MUSCAT: A two-day workshop titled 'Green List Reserves', organised by the Environment Authority in coordination with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), was held at the Grand Hyatt Muscat. The initiative aims to introduce the internationally recognised IUCN Green List standards to Oman’s conservation and protected area communities.
Designed to enhance excellence in the management of nature reserves, the IUCN Green List evaluates protected areas across 17 criteria and 50 indicators, including governance, planning, management and conservation outcomes.
Dr Abdullah bin Ali al Amri, Chairman of the Environment Authority, emphasised that Oman’s move to nominate several reserves for Green List status reflects its commitment to biodiversity protection and sustainable development goals. “It is a culmination of ongoing efforts to elevate the efficiency of nature reserve management to meet international standards,” he said.
Currently, Oman has 31 declared nature reserves that span diverse ecosystems - coasts, deserts, plains, mountains and valleys. The workshop focuses on three nominated sites: Arabian Oryx Reserve, Daymaniyat Islands and Saleel National Park. Saleel has already entered the first phase of the Green List application process.
Eng Suleiman al Akhzami, Director-General of Nature Reserves, described the Green List as a global benchmark in conservation management. It promotes active participation of both government bodies and local communities.
Natalia Boulad, Programme Manager at IUCN West Asia, explained that the Green List is more than a certification - it is a holistic standard encompassing good governance, effective management and measurable conservation impact. “It’s about showing you’re on the right path and encouraging a long-term commitment to excellence,” she said.
Workshop sessions include visual presentations, knowledge exchange with international experts and discussions on preparing nomination files for global Green List consideration. The event aligns with Oman Vision 2040, reinforcing Oman’s dedication to environmental sustainability and biodiversity conservation.
With over 15,000 species of terrestrial and marine flora and fauna - many rare or endemic - Oman continues to prioritise environmental stewardship through global collaborations like the IUCN Green List.
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