“Mawared” Leads Efforts to Protect Genetic Resources in Oman
Muscat: The Research and Innovation Authority, represented by the Oman Animal and Plant Genetic Resources Center “Mawared”, continues its efforts to collect, preserve and study biodiversity in the Sultanate of Oman as part of a national approach to support sustainability and scientific research.
These efforts aim to address environmental challenges, including climate change and resource pressures, while supporting innovation and the sustainable use of biological resources.
The initiative forms the foundation for a future national gene bank project, which seeks to preserve genetic resources and make them available for research, biotechnology, and related industries.
Asila bint Sulaiman Al-Naabi, Genetic Resources Specialist at “Mawared”, stated that the center houses diverse scientific collections, including thousands of biological samples from various environments across the Sultanate, reflecting the country’s rich biodiversity.
She noted that the center has preserved around 1,500 frozen semen samples from Arabian horses, in addition to 1,000 samples from local cattle and 100 DNA samples, supporting genetic diversity and livestock sustainability.
She added that approximately 400 samples from 18 species of wild animals have been documented, including the Arabian oryx, Arabian gazelle, Nubian ibex, and Arabian lynx, alongside collections of insects and soil organisms.
In the marine sector, the center maintains samples from dozens of fish species, molluscs, seaweed, coral reefs, and other marine organisms, contributing to the documentation of marine biodiversity.
She further explained that microbiological collections include hundreds of fungal and bacterial samples, some of which represent newly recorded species.
In the plant sector, more than 350 seed collections have been preserved, including strategic crops and rare wild plants such as medicinal and aromatic species.
Al-Naabi highlighted Oman’s diverse ecosystems, which support rare and endangered species, including the Arabian leopard and green turtle, emphasizing the importance of preserving genetic material for conservation programmes.
She also noted the use of a mobile research laboratory equipped with advanced technologies, enabling field collection and analysis of biological samples across different environments.
Dr. Mohammed bin Nasser Al-Yahyaei, Acting Director of “Mawared”, said the center has developed a digital platform to document genetic data and support research collaboration.
He added that the platform will be expanded into a national database linked to research institutions, supporting data exchange and scientific studies.
He affirmed that preserving genetic resources contributes to strengthening the bioeconomy, supporting food and environmental security, and enabling investment in biotechnology and related sectors.
The center works in partnership with local and international institutions to advance research and conservation efforts, reinforcing Oman’s role in biodiversity studies.
