MUSCAT: The Omani government is formulating a new policy framework to promote recycling as part of a broader waste management strategy, according to the head of the country’s Environment Authority.
Abdullah bin Ali al Amri, Chairman, said the proposed policy will serve as a legislative framework governing all aspects of waste management in the Sultanate of Oman. Additionally, it will help spur recycling activities, which have picked up steadily in recent years.
The strategy to boost recycling is underpinned by three “essential elements”, said Al Amri. “First, we are actively working on a new policy for recycling and waste management, which will serve as a legislative foundation for our efforts. This involves formulating laws that guide waste management and an implementation plan and strategy to delineate the roles of each entity, ministry, and authority involved.” The official added in an interview featured in The Business Year Oman 2024 that the policy framework will also set out principles for segregating waste at source, promoting waste reduction and reuse before recycling. “This strategic emphasis aims to minimize the portions of waste that cannot be recycled,” he noted.
Furthermore, the Authority is also working on rules and regulations that will serve as “guiding frameworks for sectors involved in waste management”.
To bolster these legislative efforts, authorities have also imposed tariffs on exports of wastes in a bid to promote the localisation of recycling activities. “The existing fee structure on waste exportation has proven effective in encouraging local recycling. This mechanism ensures that collectors sell their gathered waste to local factories, fostering a sense of trust among investors to contribute to Oman’s recycling economy,” the Chairman stated.
Significantly, the Environment Authority will also play a pivotal role in enabling the Omani government to deliver on its strategic national commitment to achieve Net Zero Emissions by 2050. Notable in this regard is the Oman Blue Caron Project, a landmark initiative to plant 100 million mangrove trees in Al Wusta Governorate and thereby earn carbon credits. Likewise, an Omani climate tech startup is making headway in its pioneering bid to inject CO2 captured from the atmosphere for permanent storage in rocks of the Ophiolite.
“Our National Determined Contributions, submitted to the UN, outline our mitigation efforts, including a 7% direct reduction and a conditional 14%, contingent on international support. We are not merely tackling environmental challenges but actively contributing to global environmental solutions,” Al Amri added.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
