Latest news with #Barka
Zawya
4 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Seaweed farming can support Oman's blue economy, climate goals
MUSCAT: Oman's Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources is supporting a private-led initiative to explore the feasibility of large-scale seaweed cultivation, aimed at driving the growth of various economic activities related to climate mitigation, sustainable fuels, food security and biodiversity enhancement. Leading the initiative is NTZ Solutions, a local Omani firm focused on delivering innovative solutions in carbon capture, waste management and sustainability — centric human capital development. The company is credited with establishing the GCC's first commercial-scale biochar production facility, currently operational in Barka. With funding support from MedcoEnergi — an Indonesian state-owned energy and natural resources development enterprise — work has commenced on a pilot project designed to assess the overall feasibility and scope of large-scale seaweed cultivation in Oman. Speaking at an energy forum held in Muscat earlier in May, representatives of NTZ Solutions and MedcoEnergi shared insights on seaweed cultivation as an 'innovative nature-based solution' to some of the most urgent global challenges. 'We never imagined seaweed could become a solution to the global crises we're currently facing,' said Johan Despurwantoro, Sustainability and Risk Management Specialist at MedcoEnergi. 'But the question is — why should we return to nature? Because nature-based solutions are not just environmentally relevant but also economically powerful.' According to Despurwantoro, seaweed can contribute to poverty reduction, improve food security and serve as a nutritious food alternative. It can offset carbon emissions by replacing synthetic inputs, enhance ecosystem resilience and directly sequester carbon. Seaweed cultivation, he added, has the potential to unlock an extended value chain — from cultivation and logistics to industrial processing — creating significant employment opportunities at both local and regional levels. At the same time, it can advance Oman's progress on several UN Sustainable Development Goals, notably SDG 14 (Life Below Water), SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger). Notably, a six-month pilot project was recently launched by the two partners in collaboration with the Ministry to assess the year-round viability of seaweed cultivation in Oman's coastal waters, Despurwantoro stated. A team of experts from NTZ Solutions and MedcoEnergi is currently evaluating the consistency of cultivation and identifying ideal conditions for selected native species. A key member of the team is Kamaruddin Azis, Project Facilitator at the COMMIT Foundation. In an update on the pilot, Kawther al Harrasi, Programme Manager at NTZ Solutions, revealed that the company has secured a pilot site within the Ministry's research facility at Bandar Al Rowdha in Muscat. Of the 12 native seaweed species initially studied, six — Ulva, Codium, Sargassum, Kerva, Hypnea and Gracilaria — were selected for their commercial value. These species are already utilised globally in the food and beverage, pharmaceutical, cosmetics and agriculture industries, she explained. In the next phase of the project, the focus will shift to scaling up production to support the development of high-value products such as agar, carrageenan, bioplastics and pharmaceutical ingredients. Kawther noted that seaweed can also play a major role in carbon sequestration. In her presentation, she further emphasised the significant knock-on effects of seaweed cultivation for Oman's blue economy growth strategy. Beyond the direct economic benefits, seaweed farming can contribute to job creation, in-country value generation and biodiversity enhancement, she added.
Times of Oman
12-05-2025
- Times of Oman
Bangladesh Social Club Oman celebrates Bangla New Year
Muscat: Bangladesh Social Club Oman celebrated Bangla New Year 1432 on 9 May 2025 at Al Sawadi Water Park, in Barka. Thousands of Bangladeshi expatriates and family members gathered and enjoyed the day-long event with different traditional sports and cultural programmes. A large number of stalls displayed Bangladeshi traditional food, clothing and other items. Executive committee of Bangladesh Social Club had organised the event in support of its various wings. The programme was presided over by the Club Chairman Sirajul Hoque CIP. The Chief Guest, Ambassador Rear Admiral Khandakar Misbah ul Azim, addressed the gathering and conveyed his thanks to the Social Club for organising the event. He also extend his necessary support for the wellbeing of the community and advised the expatriates to abide by the local law. Bangladesh embassy officials Nurtaz Azim and Mohd. Rafiul Islam accompanied the ambassador. Iftakher Chowdhury CEO of Gulf Exchange, attended the event as a special guest. Social Club vice chairman Azimul Haque Babul CIP addressed the gathering as the convener of the event. The programme was also attended by the vice chairman Rezaul Karim CIP, Secretary General MN Amin, Joint Secretary Anwar Hossain, Abdur Rahim, Mohsin Sarkar, Md Sirajul Hoque CIP and other executive committee members, leaders and members of different Wings of Bangladesh Social Club. A large number of dignitaries, and community leaders including Sayed Manjur Islam, Nur Hossain and Issa Chowdhury also attended the event. The programme was anchored by Dr. Jannatun Nayem Juie and Engineer Farzana Rimi.
