‘Desert Shadows’ initiative focuses on women’s land rights in Dhofar

SALALAH: The Sultanate of Oman, represented by the Environment Authority, celebrated World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought with a special emphasis on women’s rights to land ownership. Under the theme ‘Women’s land, their rights,’ the occasion marked the implementation of the ‘Desert Shadows’ initiative by the Directorate-General of Environment in Dhofar Governorate, as part of Oman’s national initiative to plant 10 million wild trees.

The ‘Desert Shadows’ initiative aims to create an action plan for optimal utilisation of areas near artesian wells, revitalising tourism and economic aspects in those regions.

Additionally, the initiative focuses on planting indigenous desert trees such as Ghaf, Sidr, and Cactus, which offer various environmental benefits including increased green spaces, temperature reduction, and carbon emissions reduction.

Talib bin Ali al Abri, Assistant Director-General of Environment in Dhofar, says the initiative’s first phase targets specific areas in Najd. Collaboration with the offices of the governors and the private sector has been instrumental in the current stage of the initiative, covering Thamrait and Maqshan, with plans to expand gradually to other areas.

Ahmed bin Said al Mashaikhi, senior specialist, General Directorate of Environment in Dhofar and chief of the Desert Shadows initiative team, highlighted the initiative’s purpose of cultivating remote areas in Najd and the Dhofar desert. The aim is to provide shaded spaces by cultivating areas near artesian wells, turning them into attractive destinations for citizens and tourists alike.

Said bin Mohammed al Shehri, Head of Biodiversity Department at Al Nadab, emphasised that the initiative aligns with the objectives of the national plan to plant 10 million trees across various governorates of Oman within a ten-year timeframe. Approximately 50 local trees were planted in the Barkanah 1 area in Al Hashman, an area which experiences increased tourist interest during the winter season. — ONA