Saturday 06 / June / 2026
Muscat – The Sultanate of Oman is reinforcing its commitment to environmental protection and climate action as it marks World Environment Day 2026, highlighting major achievements in biodiversity conservation, afforestation, pollution control and sustainable development.
Observed annually on June 5, World Environment Day serves as a global platform for environmental awareness and action. This year's theme focuses on climate change, underscoring the urgent need for collective efforts to protect the planet and adapt to environmental challenges.
Speaking to Oman News Agency (ONA), Dr. Mohammed bin Saif Al Kalbani, Director General of Environmental Compliance at the Environment Authority, said the occasion traces its origins to the 1972 Stockholm Conference, which led to the establishment of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and marked a turning point in global environmental cooperation.
He noted that Oman’s celebrations this year include tree-planting campaigns, seedling distribution and environmental awareness programmes across several governorates, with special attention given to Dhofar Governorate in conjunction with the Khareef season. The initiatives aim to encourage the protection of vegetation cover and promote responsible environmental practices.
The official celebration will be held on Sunday at the headquarters of the Environment Authority in partnership with the “Our Footprint is Different” youth team. A key highlight of the event will be the launch of the Environmental Atlas, a project implemented under the Tenth Five-Year Development Plan. The atlas will provide comprehensive environmental data and maps covering nature reserves, environmentally sensitive areas and important ecological sites, supporting planning and sustainable development efforts.
Dr. Al Kalbani highlighted Oman’s growing role in international environmental governance, noting that the Sultanate chaired meetings of the United Nations Environment Assembly during 2024–2025. During this period, Oman promoted initiatives focused on reducing pollution, preserving biodiversity, expanding nature reserves and addressing climate change.
He also pointed to Oman’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 under Royal directives. A national strategic roadmap has been developed, targeting sectors such as renewable energy, green transportation, industry, logistics and sustainable buildings. Investments in solar, wind and green hydrogen projects form a central part of this strategy.
Among Oman’s notable environmental achievements, the Environment Authority has expanded air quality monitoring networks across all governorates and completed projects to monitor pollutants in soil, water and marine ecosystems. Real-time systems have also been introduced to monitor marine discharges.
The Sultanate currently has 32 nature reserves and continues to promote conservation while encouraging sustainable investment opportunities within protected areas. Afforestation remains a major priority, with the ten-million-tree initiative launched in 2020 achieving significant progress through the planting of millions of seeds and thousands of seedlings across the country.
The Authority is also advancing the Blue Carbon project, aimed at expanding mangrove forests in estuaries to enhance carbon absorption and strengthen coastal ecosystems. Particular focus is being placed on Al Wusta Governorate, where large-scale mangrove planting is planned over the coming decade.
In addition, Oman recently launched the “Plant Oman 2050” initiative, which seeks to plant hundreds of millions of wild and fruit-bearing trees by 2050 through partnerships with government agencies, farmers and local communities. The initiative aims to expand green spaces while enhancing environmental and food security.
According to Dr. Al Kalbani, these efforts have contributed to notable improvements in Oman’s standing in international environmental indicators, including the Environmental Performance Index and global competitiveness rankings.
The Environment Authority continues to develop environmental monitoring and regulatory systems covering air quality, marine ecosystems, noise pollution and radiation protection, while planning to announce additional reserves and environmental projects in the near future.
Public awareness remains a key pillar of Oman’s environmental strategy. Community initiatives such as “Be Careful,” which focuses on reducing plastic pollution, and campaigns encouraging the use of eco-friendly shopping bags have received positive public engagement. The Authority also collaborates with universities, colleges, private-sector institutions and civil society organisations to strengthen environmental education and community participation.
In the field of research, the Environment Authority has partnered with the Research and Innovation Authority to identify national environmental research priorities aligned with Oman Vision 2040. Strategic research programmes are being implemented to address environmental challenges, support policymaking and develop scientific solutions.
Oman’s efforts to protect Ghaf trees, restore coral reefs, conserve sea turtles and combat desertification reflect the nature-based solutions highlighted by this year’s World Environment Day theme. The global observance is being hosted in Baku, Azerbaijan, in partnership with UNEP, with a focus on leveraging nature to address climate change and strengthen ecosystem resilience.
