Muscat: The Environment Authority of Oman is embarking on a significant initiative to safeguard and catalog the native tree species within the country.
Represented by the Environment Department in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, in collaboration with the Municipality Department in Bahla, the Environment Authority has initiated the third and concluding phase of its project. This phase is dedicated to the inventory and documentation of perennial wild trees across the Wilayat of Bahla, with the project set to extend until November.
The focus of this phase is on affixing metal plates to certain perennial wild trees within the Wilayat. This measure will aid in mapping the distribution of these native trees and simultaneously heighten awareness among the local populace and visitors to Oman about the ecological, economic, and social significance of these trees.
The overarching goal of the project is to foster a culture of planting indigenous trees, while also preserving the existing stock and promoting awareness against encroachment. Perennial wild trees play a crucial role in the production of seeds for various local species, which are part of the national effort to plant 10 million trees. Moreover, these trees offer benefits such as moderating the climate, absorbing carbon dioxide, mitigating dust, and providing habitats for numerous species.
This initiative is also aimed at advancing the methodology of acquiring knowledge through the use of modern technical tools, with the objective of minimizing the reliance on printed materials. This reduction is crucial in the conservation of forests, which are often depleted for the production of paper and books. The Authority is committed to engaging the community as a true collaborator in achieving the objectives of sustainable development, which includes the preservation of the environment and the conservation of natural resources.
