Muscat: The Environment Authority signed today several agreements to implement research projects within the Strategic Research Management Program. This initiative aims to support scientific research and develop solutions for environmental challenges, aligning with Oman Vision 2040, the Oman Environment Strategy, and Net-Zero Carbon Neutrality 2050 objectives.
According to Oman News Agency, the agreements were signed on behalf of the Environment Authority by Eng. Sulaiman Nasser Al Akhzami, Vice Chairman of the Authority. On the other side, signatories included Dr. Ali Saud Al Bimani, Vice Chancellor of the National University of Science and Technology; Dr. Al Amir Nasser Al Alawi, Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Technology and Applied Sciences for Administrative and Financial Affairs; and Dr. Salah Soumar Al Zadjali, Director General of Programs and Capacity Building at the Research and Innovation Authority.
The agreements focus on research projects to monitor and manage plastic waste in terrestrial and marine environments and to develop sustainable solutions to reduce them. Additionally, they aim to create eco-friendly cooling technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lower the carbon footprint. These efforts are designed to enhance environmental innovation and support sustainable development priorities in Oman.
The signing occurred during a workshop titled "Reviewing the Outputs and Results of Strategic Research Projects," organized by the Authority to review key research project results and highlight their role in supporting environmental decision-making and developing scientific solutions for national challenges.
Dr. Mohammed Saif Al Kalbani, Director General of Environmental Compliance at the Authority, emphasized the importance of enhancing partnerships between the Authority and academic institutions. He advocated for transforming scientific research outputs into practical applications to develop environmental policies and achieve sustainable development.
The workshop reviewed four research projects addressing priority environmental issues, including the sustainable management of Omani coasts, studying natural radiation levels and their impacts, measuring radon gas concentrations, and developing solutions for the sustainability of special economic zones.
The workshop also previewed two new research projects for the 2026-2028 period within the Strategic Research Program. These projects focus on managing plastic waste and developing eco-friendly cooling technologies. They also address the Authority's future directions in strategic research, emphasizing scientific solutions to national environmental challenges and enhancing cooperation with academic institutions.
The workshop's organization is part of the Environment Authority's efforts to strengthen the environmental research system and exchange knowledge among government agencies, academic institutions, and research entities, contributing to evidence-based environmental policies and innovation in facing environmental challenges.