Namat competition to be held in September

Muscat: The Namat School Competition and Capacity Building Programme, one of the major environmental education initiatives of the Environment Society of Oman (ESO) in partnership with the Ministry of Education and the National Commission for Education, Culture and Science and Veolia aimed at promoting sustainable practices within schools across the Sultanate and the surrounding communities, will be held in September 2026.

The ESO has renewed their commitment with Veolia for the same until 2028 and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on the sidelines of the Oman Sustainability Week recently, reinforcing the long-term commitment of both organisations towards empowering youth, strengthening local environmental expertise, and advancing environmental education and community engagement in support of Oman Vision 2040.

The Namat School Competition encourages government schools to form dedicated teams comprising students, school staff, and members of the parent council to design and implement impactful environmental projects.

“Since its inception, the Namat Competition has been growing in its reach and impact, reiterating its commitment to infuse environmental and sustainability awareness into young minds while the Capacity Building Programme has been producing young and aspiring Omanis through training, practical skills and hands-on experience required to contribute to building a sustainable future. We are thankful to Veolia Oman for their continued support and commitment with their generous sponsorship of these projects, underscoring a shared commitment to strengthening the national capacity in environmental conservation and sustainability,” said Suaad al Harthi, Executive Director of ESO.

The Capacity Building Programme has been equipping young and aspiring Omanis with comprehensive understanding of environmental challenges and practical skills training required to contribute to building a sustainable future through a structured and multidisciplinary approach including science communication, field research, community engagement and environmental education, community engagement & sustainability management, communication, research & conservation, and education & community outreach.

“We are very pleased to renew our ongoing collaboration with ESO for two of their key projects; the Namat Competition and Capacity Building Programme. Veolia has been partnering with ESO for several years in supporting their mission to address environmental challenges with innovation and responsibility for these projects,” adds Erwan Rouxel, Chief Executive Officer of Veolia Oman.