Omani youths need to be inculcated with greener, sustainable ideas for a better, environmentally friendly society of tomorrow, says Dr Amer al Mataani, President of the Board of Directors, Environment Society of Oman (ESO).
Speaking to the Observer on the sidelines of the recently held Namat awards that recognise children with creative and sustainable ideas for environment protection held under the auspices of Dr Madeeha bint Ahmed al Shaibaniyah, Minister of Education, Dr Al Mataani said the youth has an incredible opportunity to shape a more sustainable future.
He said that initiatives like Namat empower them to lead change by addressing real-world environmental challenges through creativity, collaboration, and dedication.
“Our youths have a bigger role to play in environment protection and their ideas and actions today will be the foundation of a greener, healthier Oman for future generations. We encourage you to embrace this responsibility with passion and vision, knowing that your contributions can drive lasting, positive impact in our communities and beyond,” he said.
ESO is aiming to expand community engagement by strengthening the connections between school projects and local community participation. By continuing to support and showcase the efforts of schools and students, ESO hopes to inspire more community involvement and amplify the message of sustainability across Oman.
ESO is also aligning its initiatives with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) to drive a more impactful conservation movement among Oman’s youth and local communities.
The Namat Competition is an annual initiative organised by the ESO and supported by Veolia Oman, celebrating the environmental innovation and commitment of Omani government schools. Launched in 2019, Namat aims to inspire students from Grades 5 to 12 to develop sustainable projects addressing challenges like water management, waste reduction, and energy conservation.
This year’s event, the fourth edition, saw the participation of 164 schools nationwide, with the top projects receiving recognition for their creativity and impact. The winners were honoured at a prestigious ceremony. By fostering a collaborative approach that involves students, staff, and local communities, Namat encourages environmental responsibility and aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to drive awareness, engagement, and lasting conservation efforts across Oman.
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