Oman plants 72M trees to accelerate net-zero ambitions
Environmental authority expands protected areas, boosts mangrove restoration and strengthens climate action under Vision 2040
MUSCAT, Oman (MNTV) — Oman has planted more than 72 million trees over the past five years as part of an expanded national strategy to reduce carbon emissions, restore ecosystems, and advance its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions, according to the Environment Authority.
The achievements were presented during a joint government meeting in the Wilayat of Ibra, where officials reviewed the country’s environmental progress between 2020 and 2025 and outlined ongoing initiatives under Oman Vision 2040 and the national environmental strategy.
According to Oman Observer, authorities said tree-planting campaigns have resulted in the cultivation of more than 72.07 million trees nationwide, including over 11.3 million mangrove seedlings and more than 856,000 native wild trees.
The program has been supported by 1,325 field campaigns, 47 nurseries, and the distribution of more than 652,000 seedlings, contributing to an estimated annual reduction of more than 108,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.
The Environment Authority also highlighted progress in expanding the country’s protected areas network, which now includes 32 nature reserves covering approximately 17,827 square kilometers.
Officials said terrestrial protected areas account for 4.85 percent of the country’s land area, while marine protected zones cover 0.51 percent, exceeding both national and international conservation targets.
As part of its climate strategy, Oman has accelerated its Blue Carbon initiative through large-scale mangrove restoration projects designed to strengthen natural carbon sinks capable of absorbing up to 14 million tonnes of carbon dioxide.
The authority also reported growth in green investment, which now represents 27 percent of environmental investment, alongside a reduction in national greenhouse gas emissions.
Officials said Oman has also improved waste management by collecting 1.77 million tonnes of waste and achieving a recycling rate of 39 percent, with more than 85 materials recovered and reused through circular economy programs.
The authority reaffirmed Oman’s commitment to international environmental agreements, noting that the country is a party to 22 global conventions and protocols covering climate change, biodiversity, desertification, and hazardous waste management.
Oman’s environmental performance has also received international recognition, ranking first among Arab countries and second globally in the 2025 Numbeo Pollution Index, while placing 55th worldwide and second in the Middle East in the Environmental Performance Index.
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