Times of Oman
07-05-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Surouh Housing Complexes: A model for building modern urban communities in Oman
Muscat: The Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning continues to implement the Surouh initiative, aimed at developing integrated residential neighborhoods with comprehensive services. Several projects under the initiative have already achieved high sales rates in their early phases, exceeding 80%, reflecting strong public and investor confidence in this holistic housing model. The Surouh initiative includes 18 integrated residential projects across Oman's governorates, covering over 6 million square meters and comprising more than 9,950 housing units, with an estimated investment value exceeding RO 500 million. The ministry highlighted that the initiative has engaged over 360 Omani employees in its execution while benefiting 145 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in construction works—reinforcing local economic empowerment. Additionally, integrated planning and service coordination have reduced infrastructure costs by more than 45%. Key ongoing projects include the following: -Al-Naseem Neighborhood (Barka, South Al Batinah): Spanning 355,000 sqm, it offers 1,051 diverse housing units, with 60% sales recorded and investments worth RO 80 million. - Al Laban Neighborhood (Nakhal): Features 1,442 units across 646,000 sqm, with RO 111 million investment and 26% sales to date. - Hisn Al Zain (Bidbid, A'Dakhiliyah): A standout project with 75% sales, comprising 639 units on 286,000 sqm and RO 30 million investment. - Majd Neighborhood (Sohar): Attracting significant interest, with 77% of its 1,057 units sold across 370,000 sqm (RO 50 million investment). - Al Shurooq (Salalah, Dhofar): A modern model with 558 units on 324,000 sqm (RO 35 million investment) and a 79% sales rate. The Ministry highlighted that in Musandam Governorate, the "Talal Al-Nakheel" (Palm Hills) project in Khasab stands out, comprising 650 residential units including detached and semi-detached villas, townhouses, and apartments across a 635,000 square meter area, complete with public facilities and commercial zones. Meanwhile, in Muscat Governorate, "Al Ahd Neighborhood" in Al Amerat features 965 residential units with modern architectural specifications and integrated amenities spanning 445,000 square meters. The private sector plays a pivotal role, with several projects developed in collaboration with local firms, including: - Nusmat Zain (Sur): 407 units on 268,000 sqm. - Al-Mazun (Sumail): 194 units. - Al-Nama (Izki): 182 units. - Al-Salam (Al Buraimi): 521 units on 78,000 sqm. In a strategic move, the ministry recently signed 24 agreements to expedite infrastructure development—including water, sewage, electricity, and telecom networks—for eight Surouh projects. These partnerships with Nama Water Services, Nama Electricity Distribution, and Oman Broadband Company enhance the readiness of these communities for residents, ensuring carefully planned, service-integrated environments. The Surouh initiative embodies Oman's vision for modern urban communities that prioritize citizen well-being, stable living conditions, and flexible planning models. By fostering public-private partnerships, it advances housing ownership opportunities, elevates quality of life, and aligns with the goals of Oman 2040.
Observer
16-03-2025
- Science
- Observer
Barka Biodiversity Centre boosts Oman's wildlife conservation
BARKA: The Barka Biodiversity Centre stands as one of the Sultanate of Oman's most significant environmental projects, dedicated to the protection of endangered wildlife and their successful reintroduction into their natural habitats. This initiative plays a vital role in the nation's pursuit of sustainable development while safeguarding its rich environmental heritage. Eng Salim bin Said al Maskari, Director of the Environment Department in Al Batinah South Governorate, emphasised that the centre serves as a comprehensive platform for rescuing, rehabilitating and propagating local wildlife. It also contributes significantly to the education and scientific fields related to wildlife management. The centre provides medical care for wild animals, with a strong focus on endangered species, while raising community awareness about the importance of environmental conservation. Spanning 33,000 square metres, the centre is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including a veterinary clinic, breeding pens, and isolation cages for animal care. Since its establishment, the centre has successfully bred various wild animals such as the Arabian gazelle, the oryx and the sand gazelle, in addition to rehabilitating several bird species, including the Egyptian vulture, bald eagle and falcons. The Centre plays a crucial role in ensuring the long-term sustainability of Oman's unique wildlife The centre also includes a nursery for Omani wild plants, producing approximately 8,000 seedlings annually of local species such as samr, sidr, wild ghaf, shoa and markh. This nursery supports the national initiative to distribute ten million Omani wild tree seedlings, aimed at enhancing the nation's vegetation cover and preserving its native plant species. The Barka Biodiversity Centre is a prime example of Oman's commitment to preserving its natural resources and biodiversity. Through clear objectives and sustainable practices, the centre is paving the way for future generations to experience and benefit from the country's natural heritage. The Centre is a vital part of Oman's commitment to preserving its natural heritage. By offering a sanctuary for endangered species and a platform for scientific research, it plays a crucial role in ensuring the long-term sustainability of the country's unique wildlife. — ONA
