An event dedicated to promoting environmental sustainability received enthusiastic responses, attracting significant involvement from academic institutions, corporations, and the artistic community.
The exhibition boasted approximately 43 diverse stalls and a substantial section allocated to 26 art projects, effectively disseminating the message of sustainability in everyday life, addressing the broader issue of environmental sustainability.
Participants, representing educational institutions, both private and public companies, and a select group of artists, drew in a crowd of at least 1,500 attendees at the multipurpose hall of Dhofar University.
The event supervisor, Dr. Mariam Anil, attributed the success of the event to the robust engagement from educational institutions, local businesses, and artists.
A highlight of the event was the 'Project Competition', which welcomed entries from students across Oman, aiming to foster innovative thinking and increase awareness regarding environmental sustainability. The competition, themed 'Environmental Sustainability: Innovative Solutions for a Greener Future', featured 31 teams, selected from a pool of 60, presenting projects aimed at addressing critical environmental challenges.
Participating institutions included Dhofar University, Oman College of Health Sciences, the University of Technology and Applied Sciences, and various schools, highlighting the event's national impact.
Within the exhibition, 12 companies showcased their sustainable business practices, representing sectors such as environmental conservation, agriculture, livestock research, small and medium enterprises, and architectural design. This provided a platform for local businesses, including Dhofar University’s Centre for Entrepreneurship and Dear Baby handmade products, to demonstrate their dedication to sustainable practices.
Furthermore, the exhibition incorporated an artistic element, featuring works from 26 artists—a mix of teachers and students from Dhofar University, the British School, As-Soud School, and Al Saada School for Post-Basic Education. This collaboration between creativity and environmental consciousness added depth to the exhibition.
Artworks crafted from recycled, upcycled, and natural materials conveyed critical messages regarding climate change, resource conservation, and sustainable living. Beyond being an art show, the exhibition ignited discussions on the role of art in elevating environmental awareness and inspiring collective action towards a more sustainable future.
A total of six projects, divided equally between the Higher Secondary and Undergraduate categories, were awarded the title of winners following a comprehensive evaluation conducted by a panel of experts. This panel included esteemed members such as Dr. Prajoona Valsalan, Dr. Shouvik Sanyal, and Dr. Kavita Chavali.
In the Higher Secondary category, the projects that emerged victorious were: Space Harvest (Indian School Salalah) – for their pioneering work on the first robot designed to purify water contaminated with waste (Aldhiya International School), Second Renewable Energy Solutions (Abu Firas Al-Hamdani School) – for their innovative solutions in renewable energy, and Third In the Undergraduate category, the accolades went to the following projects: Sustainable Waste Management – which focuses on transforming waste into valuable resources, First Design and Development of a Smart Wet Waste Collection Bin with an innovative reward system for users in Oman (Ibra), and Second Removal of Heavy Metals from Oil-Well Produced Water Utilizing Agriculture Waste as an Eco-Friendly Adsorbent.
The culmination of the event was marked by the distribution of prizes to the winners, alongside certificates of appreciation for both participants and sponsors, acknowledging their pivotal roles in the success of Sustainability Week.
This initiative was spearheaded by Dhofar University’s College of Commerce and Business Administration (CCBA) under the leadership of faculty members and a dedicated team, led by Dr. Mariam Anil.
Dr. Mariam Anil highlighted the significance of the event, stating, “The two-day event, organized as ‘Sustainability Week 2024’ from November 11 to 12, has established a strong foundation for promoting sustainability both within and beyond the campus. It underscores the importance of collaboration in achieving environmental objectives.”
