Oman national strategy to tackle hazardous chemicals unveiled
The strategy was unveiled at an international workshop – Safe Management of Hazardous Chemicals – held in Muscat organised by Environment Authority (EA) in cooperation with the United Nations Environment Programme and Global Environment Facility. The two-day event was inaugurated by Sayyid Saud bin Hilal al Busaidi, Governor of Muscat.
'The national strategy aims to promote the sound management of chemicals at all stages by effectively utilising global practices, the results of studies and research, and supporting the efforts of the international community to control the circulation of chemicals,' said Mohammed bin Majid al Kasbi, Director of Chemicals and Waste Management Department at EA.
He said the strategy is designed to balance economic growth, social welfare and environmental protection – the three pillars of sustainable development.
The strategy outlines a framework for managing chemicals throughout their lifecycle, from production and handling to transport, storage, processing and disposal. It also addresses environmental and health risks associated with pollution and emissions to protect both people and ecosystems.
Beyond regulation, the strategy focuses on building national capacity, enhancing emergency preparedness and strengthening international cooperation. It calls for a unified chemical management system backed by clear policies, legal instruments and enforcement mechanisms.
The workshop has brought together experts from various sectors to explore chemical safety as a core component of environmental sustainability. A total of 18 working papers will be presented, covering areas such as mercury management, hazardous waste treatment technologies, the link between plastics and persistent organic pollutants, and the role of customs in monitoring chemical imports.
Participants will also review emergency response protocols and the environmental impact of mercury use in agriculture.
Dr Mohammed bin Saif al Kalbani, Director General of Environmental Affairs at EA, said the event aligns with ongoing efforts to foster collaboration among public and private sectors and international partners.
'This workshop complements the efforts of the authority in promoting and developing the sound management of hazardous chemicals through the exchange of expertise between relevant entities in the public and private sectors, as well as the international community, to preserve human health and the environment,' Kalbani said.
He added that the sultanate has launched the Comprehensive Initial Assessment Report on Mercury and its Compounds in Oman after joining the Minamata Convention, a global agreement to reduce mercury pollution. The report tracks mercury across its lifecycle and helps the country meet international obligations.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Muscat Daily
7 days ago
- Muscat Daily
RO3.4mn drug rehab centre opens in Amerat
Muscat – Ministry of Health (MoH) inaugurated Muscat Rehabilitation Centre in Amerat, a specialised facility for addiction recovery built at cost of RO3.4mn, on Monday. It was funded in two phases, the first supported by Petroleum Development Oman with RO2.5mn, and the second by Al Jisr Foundation with RO900,000. MoH outfitted the centre with medical equipment, devices and furnishings. Opened under the patronage of Sayyid Saud bin Hilal al Busaidi, Governor of Muscat, in the presence of H E Dr Hilal Ali al Sabti, Minister of Health, the centre is part of Oman's broader healthcare development strategy and Vision 2040 goals. Dr Yousef al Farsi, Director General of Health in the governorate, said the centre offers a structured treatment approach, starting with detoxification, followed by short-term psychological rehabilitation and long-term care to reintegrate individuals into society. 'This approach seeks to provide real opportunities for a return to a normal and healthy life, thereby directly contributing to enhancing community safety and the psychological stability of society members,' he said. The centre includes five inpatient wards with total capacity of 130 beds – 96 for males and 34 for females – including detoxification and short-term rehabilitation units. It also has a separate ward with ten beds for those referred for compulsory treatment and a long-term rehabilitation unit with 40 beds. Jumana al Zadjali of Al Jisr Foundation described the facility as a joint public-private-civil society effort, offering multidisciplinary services such as medical care, psychotherapy, physiotherapy and vocational training. The centre includes outpatient clinics, labs, a pharmacy and recreational spaces.
Times of Oman
16-06-2025
- Times of Oman
Environment Authority monitors environmental developments linked to regional events
Muscat — The Environment Authority has affirmed that current data indicates no abnormal radiation levels or environmental pollutants affecting the atmosphere in the Sultanate of Oman, confirming that the environmental situation remains stable and safe to date. The Authority urged citizens and residents to obtain information from official sources and not to circulate rumors or unverified information. In a statement, the Authority emphasized its close monitoring of ongoing regional developments, as part of its national role in tracking and assessing any potential environmental impacts, including radiation pollution. It stated that it is coordinating with relevant national units to monitor data issued by regional and international monitoring centers, in addition to analyzing readings from the early warning radiation monitoring system deployed across Oman's governorates. These efforts aim to ensure preparedness and an effective response to any developments concerning environmental safety. The Environment Authority continues its around-the-clock regulatory and technical efforts, in line with its responsibility to preserve the environment and safeguard society and natural resources in the Sultanate of Oman.
Times of Oman
16-06-2025
- Times of Oman
Environment Authority monitors environmental developments linked to regionalevents
Muscat — The Environment Authority has affirmed that current data indicates no abnormal radiation levels or environmental pollutants affecting the atmosphere in the Sultanate of Oman, confirming that the environmental situation remains stable and safe to date. The Authority urged citizens and residents to obtain information from official sources and not to circulate rumors or unverified information. In a statement, the Authority emphasized its close monitoring of ongoing regional developments, as part of its national role in tracking and assessing any potential environmental impacts, including radiation pollution. It stated that it is coordinating with relevant national units to monitor data issued by regional and international monitoring centers, in addition to analyzing readings from the early warning radiation monitoring system deployed across Oman's governorates. These efforts aim to ensure preparedness and an effective response to any developments concerning environmental safety. The Environment Authority continues its around-the-clock regulatory and technical efforts, in line with its responsibility to preserve the environment and safeguard society and natural resources in the Sultanate of Oman.
