Muscat: The Environment Authority of Oman has highlighted its notable environmental accomplishments in 2024, characterized by the execution of 151 projects across multiple sectors, including pollution management, biodiversity preservation, and climate initiatives. This comprehensive effort has led to a significant enhancement in Oman's global environmental standing, advancing from 149th place in 2022 to 54th in 2024 among 180 nations.
Key Achievements and Initiatives:
Diverse Project Portfolio: The 151 projects encompassed a wide range of areas, such as pollution management, biodiversity preservation, climate initiatives, youth engagement, and legislative measures, in alignment with Oman Vision 2040 and international commitments.
Remarkable Ranking Advancement: Oman's global environmental ranking experienced a substantial rise, indicating progress in critical areas such as habitats, biodiversity, forestry, water resources, air quality, waste management, and climate change mitigation.
Oman Climate Week Announcement: The Authority has introduced the inaugural "Oman Climate Week," set to take place from February 24-27, 2025. This event is designed to promote international cooperation on climate action and underscore Oman's dedication to achieving a zero-carbon future.
Community Engagement: The Authority underscored the significance of collaborative efforts with government entities, the private sector, and local communities in executing initiatives like the National Campaign to Combat Invasive Birds, the 10 Million Trees project, and the Blue Carbon Project.
Emphasis on Pollution Management: Ten distinct initiatives were underscored, encompassing research on fuel consumption in industrial zones, the creation of air quality monitoring stations, and the implementation of a nationwide prohibition on plastic shopping bags.
Biodiversity Protection: Eighteen initiatives were dedicated to biodiversity, featuring national biodiversity assessments, marine mammal studies, bird and turtle surveys, the declaration of new nature reserves, and the enhancement of Al Saleel Nature Reserve.
Climate Initiatives: Two significant climate-related projects were noted: the inaugural Transparency Report on Climate Change and the National Political Framework Project aimed at Carbon Registration and Certification.
Improved Governance and Legislation: The total number of nature reserves rose to 30, accompanied by the introduction of new regulations concerning wildlife trade, Ghaf tree conservation, plastic bag restrictions, wild animal possession, logging, charcoal production, and noise regulation.
Augmented Monitoring: The Authority emphasized its environmental monitoring initiatives, which include the deployment of drones and the "Lynx Project," an electronic data collection application.
Launch of the National Green Buildings Assessment System (Roznah): The Authority introduced "Roznah," a new framework designed to encourage sustainable construction practices, in partnership with various governmental and private entities.
The 2024 environmental review reflects the Environment Authority's dedication to delivering precise data and enhancing public awareness regarding environmental challenges.
