Latest news with #NationalBiodiversityStrategy
Muscat Daily
7 days ago
- General
- Muscat Daily
Oman to mark World Oceans Day, focus on marine conservation
Muscat – Oman will join countries around the world in observing World Oceans Day on June 8 with a focus on protecting marine ecosystems and raising awareness on oceans' role in sustaining life. This year's theme – Wonder: Sustaining What Sustains Us – highlights the significance of oceans in maintaining ecological balance and supporting global livelihoods. Led by Environment Authority, Oman's participation includes a range of activities aimed at promoting marine conservation. These include beach clean-ups, ocean waste removal campaigns and educational initiatives designed to engage local communities. Oman has launched several long-term marine protection projects. One of the key efforts is the annual Marine Pollutant Monitoring Project, which tracks levels of contaminants such as heavy metals and hydrocarbons along the sultanate's coastline, from Musandam to Dhofar. Monitoring is focused on areas near industrial zones and ports which are considered environmentally sensitive. Environment Authority is also conducting targeted conservation programmes for rare marine species. A notable initiative is the study of loggerhead turtle nesting on Masirah Island, carried out in collaboration with international partners. The research aims to identify factors affecting nesting success and develop sustainable beach management practices. Another major effort is the Arabian Sea Humpback Whale Tracking Project, which monitors one of the world's rarest whale populations. The data gathered supports development of conservation strategies for the endangered species. Oman's broader environmental policy includes development of a National Biodiversity Strategy and regular field surveys to assess the status of flora and fauna, with particular attention to endangered species. The authority enforces environmental legislation, including the Environmental Protection and Pollution Control Law and the Natural Reserves Law, and oversees compliance with rules regulating the discharge of liquid waste into the marine environment. 'These efforts reflect Oman's commitment to environmental stewardship and the sustainable use of marine resources,' the authority stated. The initiatives are aligned with the goals of Oman Vision 2040, which prioritises ecological sustainability alongside national development.
Zawya
22-05-2025
- Science
- Zawya
UAE deeply committed to safeguarding its rich biodiversity: Minister of Climate Change and Environment
DUBAI - Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, reaffirmed the UAE's commitment to preserving our natural ecosystems and safeguarding life on land and in water. In a statement on the International Day for Biological Diversity, marked annually on 22nd May, Dr. Al Dahak said that this year's theme, 'From Agreement to Action: Build Back Biodiversity,' perfectly captures the urgency of the UAE's mission, noting that the 'General Framework of the National Biodiversity Strategy 2031' reflects this understanding. She added, 'We recognise that protecting biodiversity and championing nature-based solutions are not simply environmental add-ons; they are the essential foundation upon which all our efforts to combat climate change and achieve lasting sustainability must be built.' Dr. Al Dahak emphasised that the UAE is deeply committed to safeguarding its rich biodiversity, embracing it as a cornerstone of its sustainability efforts, reflected in the designation of 49 protected areas, encompassing over 15 percent of the nation's territory, which preserves its desert, mountains, and the marine environment, providing critical habitats for endangered species. 'Our success in bringing the majestic Arabian Oryx back from the brink of extinction stands as a testament to our dedication to wildlife conservation. Furthermore, we are leveraging technology to enhance our conservation strategies, from using drones to combat desertification to pioneering research in marine life preservation," she further said. Beyond our borders, Dr. Al Dahak stated, the UAE champions international collaboration, exemplified by its partnership with Indonesia to launch the Mangrove Alliance for Climate (MAC). 'As part of this alliance, we are also investing in cutting-edge research, as demonstrated by the groundbreaking of the Mohamed bin Zayed-Joko Widodo International Mangrove Research Centre on the island of Bali, in collaboration with the Republic of Indonesia.' 'Here in the UAE, we are actively engaging stakeholders across multiple sectors to boost our local agriculture and safeguard the country's rich biodiversity,' the minister explained, adding that the Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition, taking place from 28th to 31st May, offers an opportunity to turn goals into tangible actions. 'In addition to our focus on supporting farmers and increasing the local production of strategic crops, we will place special emphasis on the development of our livestock and fisheries, key pillars in strengthening both biodiversity and sustainable food security,' she added. 'I invite you to join us at this important event to explore innovative strategies that ensure a better future for both nature and humanity. Let us build a lasting legacy that future generations will be proud to carry forward,' Dr. Al Dahak concluded.
