Oman to mark World Oceans Day, focus on marine conservation
This year's theme – Wonder: Sustaining What Sustains Us – highlights the significance of oceans in maintaining ecological balance and supporting global livelihoods.
Led by Environment Authority, Oman's participation includes a range of activities aimed at promoting marine conservation. These include beach clean-ups, ocean waste removal campaigns and educational initiatives designed to engage local communities.
Oman has launched several long-term marine protection projects. One of the key efforts is the annual Marine Pollutant Monitoring Project, which tracks levels of contaminants such as heavy metals and hydrocarbons along the sultanate's coastline, from Musandam to Dhofar.
Monitoring is focused on areas near industrial zones and ports which are considered environmentally sensitive.
Environment Authority is also conducting targeted conservation programmes for rare marine species. A notable initiative is the study of loggerhead turtle nesting on Masirah Island, carried out in collaboration with international partners. The research aims to identify factors affecting nesting success and develop sustainable beach management practices.
Another major effort is the Arabian Sea Humpback Whale Tracking Project, which monitors one of the world's rarest whale populations. The data gathered supports development of conservation strategies for the endangered species.
Oman's broader environmental policy includes development of a National Biodiversity Strategy and regular field surveys to assess the status of flora and fauna, with particular attention to endangered species.
The authority enforces environmental legislation, including the Environmental Protection and Pollution Control Law and the Natural Reserves Law, and oversees compliance with rules regulating the discharge of liquid waste into the marine environment.
'These efforts reflect Oman's commitment to environmental stewardship and the sustainable use of marine resources,' the authority stated. The initiatives are aligned with the goals of Oman Vision 2040, which prioritises ecological sustainability alongside national development.
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