SALALAH: In a significant step towards regional environmental cooperation, Oman's Environment Authority, in collaboration with the General Secretariat of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the Convention on Biological Diversity, inaugurated a sub-regional workshop on ‘Biodiversity Conservation’ here on Monday, July 22, 2024.
Held under the patronage of Dr Abdullah bin Ali al Amri, Chairman of the Environment Authority, the workshop brings together participants from GCC countries, government agencies, environmental experts, and representatives from the United Nations.
In his opening remarks, Eng Salim bin Nasser al Akhzami, Director General of Nature Conservation, highlighted the country's rich biodiversity and the diverse ecosystems found within its borders. He emphasized the Environment Authority's significant achievements, including the establishment of 30 nature reserves and ongoing initiatives like tree-planting programmes and the Tartil Commando project for marine turtle protection. These efforts have propelled Oman 99 positions in the 2024 Global Environmental Performance Index, securing a commendable 50th place ranking.
Oman boasts a unique biodiversity due to its strategic geographical location in the Arabian Peninsula, making it rich in diverse ecosystems and species. The latest surveys revealed the presence of: 1453 species of plants, 530 species of resident and migratory birds, 111 species of reptiles, and 87 species of mammals.
The workshop delved into Oman's updated National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, meticulously aligned with the goals of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. This comprehensive approach, achieved through collaboration across government sectors, NGOs, and the private sector, prioritizes combating invasive alien species, a growing threat to global ecosystems.
The workshop also specifically tackled the issue of invasive alien birds, particularly the myna and Indian crow. Al Akhzami highlighted the remarkable success of national campaigns launched in 2022, resulting in the eradication of over one million of these invasive birds in several governorates. Plans for programme expansion to other regions, in collaboration with stakeholders, are underway.
The workshop emphasized the crucial role of regional cooperation among GCC countries in addressing the transboundary challenge of invasive species. Sharing best practices and harmonizing legislation and control measures are identified as critical steps to effectively curb the spread of this threat.
Majid bin Saleh al Aqeel, Head of the Wildlife Protection Section at the GCC General Secretariat, commended Oman for hosting the workshop, aligning with the decisions made by GCC environment ministers in 2023. He further highlighted the importance placed on environmental protection and sustainable development by the GCC leaders, emphasizing their commitment to the Green Middle East Initiative.
Other topics on the agenda of the workshop focus on: Reviewing and updating national biodiversity strategies and action plans; Building capacity and securing national biodiversity financing; and Understanding the Convention on Biological Diversity's work on invasive alien species and establishing national strategies for their control.
The sub-regional workshop is expected to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange among GCC countries, paving the way for more effective strategies to protect biodiversity and combat invasive species in the region.
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