Duqm Refinery launches 2,000-seedling tree planting campaign

Observer

15-05-2025

MUSCAT: At a time when national efforts are increasingly directed towards achieving environmental sustainability and expanding green spaces across the various governorates of the Sultanate of Oman, Duqm Refinery OQ8 continues its proactive role in supporting these goals through unique initiatives aimed at creating a positive environmental impact and raising local community awareness.
In this context, OQ8 has launched the second edition of its 'Tree Planting Initiative' as part of its participation in Oman Sustainability Week, striving to play an active role in increasing the green cover in the desert environment of Duqm, in support of Oman Vision 2040 and the National Carbon Emissions Reduction Initiative.
Manal al Kiyoumi, Acting Executive Vice-President for Corporate Affairs, stated that the 'Tree Planting Initiative' is one of the company's key projects since last year. The first edition saw the planting of 1,000 seedlings carefully selected to suit the desert climate of Duqm, with the participation of the local community and visitors during an event held at the company's booth at Duqm Refinery.
She added that the company ensured the care of these seedlings from Sustainability Week until the celebration of Oman's Tree Day in October, during which some seedlings were distributed to local schools, while others were planted in refinery facilities. She noted that the great success and high turnout last year encouraged the company to continue this approach and double the number of seedlings to 2,000 this year.
Speaking about the initiative's objective, Al Kiyoumi explained that the company aims to increase green spaces in Duqm in support of the national initiative to plant wild trees, in collaboration with the Environment Authority. She added that the initiative goes beyond just planting trees, as it also contributes to raising environmental awareness, promoting a culture of sustainability and reducing carbon emissions, ultimately working towards achieving net-zero emissions.
She highlighted that the seeds and fertilisers used are provided in partnership with local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) under contracts designed to enhance community partnership and support the local economy.
Ali al Mahrazi, one of the visitors to the event, expressed his admiration for this environmental initiative presented by Duqm Refinery as part of its participation. He pointed out that the booth includes an awareness theatrical performance held four times daily, highlighting the importance of tree planting and its role in environmental protection.
He added that the booth offers visitors the opportunity to plant seedlings themselves, with the option to either take them home or have them sent to Duqm for planting, strengthening the community's connection to the initiative.
He also noted that all booth materials are sustainably designed and reusable or recyclable, reflecting a practical awareness message about sustainability concepts and waste reduction.
Al Kiyoumi also spoke about the company's participation in Sustainability Week, where it won the Best Sustainable Booth Award for the second consecutive year. She explained that this year's booth design was developed in collaboration with multiple teams from the health, safety, environment, sustainability and corporate communications departments. The booth was built using 90 per cent recycled materials, including sanitised and repurposed IBC tanks used to construct the booth structure, ceilings and the stage for the awareness shows and safety training sessions.
She confirmed that all booth components, including shelves, wood and seedlings, will be reused in Duqm schools, where they will be allocated for school theatre activities and tree planting initiatives as part of the ongoing collaboration between the company and the local community.