The blue carbon economy in Oman: Progress, challenges, and the road ahead

Observer

18-02-2025

'We live now...in a 'full world,' with an economy that exceeds Earth's regenerative and absorptive capacity by over-harvesting sources such as fish and forests and over-filling sinks such as the atmosphere and oceans.' —Kate Raworth.
This quote highlights the excessive exploitation of natural resources, leading to an environmental crisis where consumption surpasses the Earth's regenerative capacity. As nations worldwide intensify their efforts to combat climate change, innovative strategies are emerging to reduce carbon emissions while sustaining economic growth. One such approach is the blue carbon economy, which leverages coastal and marine ecosystems—including seagrasses, mangroves, and salt marshes—to capture and store carbon dioxide.
Oman, with its vast and diverse coastline stretching approximately 1,967 miles along the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman, boasts rich marine biodiversity. The country has embraced blue carbon strategies to align with its Vision 2040 and long-term sustainability goals. Collaborating with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and initiatives like the Oman Blue Carbon Project, Oman demonstrates a strong commitment to rehabilitating mangrove ecosystems and enhancing climate resilience.
Oman has made significant progress in integrating blue carbon strategies into its economic and environmental policies. A key initiative is the Oman Blue Carbon Project, which aims to plant 100 million mangrove trees. This project is expected to enhance the country's carbon sequestration capacity and generate an estimated $150 million in economic benefits. Additionally, Oman has committed over $3 billion to improve food security by 2040, incorporating a vital mangrove restoration program to protect coastal communities from climate-related risks. A critical component of these efforts is the establishment of supportive policies and regulatory structures aligned with Oman's broader sustainability objectives. These measures create an environment conducive to long-term coastal conservation and economic development.
Despite these efforts, several challenges persist. Large-scale mangrove restoration demands expertise in coastal ecology, soil quality management, and water salinity optimization. Ensuring mangrove survival across diverse coastal conditions presents a complex scientific challenge. While the government has made strategic decisions and substantial financial commitments, sustaining coastal restoration in the long term requires continuous monitoring and investment, including support from the private sector. Additionally, climate change poses a significant challenge despite Oman's relatively low contribution to global carbon emissions. Rising temperatures, sea level rise, and coastal erosion threaten restoration efforts. Adaptive strategies are necessary to ensure the resilience of coastal ecosystems. Moreover, balancing economic development—such as coastal tourism and urban expansion—with mangrove conservation requires a robust regulatory framework that integrates conservation policies into national development plans.
Oman's universities play a crucial role in the success of blue carbon initiatives by fostering research, education, and policy recommendations. With world-class infrastructure, laboratories, and experts, universities can conduct scientific research on carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, and climate adaptation. They can develop innovative restoration techniques, such as biotechnology applications for mangrove resilience, and introduce specialized courses on blue carbon, climate resilience, and coastal sustainability. Universities also train students and local communities in planting, monitoring, and conservation practices while collaborating with government agencies, the private sector, and international institutions to adopt best practices in coastal ecosystem management.
Community participation and awareness are vital in fostering a sustainable blue economy. Encouraging citizen science projects, where local communities contribute to coastal monitoring and data collection, can strengthen conservation efforts. Eco-tourism and sustainable livelihood opportunities linked to mangrove conservation can further incentivize environmental stewardship. Additionally, businesses can implement Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs focused on coastal conservation, promoting long-term sustainability.
Oman's commitment to advancing its blue carbon economy through large-scale mangrove restoration is a strategic step toward environmental sustainability. By involving universities, government agencies, and private stakeholders, Oman can overcome challenges and maximize the long-term benefits of its blue carbon initiatives. With careful planning, scientific research, and strong policy support, Oman has the potential to become a regional leader in blue carbon conservation and climate resilience. These efforts will not only enhance environmental sustainability but also contribute to economic diversification and global climate goals, solidifying Oman's role in the global movement toward a sustainable future.
The author is Assistant Professor in Supply Chain Management, College of Commerce and Business Administration, Dhofar University, Oman.