One million seeds planted across Dhofar Governorate

Muscat: The Environment Authority (EA) said that more than one million seeds for trees and wild plants have been planted in the Governorate of Dhofar.

In a statement, EA, said, "Environment Authority, represented by the Directorate General of Dhofar Governorate, was able to plant and scatter 1,042,250 seeds of trees and wild plants in the mountains of the Governorate of Dhofar."

The project aimed at planting the seeds of trees and wild plants for which Oman and the Governorate of Dhofar in particular are famous for. The trees include Sidr, Taeq, Squt, Arir, Aloebar and Ghaf, in 35 locations in five wilayats (Taqah, Mirbat, Salalah, Rakhyout and Dhalkout).

The project comes within the framework of the agency’s keenness to increase the vegetation cover in the natural and pastoral areas. Over 382 volunteers and the authority’s employees participated in the campaign

Earlier this year, EA successfully tested drones to spread seeds in Dhofar, and the second experiment was carried out in one of the Khors in the Wetland Reserve. This also comes as part of the authority's efforts to implement the national initiative to plant 10 million trees and employ modern technologies in the environmental field.

The National 10-Million Tree Initiative, which lasts till 2030, seeks to improve plant cover and enhance natural resources, including grazing areas in depleting zones. It is also aimed at raising awareness about the benefits of green cover, both to the environment and society. It highlights the significance of social segments’ contribution to environment conservation and the economic potential of some species of local plants.