Up to RO5,000 fine, jail for cutting trees

Continued from Page 01

“The Environment Authority is making efforts to reduce damage to the environment, such as logging and burning. Any person who cuts or burns a tree or damages the vegetation in any region will be punished with imprisonment and a fine,” Shukaili said.

According to the Environmental Protection and Pollution Control Law No 114/2001, the offence invites imprisonment of up to three months, and a fine of not less than RO500 and not exceeding RO5,000, besides confiscation of tools. “The law punishes anyone who cuts, uproots or burns any tree. The law also punishes anyone who moves sand from valleys or beaches without permission from the Environment Authority,” said Shukaili.

He added, “The authority has increased patrolling in various regions of the sultanate, especially the nature and tourist reserves such as Jebel Akhdar and Jebel Shams. The authority is making efforts to spread awareness to preserve vegetation cover and prevent desertification through various campaigns. We cooperate with all associations that are interested in increasing the green space in Oman, such as the Omani Sidr Association.”

In cooperation with Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), the EA launched an initiative to plant 10mn wild trees in January. Since then, the authority has produced seedlings of sumr, sidr, shue, ghaf, tiq and alalan that can withstand the difficult climatic conditions in different parts of Oman.

“The initiative aims to increase green cover in pastoral, natural and degraded areas, as well as raise awareness of the importance of expanding the vegetation area in the sultanate,” said Shukaili.

“The authority urges everyone to preserve the environment because it is the responsibility of all members of society. Please report any violations via the hotline 80071999 or 24693666.”