Drive to plant more trees to curb desertification

MUSCAT: The Sultanate of Oman is actively fighting against desertification and drought through afforestation as part of its strategic vision to protect the environment, conserve nature, preserve natural resources and ensure the rational use of limited water resources.
The agricultural sector plays a key role in achieving this diversification by supporting local production and developing infrastructure that promotes sustainability across Oman's governorates as part of ongoing efforts.
In an interview, Saif al Tobi, an aquaculture supervisor in the Environment Authority (EA), stated, 'The Sultanate of Oman is making numerous efforts to reduce the risks of drought and soil desertification in cooperation with relevant authorities. The EA is working in coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, and Muscat Municipality to implement joint initiatives and projects in this field.' Al Tobi added that several initiatives have been implemented to combat drought and desertification, including the National Initiative for Planting Ten Million Trees, launched in early 2020.

This initiative aims to plant wild trees, mitigate desertification, limit land degradation, preserve plant biodiversity, and conserve Omani trees and wild plants through propagation and expansion due to their environmental, economic and cultural importance.
Several nurseries have been established to propagate wild plants in all governorates. These nurseries are the primary funders of desertification control projects and aim to conserve Omani plant species. The EA affirms that the implementation of the national initiative to plant ten million trees is a continuation of its efforts to raise awareness and educate the community about the conservation of trees and wild plants, as well as to increase green areas. Through this initiative, the EA also seeks to expand efforts and partnerships between government institutions, the private sector, the local community, and individuals to preserve the natural environment and achieve sustainable development.
According to the EA, the focus is on tree types with multiple uses, including Ghaf, Samr, Rak, Sidr, Shu, Salm, Sidaf and Arta. Nurseries in Dhofar Governorate have also focused on Dhofar plants such as Saqout, Qaydayt, Taiq, Tashqout and Arir, given their importance in supporting desertification control projects, as well as their medicinal and social significance.
The Sultanate of Oman's efforts to sustain natural resources have focused on developing comprehensive national strategies. Oman, represented by the EA, has emphasised the importance of preserving and maintaining natural resources to ensure their sustainability, protect the environment from all factors contributing to desertification, and limit the spread and exacerbation of this negative phenomenon, given its direct impact on the balance of ecosystems resulting from numerous climatic factors and human activities.