Forum seeks to enhance environmental protection

SALALAH: The Environment Authority on Thursday organised a forum on mechanisms for updating legislation and procedures related to environmental protection and enhancing ways to address violations that affect biodiversity in the Dhofar Governorate.
The forum was held under the auspices of Shaikh Dr Said bin Humaid al Harthi, Wali of Salalah, and attended by representatives of government departments concerned, as well as specialists, stakeholders and activists in the field of nature conservation.
The forum included working papers on criminal liability and mechanisms for legal deterrence of perpetrators of crimes against wildlife and vegetation. It also included a comprehensive review of the Pastures and Livestock Management Law, with the aim of identifying loopholes related to the phenomenon of tree bark stripping.
Within the framework of sustainable initiatives, the forum reviewed the Green Pastures Resting project and discussed the challenges and necessary resources for its implementation.
The forum also included a panel discussion that saw the participation of experts, specialists and representatives of authorities concerned. The session addressed the practical applications of the environment protection legislation, challenges posed to environment law enforcement officers, procedural aspects related to evidence in cases of wildlife violations and proposals on ways to enhance collaboration in this respect.
The forum concluded with recommendations on the importance of consolidating partnerships among law enforcement parties, updating relevant legislative and procedural frameworks, promoting the use of digital evidence and modern technologies and launching public awareness campaigns to highlight the risks involved in harmful environmental practices, in addition to related penalties.