Oman Expands Vegetation Cover Under Vision 2040 Sustainability Agenda

Sunday, May 3, 2026

Oman’s Environment Authority has led extensive programs to plant over 11 million trees and sow millions of seeds across the country to expand and protect vegetation as part of its sustainability goals. These efforts contribute significantly to carbon reduction and ecological resilience, supporting Oman’s Vision 2040 commitment to environmental sustainability despite challenges posed by the arid climate.

Oman is advancing efforts to expand and protect its vegetation cover as part of the country’s sustainability agenda aligned with Oman Vision 2040. Despite the nation’s predominantly arid climate, vegetation remains a crucial environmental asset in combating climate change and enhancing ecological resilience.

The Environment Authority (EA) has spearheaded a series of programmes to increase green spaces across all governorates, focusing on planting native species to restore natural habitats and raise public environmental awareness. These initiatives are aimed at addressing environmental challenges, promoting ecological balance, and sustaining natural resources to improve quality of life.

Between 2020 and 2025, the National Initiative to Plant Ten Million Trees recorded the planting of approximately 856,142 wild trees and the distribution of 652,241 additional trees throughout various regions of the country. Moreover, efforts to rehabilitate vegetation included sowing over 59 million seeds and planting around 11.38 million mangrove trees, which play a vital role in coastal protection, biodiversity preservation, and carbon sequestration.

Dr. Mohammed bin Rashid al Maamari, Director of the Cultivation and Nurseries Department at the Environment Authority, emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts between institutional bodies and communities to achieve the initiative’s goals. He highlighted ongoing commitments to strengthen plantation campaigns and the significance of engaging local populations in environmental stewardship.

Sustainability rates varied according to planting methods, with mangrove trees showing a 76% success rate, wild trees 60%, and distributed trees 86%. However, direct seeding exhibited a much lower sustainability rate of around 2%, reflecting challenges associated with seed germination and establishment in the region’s harsh conditions.

The environmental impact of these combined efforts is notable, with an estimated annual carbon dioxide equivalent reduction ranging from 108,000 to 520,000 tonnes, averaging about 314,000 tonnes each year. These figures underscore the contribution of increased vegetation to Oman’s broader carbon neutrality ambitions.

Looking forward, Oman plans to undertake further strategic projects to enhance vegetation cover. These include expanding urban afforestation with native, drought-resistant species, developing green corridors within cities and along transportation routes, and increasing mangrove plantations in coastal zones.

The Environment Authority has maintained nationwide campaigns focused on native species planting to support these objectives, reflecting an overarching national strategy to foster environmental sustainability within the framework of Oman Vision 2040.