New initiative towards a greener Oman

By Sheikha Al Maqhousi

MUSCAT: Keeping in mind the principle that Earth is our home and everyone has a role to maintain its natural system, a citizen of Oman has decided to plant 1000 seedlings.

“My dream is to create a reserve of wild trees that would benefit all humans, animals, birds and also help protect the ecosystem,” said Mohammed Al Hinai who is working hard towards a greener Oman.

The trees that are mostly being planted are Moringa (called Al Shioa locally), Acacia tortilis (Al Samar), Prosopis juliflora (Al Gaf),and Ziziphusspina-christi (Al Sidr).

Mohammed said: “I chose these trees because their seeds are easily available as they grow in Oman and can be cultivated in various types of soil, whether in homes, or in farms, hills, highlands and wadis.”

Until now Mohammed has planted 600 seedlings. “Sometimes some seedling are not grown so I need to do re-planting,” he said while talking about the various steps that he needs to follows.

Al Hinai had been contemplating to start this project from a long time and so he had started collecting seeds since three years ago.

“Collecting seeds took a lot of time and effort. Many people offered to help me. They asked me to visit nurseries where I could easily buy seeds or seedlings,” he added.

Al Hinai searched for the right seeds and followed the project with all its details until he got satisfcatory results.

“I faced difficulty in finding the Acacia tortilis (Al Samar) seeds because it passes through a number of stages and sometimes we find the seeds dry and unsuitable for planting, but after long research, I manage to get the seeds,” Mohammed Al Hinai said.

Since his hometown is in Ibri in Al Dhahirah governorate and he works in Muscat, weekends are the only time when Al Hinai can work on the project.

“During weekends I have a busy schedule as I have to finish all my responsibilities towards my family and relatives in addition to the project work,” he said.

“I visit different places with my children to collect suitable soil for the seedlings and also to find the seeds,” he added. During weekdays his 11-year-old son, Sultan, looks after the seedlings and waters them during his absence.

“Now my aim is to get a land where I can build a reserve that can benefit all humans, animals and birds, and help preserve the ecosystem. The reserve will be a public park where everyone can spend a good time with their families. We can also introduce wildlife in addition to recreational games and other activities,” Mohammed Al Hinai said.