Oman hosts IUCN Green List workshop
MUSCAT: A two-day workshop titled 'Green List Reserves', organised by the Environment Authority in coordination with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), was held at the Grand Hyatt Muscat. The initiative aims to introduce the internationally recognised IUCN Green List standards to Oman's conservation and protected area communities.
Designed to enhance excellence in the management of nature reserves, the IUCN Green List evaluates protected areas across 17 criteria and 50 indicators, including governance, planning, management and conservation outcomes.
Dr Abdullah bin Ali al Amri, Chairman of the Environment Authority, emphasised that Oman's move to nominate several reserves for Green List status reflects its commitment to biodiversity protection and sustainable development goals. 'It is a culmination of ongoing efforts to elevate the efficiency of nature reserve management to meet international standards,' he said.
Currently, Oman has 31 declared nature reserves that span diverse ecosystems - coasts, deserts, plains, mountains and valleys. The workshop focuses on three nominated sites: Arabian Oryx Reserve, Daymaniyat Islands and Saleel National Park. Saleel has already entered the first phase of the Green List application process.
Oman hosts IUCN Green List workshop
Eng Suleiman al Akhzami, Director-General of Nature Reserves, described the Green List as a global benchmark in conservation management. It promotes active participation of both government bodies and local communities.
Natalia Boulad, Programme Manager at IUCN West Asia, explained that the Green List is more than a certification - it is a holistic standard encompassing good governance, effective management and measurable conservation impact. 'It's about showing you're on the right path and encouraging a long-term commitment to excellence,' she said.
Workshop sessions include visual presentations, knowledge exchange with international experts and discussions on preparing nomination files for global Green List consideration. The event aligns with Oman Vision 2040, reinforcing Oman's dedication to environmental sustainability and biodiversity conservation.
With over 15,000 species of terrestrial and marine flora and fauna - many rare or endemic - Oman continues to prioritise environmental stewardship through global collaborations like the IUCN Green List.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Observer
18 hours ago
- Observer
It is high time we turn the tide for our oceans and seas
Every year in June, the world unites to celebrate various international days dedicated to protecting our ecosystems. These observances serve as a reminder of our responsibility to safeguard the environment and to raise awareness about the impacts of climate change. Unfortunately, both the living and non-living components of our ecosystems — ranging from flora and fauna to air, water and soil — are under threat from human activities such as deforestation, pollution and climate change. These activities disrupt natural processes and diminish biodiversity. World Ocean Day, observed annually on June 8, is a global event dedicated to celebrating and raising awareness about the ocean's vital role in our lives and the health of our planet. Although this year's theme does not explicitly focus on sea levels, it implicitly acknowledges the impacts of rising sea levels. We recognise that oceans and seas are vital resources, essential for life on Earth and economic prosperity. They provide oxygen, regulate the climate and support diverse ecosystems. Millions of people rely on marine resources for their livelihoods, including fishing, tourism and shipping. However, this invaluable natural capital is under threat from human-induced factors such as overfishing, plastic pollution and the destruction of marine habitats. Many coastal communities around the world are already facing the threats of rising sea levels and coastal flooding, where climate impacts can inundate neighbourhoods, endanger lives and cause significant economic disruption. The Arabian Gulf is one of the most severely impacted marine environments in the world, primarily due to a combination of pollution factors, including climate change, oil and gas activities, and human disturbances along the coast. According to a study published in the Pollution Studies Journal, small-scale marine oil spills of unknown origin pose an increasing threat to Oman's coastal ecosystems, fisheries and economy. Oman, situated along the heavily trafficked Strait of Hormuz, is particularly susceptible to oil pollution. The strait sees daily shipments of oil tankers, which pose significant environmental risks, particularly to Oman's northern coastlines. The study conducted by Oman's Environment Authority highlights that oil pollution from unidentified sources is one of the most significant environmental threats to marine life. While large-scale oil spills have garnered considerable attention, the effects of smaller, unreported spills continue to pose a significant risk to the nation's marine ecosystems. Another study published in the journal of Communications Earth and Environment indicates that by 2050, the total global urban population at risk from sea level rise could surpass 800 million people residing in 570 cities. 'Sea level rise will become unmanageable at just 1.5°C of global warming and will lead to catastrophic inland migration,' warn the researchers of the study 'The Future We Don't Want". Estimates suggest that the global economic costs to cities from rising sea levels and inland flooding could reach $1 trillion by mid-century. 'As with other climate-related hazards, local factors will cause cities to experience sea level rise at varying rates,' the study points out. Reducing emissions in accordance with the Paris Agreement would help prevent the most severe climate scenarios from occurring. However, even with limited global warming, sea level rise and coastal flooding are likely to intensify. Unfortunately, when formulating policies and climate action plans, as well as defining investments, decision-makers often overlook the vital role the ocean plays and the solutions it offers. We must always remember that our economic aspirations are built upon the foundations of a healthy ecological system and the protection of the natural assets that provide significant economic value. Beyond mere economic considerations, nature possesses profound intrinsic values that affect multiple generations and are essential for our physical and mental well-being, as well as the health of the planet itself.
