery stores. Regarding the alternatives, the Environment Authority suggested use of fabric bags and paper bags. The EA issued a statement, highlighting the long-term dangers of single-use plastic bags on marine life and the broader environment. 'A single plastic bag may seem harmless, but it leaves a profound impact on marine life and our environment for decades! Your simple decision to use sustainable alternatives makes a big difference,' it stated. The EA detailed the consequences of plastic pollution on ocean ecosystems. 'Fish, turtles, and whales may mistake plastic bags for food and swallow them, leading to suffocation or blockages in their digestive systems, which can result in death. Then the marine creatures like turtles or birds may get entangled in plastic bags, causing them to suffocate or suffer serious injuries,' it said. Sujit Kumar went to the supermarket to get essentials as he was expecting some guests at his home for lunch on Wednesday. 'I went to the supermarket to buy some juices and food packets but the person at the billing counter reminded me of the plastic bags directive from July 1.' Similarly, Sohail, a Pakistani expat, had been to a nearby supermarket in Qurum to shop for his daily essentials. Without knowledge of the ban, he purchased his monthly groceries, but he did not have any bags to carry the items. Therefore, he had to purchase a reusable bag. 'From now on, I will be keeping these bags in my car and whenever I go shopping, I will use them,' added Sohail. Phase one of the plastic ban was implemented on July 1, 2024, targeting single-use plastic bags thinner than 50 micrometres. The second phase began on January 1, 2025, and it included textile shops, tailoring shops, mobile shops, watch shops, retailers, etc. The third phase was introduced from July 1, 2025.
Zawya
29-04-2025
- Zawya
Saudi Arabia's aid tops $134bln across 172 countries
LONDON — Supervisor General of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah said that Saudi Arabia has provided over $134 billion in aid to 172 countries during the period between 1996 and 2025. Addressing a meeting with members of the UK House of Lords in the United Kingdom's parliament in London on Monday, he noted that KSrelief was established on May 13, 2015 as a generous initiative by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman to serve as a specialized entity delivering diverse humanitarian and relief programs. 'The KSrelief has implemented 3,400 projects in 107 countries, with a total value of some $8 billion, covering vital sectors such as food security, education, health, protection, nutrition, water and sanitation, and other essential areas to address humanitarian needs worldwide,' he said. Dr. Al-Rabeeah pointed out that the center has carried out 1,089 projects specifically dedicated to women worldwide, with a total value exceeding $868 million, and 1,029 projects focused on children, worth over $1 billion, benefiting more than 219 million children. The KSrelief chief highlighted that the Saudi Conjoined Twins Program, a globally unique initiative that receives conjoined and parasitic twins from around the world and covers all expenses related to their separation surgeries, medical care, and post-operative rehabilitation. Since its inception in 1990, the program has evaluated 149 cases from 27 countries and successfully performed 62 separation surgeries. Regarding refugees in the Kingdom, Dr. Al-Rabeeah noted that Saudi Arabia is among the leading host countries, referring to refugees as "visitors," with a total of 1,095,029 individuals from Yemen, Syria, and Myanmar. The Kingdom grants them the right to work and provides free healthcare and education in public schools. Members of the House of Lords praised Saudi Arabia's humanitarian and relief efforts through KSrelief, recognizing its role in supporting global humanitarian initiative and alleviating the suffering of vulnerable and affected populations worldwide. © Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
