16-03-2025
Oman expands efforts to preserve plant diversity
MUSCAT: Amid growing environmental challenges, preserving biodiversity and protecting plant species from extinction has become a pressing need. The Oman Animal and Plant Genetic Resources Center (Mawarid), under the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, is at the forefront of this mission. The centre conducts annual field expeditions to collect and conserve plant samples, ensuring the protection of Oman's natural heritage, advancing genetic research, and fostering economic applications in various sectors.
Despite the demanding nature of this work, the Mawarid team remains committed to six key objectives. They are:
Biodiversity conservation: Climate change and human activity threaten several Omani plant species. To counter this, the centre collects and stores seeds in gene banks, securing their survival for future generations. Between 2018 and 2024, Mawarid carried out 81 field missions across 231 sites in 50 governorates, documenting 352 plant species - 18 of which are classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Oman expands efforts to preserve plant diversity
Additionally, 883 entries were recorded in the Wild Plant Database, with ongoing efforts to integrate them into the Plant Genetic Resources Information Platform.
Adaptation research: Omani flora thrive in extreme environments, enduring high temperatures and prolonged droughts. By studying their genetic traits, researchers aim to enhance environmental sustainability and apply findings to improve agricultural productivity.
Economic potential: The Sultanate of Oman is exploring the commercial use of native plants in agriculture and industry. Mawarid is working on an agreement with the Oman Date Palm Development Company to cultivate select species for oil extraction and active ingredient production, boosting economic returns.
Seed conservation for climate resilience: With the increasing frequency of natural disasters and climate fluctuations, preserving plant seeds is a strategic priority. Mawarid's extensive database, containing over 17,623 genetic resource records, enables the recovery of plant species at risk of extinction, strengthening Oman's environmental and food security.
Oman expands efforts to preserve plant diversity
Scientific advancements: Plant genetic resources provide valuable material for research. Mawarid's studies have led to the publication of peer-reviewed papers on plants such as the Omani shua tree, chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus L), beedman plant (Salvia macilenta Boiss.), and wild lavender (Lavandula subnuda), recognised for their medicinal and aromatic properties.
Community awareness: Oman is home to rare endemic plant species that form an integral part of its agricultural and cultural heritage. To raise awareness, Mawarid conducts scientific lectures, field visits, and media engagements, promoting the significance of genetic resources for environmental and economic sustainability.
Dr Mohammed bin Nasser Al Yahyai
Dr Mohammed bin Nasser al Yahyai, Director of Mawarid Research Centre, emphasised the importance of these efforts: "The world is changing at an unprecedented pace due to unsustainable human activities that disrupt ecosystems. Our genetic resources are vital for food, medicine, and well-being. Collaborating with national institutions, we strive to safeguard threatened and overlooked plant species while raising public awareness. The loss of any organism - whether due to climate change or urban expansion - represents not just an ecological imbalance but also a missed scientific and economic opportunity. Protecting these resources is not an option; it is a necessity for a sustainable future."
The Oman Plant Seed Conservation Project is a cornerstone of the country's environmental and economic security. By integrating scientific, environmental, and industrial efforts, Mawarid is ensuring that Oman's plant heritage remains protected.
While research teams continue their fieldwork, biodiversity conservation remains a collective responsibility—one that requires the engagement of society and institutions alike to secure a sustainable future for generations to come.
