A national workshop launched on Monday in Muscat to review and approve Oman’s National Strategy to Combat Desertification 2040. The event is organized by the Environment Authority in collaboration with the Arab Organization for Agricultural Development (AOAD). It brings together members of the National Committee to Combat Desertification, alongside experts and decision-makers from government agencies, the private sector, and civil society.

The strategy represents Oman’s commitment to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and aligns with the environmental objectives outlined in Oman Vision 2040. Its primary goals focus on reducing land degradation, protecting natural resources, and promoting sustainable development across the country.

The opening ceremony, overseen by Dr. Abdullah bin Ali al Amri, Chairman of the Environment Authority, included the screening of a documentary presenting the strategy’s framework. The film detailed the significant natural and climatic challenges Oman faces due to its location within the desert belt, stressing the resulting pressures on vegetation, soil, and water resources. It also explained the scientific approach behind the strategy, which divides Oman into four main environmental regions to facilitate targeted field interventions.

Scheduled to run for three days, the workshop is reviewing operational goals such as reclaiming and rehabilitating over 100 square kilometers of degraded land, substantially increasing tree cover, and implementing national afforestation programs. These initiatives aim to monitor tree growth and sustain environmental efforts through 2050.

Saud bin Salim al Araimi, Acting Director-General of the Directorate-General of Vegetation Cover Development, emphasized that combating desertification is critical to strengthening food security, water resources, and environmental sustainability in Oman. A representative from AOAD highlighted the ongoing cooperation with the Environment Authority in formulating the strategy and emphasized the importance of knowledge exchange and coordinated action to enhance national efforts against desertification.