Oman’s EA signs contract for Blue Carbon Project to plant 100 million mangrove trees

Muscat: The Environment Authorty today signed a contract with MSA Green Projects company for the implementation of  “Oman Blue Carbon” project to plant 100 million mangrove trees in the Sultanate of Oman.

The project is the first of its kind in Oman to utilize mangroves for carbon credits. It steams from the national strategy for achieving zero carbon emission by 2050. It constitutes a trend towards improving environmental performance and mitigating the impacts of climate change.

The ceremony was held at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Center, under the auspices of Dr. Saud bin Hamoud Al Habsi, Minister of Agricultural, Fisheries and Water Resources. It was attended by government and private sectors representatives and and researchers in biodiversity.

The 4-year project is expected to generate economic and financial revenue of about $150 million. It is scheduled to cut down carbon dioxide emissions by 14 million tonnes and bring about significant improvement in natural habitats, alongside benefits for the local community.

The agreement was signed by Dr. Abdullah bin Ali Al Amri, Chairman of the Environment Agency, and Atwal, CEO of MSA Green Projects.

Oman Blue Carbon Project evolves around land reclamation and the development of artificial lakes suitable for growing more than 100 million mangrove trees in the Al Wusta Governorate on an area of 20,000 hectares, which will be converted into mangrove forests, said Al Amri.

He pointed out that direct gains from the project include the realization of blue carbon credit certificates in favour of the Environment Authority, to the tune of $160 million, in addition to the development of eco-tourism sites, among other advantages. – ONA