Muscat: Environment Authority has clarified the regulations governing the harvesting, transport and trade of firewood following public discussion on social media over recent seizures of illegally harvested wood.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the authority said firewood harvesting in Oman is a regulated activity carried out under the Executive Regulation for Firewood Harvesting and Plant Charcoal, issued by Ministerial Decision No. 65/2017 and amended by Environment Authority Decision No. 70/2024. The regulation aims to strike a balance between allowing legitimate harvesting activities and protecting wild trees and natural vegetation from illegal exploitation.
The authority explained that several types of permits are available, including permits for personal firewood collection, commercial harvesting, and the sale, transport and storage of firewood and plant charcoal, subject to specific conditions and prescribed fees.
It stressed that wood is not seized simply because a person possesses it. Seizure takes place only when violations are detected, such as carrying out harvesting without the required permit, breaching permit conditions, failing to prove the lawful source of the wood, or storing quantities beyond the approved limit without written permission.
According to the authority, confiscated firewood, plant charcoal and related equipment are officially recorded and retained in accordance with approved legal procedures, and cannot be disposed of by any individual. The regulation also specifies the legal process for handling confiscated materials resulting from violations.
The Environment Authority emphasised that the purpose of enforcement is not to restrict citizens or confiscate their livelihoods, but to ensure that firewood harvesting is conducted legally and sustainably, safeguarding Oman’s natural resources and vegetation for future generations.
The authority urged anyone wishing to harvest, transport or sell firewood to obtain the necessary permits through official channels and contact the authority for guidance on the applicable procedures and requirements.
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