Latest news with #MarketingforAgricultureandFisheries
Observer
8 hours ago
- General
- Observer
Oman marks World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought
The Sultanate of Oman has called for intensified afforestation and land restoration efforts as the world observes World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought on June 17, reinforcing its commitment to a more sustainable and climate-resilient future. Speaking to the Observer, Masoud Sulaiman Abood al Azri, DG of Marketing for Agriculture and Fisheries and spokesman for the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources (MoAFWR), emphasised that desertification is a critical environmental challenge facing nations worldwide. With the global population expected to reach 10 billion by 2050, the demand for nutritious food and clean water is increasing rapidly, making land restoration an urgent priority rather than an option. 'In Oman, we have devised multiple strategies to combat desertification through various projects and initiatives,' the official said. 'These include reforestation, rangeland restoration, awareness campaigns and active collaboration between public and private sectors.' He noted that Oman has integrated desertification control into its national strategy, with a focus on environmental protection, sustainable land use and natural resource management. Among the major initiatives undertaken by Oman are: Tree planting in arid regions such as Al Rumayl and Hayal to increase vegetation cover; Rangeland restoration projects in Dhofar targeting issues such as soil erosion, biodiversity loss and vegetation decline; Community awareness campaigns promoting sustainable agriculture; and Support for water-efficient crops and eco-friendly farming technologies. 'These efforts are essential in promoting food security, conserving biodiversity and building climate resilience,' Al Azri said. Globally, the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought 2025 is being led by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). This year's official observance is taking place in Bogotá, Colombia, where policymakers, civil society organisations and indigenous representatives are gathering to advocate for land restoration as a cornerstone of sustainable development and lasting peace. Held under the theme 'Restore the Land; Unlock the Opportunities', the event highlights the economic, social and environmental benefits of restoring degraded lands for both people and the planet. A UNCCD statement said: 'Every $1 used to restore land yields a return of $7 to $30 through enhanced ecosystem services and livelihoods, making for an investment case that the world cannot afford to overlook.' The organisation estimates that to restore 1.5 billion hectares of land by 2030, the world must invest approximately $1 billion per day. In alignment with this vision, Oman's afforestation and restoration efforts demonstrate how local initiatives can contribute meaningfully to global goals — ensuring food security, preserving ecosystems and fostering sustainable economic growth for future generations.
Observer
17 hours ago
- General
- Observer
Oman calls for afforestation on World Desertification and Drought Day
Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman has called for afforestation on the day the world is celebrating the Desertification and Drought Day on June 17 towards a sustainable environment. Desertification is a significant environmental challenge for all countries of the world in view of the growing demand for nutritious food and clean water as the world's population is projected to reach 10 billion by 2050. Speaking to the Observer , Masoud Sulaiman Abood al Azri, DG of Marketing for Agriculture and Fisheries and spokesman for the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources (MoAFWR) said that this increasing demand for food and clean water means that restoring degraded land is no longer optional but of top priority for human existence. 'In Oman, we have devised manifold steps to combat desertification through various projects and initiatives, including reforestation efforts, rangeland restoration, and awareness campaigns with multiple agency collaboration and public and private participation,'he said. Oman has incorporated desertification control into its national strategy, focusing on environmental protection, natural resource management, and sustainable land use. Some of the steps taken by Oman are reforestation, range-land restoration, community awareness, sustainable agriculture, and fog harvesting. 'The Omani government is planting trees in arid places like Al Rumayl and Hayal, to increase vegetation cover and combat desertification, we have rangeland restoration projects in Dhofar are aimed at addressing soil erosion, biodiversity loss, and declining vegetation cover, besides carrying out extensive community awareness campaigns towards sustainable agriculture,'he said adding that Oman is promoting sustainable farming practices, encouraging the use of water-efficient crops, and supporting farmers with environmentally friendly technologies, as well as using fog harvesting techniques in Dhofar to mitigate desertification and provide water for irrigation. The Desertification and Drought Day 2025 is led by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) with leaders calling for global land restoration as basis of peace on on 17 June in Bogotá, Columbia, where civil society organisations, and indigenous representatives will convene and advocate for global land restoration as a foundation of food security, sustainable development, and lasting peace. Convened under the theme 'Restore the Land; Unlock the Opportunities will spotlight the undeniable economic, social, and environmental benefits of land restoration for people and the planet. In a statement, the UNCD said, 'Every US$1 used to restore land yields a return of US$7 to US$30 through enhanced ecosystem services and livelihoods, making for an investment case that the world cannot afford to overlook. Nations need to invest US$1 billion per day by 2030 to bring some 1.5 billion hectares of land back to health in support of human security and dignity, according to UNCCD.'
