Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman will tomorrow observe World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, which falls on 17 June every year.
According to Oman News Agency, the event takes the theme 'Rangelands: Recognize. Respect. Restore.' It focuses on the importance of rangelands in enhancing food security, protecting biodiversity, and supporting human ability to adapt to climate change. Additionally, it highlights the rangelands' role in preserving ecosystems in arid and semi-arid regions globally.
The Environment Authority is making efforts to minimize the impacts of desertification by implementing national initiatives, programs, and projects. Its initiatives aim to combat desertification and minimize land degradation, examples of which include the rangeland rest project in the Governorate of Dhofar. The strategy relies on regulating grazing to allow natural plants to regenerate and regain their productive capacity.
The Authority's efforts have contributed to enhancing vegetation cover density in target locations, boosting biodiversity, and raising the efficiency of natural pastures. This supports the sustainability of natural resources while minimizing the impacts of drought and climate change.
This strategy is coupled with a 2020 national initiative to plant 10 million trees to expand green cover, augment vegetation, and enhance the ability of ecosystems to cope with climate change.
The Environment Authority is also developing a national survey of trees using remote sensing, geographic information systems, and artificial intelligence technologies. The survey will provide an accurate national database of vegetation cover and trees across Oman.
Moreover, the Environment Authority is working to restore natural habitats by cultivating mangrove trees, which extend over vast areas in various coastal governorates of Oman. This effort contributes to protecting coasts, absorbing carbon, and preserving biodiversity.
The Authority is also advancing national afforestation initiatives, including a project codenamed 'Plant Oman 2050'.