MUSCAT: The Research and Innovation Authority (RIA), represented by the Oman Animal and Plant Genetic Resources Centre (Mawarid), continues its scientific efforts in collecting, preserving, and studying organisms in Oman within an advanced national system aimed at conserving biodiversity and promoting innovation and sustainable investment in biological resources.
These efforts enhance Oman’s ability to confront environmental challenges such as climate change, pollution and human pressures on natural resources, in addition to enhancing the role of scientific research in finding innovative solutions for the sustainable use of biodiversity.
The RIA plays a pivotal role in preserving animal genetic resources, having preserved 1,500 frozen semen samples from purebred Arabian horses.
The centre also maintains around 100 DNA samples from these horses, as well as 1,000 frozen semen samples from local cattle, which contributes to preserving genetic diversity and enhancing the sustainability of livestock. In addition, 400 specimens from 18 wild animal species have been documented, including the Arabian oryx, Arabian gazelle, Nubian ibex, and Arabian lynx.
Regarding marine organisms, the RIA maintains genetic and tissue samples from 68 fish species and 40 samples of seaweed species.
In the microbiology sector, the centre houses important scientific collections, including 224 bacterial samples and 330 macrofungi.
In the plant sector, the RIA preserves more than 350 seed collections, including 100 collections of strategic crop seeds such as wheat and barley, in addition to 250 collections of wild plant seeds, particularly medicinal, aromatic, endemic, rare and endangered species. — ONA
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