Workshop commences for 'Plant Oman 2050' initiative project

MUSCAT: The inaugural workshop for the 'Plant Oman 2050' initiative project commenced in Muscat. The workshop aims to expand organised afforestation, enhance environmental sustainability, support food security and contribute to achieving Net-Zero carbon emissions targets.
The opening of the workshop was held under the auspices of Dr Ahmed bin Nasser al Bakri, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources for Agriculture. It seeks to enhance the environment and biodiversity by restoring degraded natural habitats, combating desertification, increasing vegetation cover through the planting of wild and native trees, and improving the efficiency of ecosystems across various governorates of the Sultanate of Oman.
The two-day workshop aims to support food security by expanding the cultivation of fruit-bearing trees, enhancing local food production and generating sustainable economic value from agricultural resources. Additionally, it seeks to contribute to climate action by increasing carbon absorption and expanding blue carbon and green carbon projects, in line with national directions towards climate sustainability.
During the workshop, a cooperation agreement was inked between the Environment Authority and Oman Agricultural Development Company to implement a research and development project on tissue culture protocols for the propagation of wild trees and mangroves. This contributes to the preservation of plant genetic resources, supports the sustainability of vegetation cover, and enhances national initiatives related to biodiversity and climate action.
The agreement was signed on behalf of the Environment Authority by Saud bin Salim al Araimi, Director-General of Vegetation Cover Development, and on behalf of Oman Agricultural Development Company by Ali bin Said al Araimi, CEO of the company.