TASKFORCE TO IMPLEMENT MUSCAT GREEN INITIATIVE
Sayyid Saud bin Hilal al Busaidi, Governor of Muscat, held discussions with a delegation on Sunday to bolster Oman's commitment to carbon neutrality by 2050. The meeting concluded with a decision to establish a dedicated team to oversee execution of the Muscat Green Initiative, marking a significant development in the sultanate's journey towards a greener future.
The meeting was attended by key figures, including Dr Abdullah bin Ali al Amri, Chairman of Environment Authority; Dr Mansour bin Talib al Hinai, Chairman of Public Services
Regulatory Authority; and H E Dr Mohammed bin Ali al Mutawa, Undersecretary for Urban Planning in the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning. Experts from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, and Muscat Municipality also presented their insights.
Focused on the Muscat Green Initiative, the meeting aimed to fortify nature conservation, biodiversity preservation and expansion of green spaces within Muscat governorate. Such efforts are expected to significantly improve air quality and public health, and mitigate climate change impacts.
Discussions also covered the selection of viable sites for tree plantation across Muscat's wilayats and addressed potential challenges, including the development of an efficient irrigation network.
The formation of a specialised team drawn from relevant authorities - tasked with implementation of the Muscat Green Initiative and strategic site selection for tree plantation in the governorate – was announced.
The tree plantation activity falls under the broader national ambition to plant 10mn indigenous trees, overseen by the Environment Authority, aimed at heightening environmental awareness, combating desertification and increasing green cover.
Additionally, the meeting delved into the National Programme for Carbon Neutrality in Muscat governorate and witnessed a detailed presentation on the programme's objectives and national significance.
The programme was launched in January 2023 and is a collaboration between the Ministry of Energy and Minerals and the Environment Authority. According to Dr Maryam bint Muhammad al Busaidi, head of the programme, it seeks to expedite the implementation of eco-friendly initiatives and projects, addressing challenges in sectors such as oil and gas, industry, electricity generation and transportation, which significantly contribute to carbon emissions.
The discussions on Sunday underscored Oman's strategic efforts to achieve zero neutrality, monitoring key performance indicators and implementation mechanism of the National Programme for Carbon Neutrality.
The meeting underscores Muscat governorate's dedication to fulfilling Oman Vision 2040 and transitioning towards an emission-free, sustainable economy.
TOWARDS CARBON NEUTRALITY