Dhofar wins top Arab Environmental Award for invasive plant control

SALALAH: Dhofar Governorate has secured first place in the Environmental Health and Safety category at the 15th edition of the Arab Towns Organization Awards for its Invasive Plant Control Programme targeting the spread of the Parthenium weed.
The programme is being implemented through a national working group comprising Dhofar Municipality, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, and the Environment Authority, with academic and research support from Sultan Qaboos University, Dhofar University, Nizwa University and the Oman Botanic Garden.
Dr Ahmed bin Mohsen al Ghassani, Chairman of Dhofar Municipality and head of the steering committee overseeing the programme, said the achievement reflects the governorate’s commitment to adopting best practices in environmental health and safety.
He noted that the Parthenium weed control programme is based on an integrated approach that combines scientific planning, institutional collaboration and continuous field monitoring to limit the spread of the invasive plant and safeguard natural pastures and biodiversity in Dhofar.
Dr Al Ghassani added that Dhofar Governorate continues to strengthen its environmental initiatives in cooperation with relevant authorities to ensure the sustainability of the results achieved and promote a culture of environmental awareness in the community.
He stressed that the Arab recognition serves as motivation to further advance environmental initiatives and contribute to regional efforts aimed at developing Arab cities and improving the quality of life.
The programme has been implemented in partnership with several government, academic and environmental institutions, which contributed to research, environmental monitoring, community awareness campaigns and field studies on invasive plant species.
The award is presented by the Arab Towns Organization, established in 1983, which seeks to encourage innovation, preserve the identity and heritage of Arab cities, and promote sustainable urban development.
The Environmental Health and Safety Award is one of the organisation’s key categories and recognises Arab cities that implement specialised programmes in environmental protection, public health and pollution reduction. – ONA