Research and Innovation Authority Preserves Oman’s Biological Resources

Sunday, May 3, 2026

The Research and Innovation Authority in Oman, via its Oman Animal and Plant Genetic Resources Centre, is actively collecting and preserving genetic materials from a wide range of native animal, plant, and microbial species to support biodiversity conservation. These efforts aim to enhance environmental resilience, promote sustainable use of biological resources, and address challenges such as climate change and food security in Oman.

The Research and Innovation Authority (RIA) in Oman, through its Oman Animal and Plant Genetic Resources Centre (Mawarid), continues to advance its efforts in the collection, preservation, and study of the country’s biological resources. This initiative is part of a comprehensive national system aimed at conserving biodiversity while fostering innovation and sustainable investment in biological materials.

The RIA’s work is integral to addressing various environmental challenges affecting Oman, including climate change, pollution, and the increasing pressures human activity exerts on natural resources. By strengthening scientific research capacities, the authority seeks to develop innovative approaches for the sustainable utilization of the nation’s biodiversity.

In the realm of animal genetic resources, the RIA has preserved 1,500 frozen semen samples from purebred Arabian horses and retains approximately 100 DNA samples from these equines. Additionally, the centre safeguards 1,000 frozen semen samples from local cattle breeds, supporting genetic diversity and livestock sustainability in the country. The institution has also documented around 400 specimens belonging to 18 wild animal species, such as the Arabian oryx, Arabian gazelle, Nubian ibex, and Arabian lynx.

Marine biodiversity conservation is another key focus, with the centre maintaining genetic and tissue samples from 68 fish species alongside 40 samples of various seaweed species. In the microbiology sector, the centre’s scientific collections include 224 bacterial samples and 330 macrofungi specimens, contributing to ongoing research and potential applications in health and agriculture.

The plant sector features extensive seed preservation efforts, with over 350 collections maintained. These include roughly 100 collections of strategic crops like wheat and barley, essential for food security, as well as about 250 collections of wild plant seeds. The latter group features medicinal, aromatic, endemic, rare, and endangered species, underscoring the centre’s commitment to protecting Oman’s unique botanical heritage.

Through these multifaceted efforts, the Research and Innovation Authority underscores its role in safeguarding Oman’s natural resources and promoting environmental resilience, scientific advancement, and sustainable development.