Times of Oman
3 days ago
- Times of Oman
Oman marks World Oceans Day, renews pledge to protect marine environment
Muscat - On the occasion of World Oceans Day (which falls on 8 June every year), the Sultanate of Oman highlights efforts on protecting the marine environment and promoting ecological sustainability. Oman is considered a leading country in this field. Oman boasts a long coastline of approximately 3,165 kilometres that makes the country home to a rich biodiversity of coral reefs, seabirds, fish and rare and endangered species like sea turtles. Oman is actively seeking to preserve its marine environment through a set of elaborate initiatives and policies. The Environment Authority was established to act as the body responsible for developing environmental strategies, notably in the field of protecting oceans and coasts. The Environment Authority conducts studies and research aimed at understanding common environmental challenges posed by the marine environment like pollution, overfishing and climate change. As part of its efforts to promote marine sustainability, Oman keeps implementing a variety of projects, including the "Artificial Coral Reefs" project, which aims to rehabilitate damaged coral reefs, enhance biodiversity, support sustainable fishing and protect coastal areas. Oman has also established a number of marine reserves like Ras Al Jinz Marine Reserve, the Daymaniyat Islands Marine Reserve, and Al Khor Marine Reserve, which all provide safe sanctuary for endangered marine species. Oman's efforts also include awareness campaigns and workshops aimed at raising and developing the knowledge of citizens and residents about the importance of preserving marine life. In particular, such initiatives target younger generations, encouraging them to actively contribute to environment conservation efforts. Oman also accords attention to international cooperation in the field of marine environment protection. This attention takes shape in Oman's regular participation in relavamt global programmes and agreements, including the Convention on Biological Diversity. Through this comprehensive approach,—which combines effective policies, innovative projects and community engagement—the Sultanate of Oman sets an exemplary model for marine environment protection.
Muscat Daily
03-06-2025
- Muscat Daily
Oman, Turkey announce RO5mn venture to boost marine industry
Muscat – Musandam International Investment Company, in partnership with Turkish investors, has signed binding commercial terms and a shareholders' agreement to establish the Musandam Drydock and Marine Industries Company. The venture, based in Musandam governorate, will see an initial investment of over RO5mn in its first phase. The signing ceremony was attended by H E Dr Saud bin Hamoud al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, and Sayyid Ibrahim bin Said al Busaidi, Governor of Musandam. The company will offer a range of marine services including construction and maintenance of fish farming cages, coastal and commercial fishing vessels, marine tugs, service vessels, and transport vessels up to 35 metres in length. The facility is intended to cater to Oman's domestic market as well as regional demand. The project aims to enhance industrial integration in the marine and fisheries sector, supporting national goals for food security and sustainable economic growth. It forms part of Musandam International Investment Company's wider strategy to build an integrated local ecosystem and promote development in Musandam, aligned with Oman Vision 2040.
