Celebrating 25 Years of Action for Biodiversity

Oman is home to more than 1,200 documented plant species [ ] 174 One of the world’s most rigorously green governments The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has credited Oman with having one of the best records in environmental conser- vation, pollution control and main- tenance of ecological balance. The country is even stated as having one of the world’s most rigorously “green” governments. Biodiversity is ensured through varying topographic features, from a vast arid desert in the west to a belt of grass and woodland in the mountainous region of the south, and the Arabian Sea in the east. The Oman Animal and Plant Genetic Resources Centre, in col- laboration with national partners, contributes to the educational aware- ness programmes. For example, the Qurum Natural Park exhibition, that introduced school children to Oman’s plants, animals, marine and micro- bial species; a roadshow activity that aims to raise awareness of diversity, and the benefits, threats and uses of genetic resources; and a Science Café series meeting to provide a platform for mutual learning and dissemina- tion of knowledge on issues related to genetic resources in the Sultanate, with a web portal for information on genetic resources developed. Curricula in Oman continued to offer information and share knowl- edge about economic species, threats to species and habitats, and the importance of conservation and sus- tainable use of biodiversity. Materials have been produced and distributed to raise awareness on the socio-eco- nomic values of biodiversity and the importance of appropriately manag- ing it. Promoted by the government, NGOs are raising awareness and highlighting the role of women for biodiversity. Several of these run workshops on environmental aware- ness, including workshops concern- ing women, mainly in rural areas. Several government ministries conducted the Renaissance Whale and Dolphin project, a multifaceted scientific and public awareness pro- ject established by the Environment Society of Oman in 2011. The project provided information that can lead to effective conservation manage- ment. Oman’s unique wildlife and nature reserves are key attractions of the country and as such are being fea- tured and promoted by both the Min- istries of Information and Tourism. T he Sultanate of Oman is the third largest and probably the most diverse country in the Arabian Peninsula. Oman borders the Strait of Hormuz to the north, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia to the north-west, and the Republic of Yemen to the south-west. The land is formed of stony desert plains, sandy and mountainous areas, littoral and coastal plain, with desert areas covering 79 per cent of the total. The agrobiodiversity area covers 8 per cent of country surface area and the coastal zone covers only 3 per cent. Despite its dry climate, Oman is located in an area of outstanding biodiversity, mainly in the parts of the Sultanate where the precipitation is highest. The country is home to more than 1,200 documented plant species (3 globally threatened), 509 marine flora, 766 marine invertebrate, 988 fish (globally 13 threatened), 89 herptile (6.7 per cent endemic), 518 bird (12 globally threatened) and 93 mammal (20 globally threatened). Wadi Bani Khalid Rita Willaert Oman