24 June 2026 at 08:09 pm IST
Oman has unveiled its National Strategy to Combat Desertification 2040, setting out a long-term roadmap to restore degraded land, expand vegetation cover and strengthen environmental resilience across the country. The strategy was launched by the Environment Authority in collaboration with the Arab Organization for Agricultural Development and aligns with the sustainability objectives of Oman Vision 2040. The new strategy aims to tackle the growing challenges of land degradation, soil erosion and declining vegetation cover, which have been intensified by climate change and arid environmental conditions. As part of the plan, Oman intends to rehabilitate more than 100 square kilometres of degraded land while significantly increasing tree cover through national afforestation programmes and ecosystem restoration initiatives. Authorities said the strategy is built on scientific assessments that divide the country into four environmental regions, allowing restoration and conservation measures to be tailored to local ecological conditions. The framework also includes long-term monitoring of vegetation growth and sustainable land management programmes extending to 2050. The Environment Authority highlighted that combating desertification is essential for safeguarding food security, water resources and biodiversity. Officials noted that land degradation has economic and social consequences in addition to environmental impacts, making coordinated action across government agencies, businesses and local communities a national priority. The strategy supports Oman's commitments under the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and forms part of broader efforts to achieve sustainable development under Oman Vision 2040. By restoring ecosystems and strengthening natural resource management, the government aims to improve environmental resilience while supporting long-term economic and social development.
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