
FAO Oman projects see 83% surge in value
Muscat: The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has significantly enhanced its collaboration with the Sultanate of Oman, achieving an 83% increase in the total value of its projects.
In 2024, FAO's project portfolio in the Sultanate of Oman reached a value of $4,276,985, compared to $2,335,819 in 2022.
FAO's diverse range of projects, developed in partnership with the Omani government and private sector, aims to bolster food security and strengthen local capacities. Key initiatives focus on climate resilience, apiculture, improving agricultural practices, and implementing value-added projects in the fisheries and livestock sectors.
Dr. Thaer Yaseen, interim FAO Representative in Oman commented: 'This year, as we celebrate FAO's 80th anniversary, we are proud to launch and implement numerous initiatives in close collaboration with the Omani government, private sector, and civil society. These efforts underscore our steadfast commitment to supporting the Sultanate of Oman in achieving sustainable development and food security."
As part of its commitment to addressing climate challenges, FAO is collaborating closely with the Environment Authority to align its climate resilience initiatives with Oman's National Environmental Strategy. Through innovative programs, FAO supports the restoration of degraded lands, promotes water conservation in agriculture, and integrates advanced technologies to improve adaptation and mitigation practices. These efforts not only protect Oman's unique ecosystems but also enhance the resilience of communities to climate-related risks, setting a benchmark for sustainable development in arid regions.
In addition to its work in Oman, FAO continues to promote global initiatives such as the International Year of Camelids. This celebration emphasises the vital role camelids play in enhancing food security and livelihoods in arid regions. It also highlights the importance of preserving and sustainably utilizing these animals to improve the well-being of communities that rely on them.
FAO's success in Oman is driven by its close collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources (MAFWR), the Environment Authority (EA), and Sultan Qaboos University (SQU), as well as its strong partnerships with private sector entities such as Al Jisr Foundation, Oman India Fertiliser Company (Omifco), and Al Zubair Corporation. Together, these partnerships amplify FAO's impact and support Oman's vision for a sustainable and food-secure future.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Observer
a day 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.


Observer
6 days ago
- Observer
HM the Sultan greets citizens, residents on occasion of Eid Al Adha
Muscat: His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik has addressed a message of greetings to Omani citizens, residents in the Sultanate of Oman and to the Islamic nation on the occasion of Eid Al Adha. A statement to this effect was issued by the Diwan of Royal Court. It reads as follows: 'Amid the grace of these blessed days during which pilgrims perform the rituals of Hajj pilgrimage for the Year 1446 AH—and, as Muslims in the east and the west of the globe anticipate the sunrise of the 10thof Dhul-Hijja, glorifying the Almighty Allah throughout these propitious days—His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik addressed a message of greetings to Omani citizens, residents on the land of Oman and the whole Islamic nation on the occasion of Eid Al Adha. His Majesty the Sultan prayed to the Almighty Allah to endow all with many happy comebacks of this auspicious occasion, and similar events, and bring back the Eid at a time all relish the bounties of health and long life. His Majesty wished that these blessed days would be a time of prosperity, peace and amity. May Allah the Almighty grant His Majesty the Sultan a long life and make him witness many happy returns of these divine days, and May He bestow His blessings and bounties on the Sultanate of Oman and its noble people! Happy Eid Al Adha to All.'