Oman reaffirms ocean protection pledge at UN Ocean Conference

Muscat Daily

11-06-2025

Muscat – Reaffirming its steadfast commitment to ocean conservation and marine sustainability, Oman is taking part in the third United Nations Ocean Conference, currently underway in Nice, France.
Delegated by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, Dr Abdullah bin Ali al Amri, Chairman of the Environment Authority, is representing Oman at the high-level event, which runs until Friday. The conclave brings together world leaders, policymakers, and environmental experts to accelerate global efforts to protect the world's oceans under the Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water).
The five-day conference features 10 parallel Ocean Action Panels (OAPs) and plenary sessions focusing on key themes including marine and coastal ecosystems, ocean science and capacity building, finance and climate action, alongside exhibitions, side events, and cultural, educational and scientific activities.
In his address to the conference, Amri spotlighted Oman's pioneering efforts to safeguard marine biodiversity and ecosystems. He recalled that Oman was among the first countries to legislate protection of the marine environment, having enacted its first such law 53 years ago.
'Oman has declared marine nature reserves spanning more than 90,000sqkm to protect endangered species such as humpback whales, sea turtles and coral reefs,' he said. He also noted the nationwide ban on plastic shopping bags and the country's ambitious target of achieving net-zero pollution by 2050.
Among Oman's flagship initiatives, Amri highlighted the 'Oman Blue Carbon' project, which aims to plant 100mn mangrove trees to boost carbon sequestration and enhance coastal resilience. These sustained efforts, he said, have positioned Oman among the world's leading nations in marine protection stringency and biodiversity conservation.
He also underlined Oman's growing leadership on the global environmental stage, citing its recent election as President of the United Nations Environment Assembly during its seventh session.
Amri reiterated Oman's unwavering support for SDG 14 and international marine agreements, including the Convention on Biological Diversity Beyond National Jurisdictions (BBNJ). He emphasised the role of oceans as a major regulator of the global carbon cycle and called for renewed international cooperation to preserve ocean health and marine life for future generations.
The sultanate also delivered a national statement during the opening session of the conference, reaffirming its support for the Nice Plan of Action and shared global commitments to protect 'Life Below Water'.