14-07-2025
4 Million tree seeds scattered in Dhofar
SALALAH:
A major environmental campaign has been launched in Dhofar Governorate to scatter and plant four million seeds of native Omani trees, reinforcing national efforts to restore vegetation, combat desertification, and preserve biodiversity.
The initiative—led by the Environment Authority in collaboration with Dhofar Municipality, OQ, OQ Bioplastics (OQBi), and the 'Wa'i' Awareness Initiative—targets mountainous areas across the wilayats of Salalah, Mirbat, Taqah, Rakhyut, and Dalkut. The campaign will run through 24 July.
Now in its fifth consecutive year, the campaign is aligned with Oman's National Initiative to Plant 10 Million Trees, a flagship programme supporting Vision 2040 and the Sultanate's long-term sustainability agenda.
Eng. Zahran bin Ahmed Al Abdul Salam, Director General of Environment in Dhofar Governorate, highlighted the strategic timing of the campaign ahead of the Khareef (monsoon) season. 'The heavy rains and persistent fog during autumn create ideal conditions for seed germination and early root development,' he said. 'Planting before the season begins significantly improves the survival rate and allows seedlings to establish resilient root systems.'
He added that these well-rooted native plants also stabilise the soil, prevent erosion caused by rainfall and wind, and contribute to soil fertility—an essential factor in reversing desertification and sustaining local ecosystems.
The campaign focuses on native tree species known for their resilience and ecological value in Oman, including Sidr (Ziziphus spina-christi), Sagout, Kelit, Warar, Sabar (cactus varieties), and wild fig. These trees are traditionally valued for their environmental, medicinal, and pastoral benefits.
In 2024, a similar campaign successfully scattered more than four million seeds in areas including Sadah, Mirbat, and the Jabal Samhan Nature Reserve. That phase featured species such as Frankincense (Boswellia sacra), Samar, Ghaf (Prosopis cineraria), and Arabian Comb (Maerua crassifolia). Seeds were meticulously collected during natural flowering periods, then treated and prepared in specialised facilities to ensure high germination rates.
The campaign has mobilised wide participation from government bodies, private sector partners, and local communities, underscoring a growing collective commitment to ecological stewardship.
Amid growing environmental challenges and climate pressures, Oman's model of large-scale native tree planting offers a replicable blueprint for arid regions. The Environment Authority plans to expand the initiative in future cycles, with a focus on community involvement, scientific monitoring, and integrated reforestation practices to maximise long-term environmental benefits.
