Preserving Oman's perennial wild trees

Muscat: Oman's Environment Authority is taking significant steps to protect and document its native tree population.

The Environment Authority, represented by the Environment Department in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, in cooperation with the Municipality Department in Bahla, launched the third and final phase of the project to inventory and document perennial wild trees in the Wilayat of Bahla, which is scheduled to continue until November.

 The project focuses in this phase on installing metal plates on some perennial wild trees in the Wilayat, which will contribute to determining the spatial distribution of perennial Omani trees, in addition to raising awareness among the local community and visitors to the Sultanate about the environmental, economic and social importance of these trees.

The project aims to spread the culture of planting local trees while preserving what is currently available and enhancing the culture of awareness against encroachment on them. Perennial wild trees are also an important source of seeds for several local species that are included in the national initiative to plant 10 million trees, in addition to their benefits in moderating the atmosphere, absorbing carbon dioxide, reducing dust and providing food and shelter for many creatures.

 The project will contribute to enhancing methods of gaining knowledge using modern technical means with the aim of reducing the printing of books and paper publications, which cause the cutting down of trees and the destruction of forests through their use as raw materials. The Authority seeks for the community to be a true partner in achieving the goals of sustainable development in preserving the environment and conserving its natural resources.