ESO’s tree planting campaign a success

THE Environment Society of Oman (ESO) has celebrated the completion of their ‘Let’s Plant One’ campaign with a closing ceremony held at Salalah Applied Science College under the auspices of Salem al Shanfari, Head of Dhofar Municipality. Sponsors and volunteers gathered to acknowledge and praise the success of the two-year project that has reintroduced 6,000 species native to the Governorate of Dhofar.
Sponsored by Ford Motor Company Conservation and Environmental Grants and Port of Salalah, the campaign was launched in 2012 and recently came to a close after fulfilling its objective in raising awareness on preserving local flora. Sayyid Mohammed bin Sultan al Busaidy Minister of State and Governor of Dhofar, kicked off Phase One of the campaign, with the initial planting of 6,000 Omani trees. This served as the foundation for the complimentary elements of Phase Two, which focused on ESO’s outreach strategy of raising awareness on various environmental issues in 26 local schools, with the aim of attracting further volunteers.
Dr Hamed al Ghailani, Outreach Manager for the Environment Society of Oman, stated, “The closing ceremony was held in collaboration with local agencies, including the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs, Dhofar Municipality, Port of Salalah, the Ministry of Education as well as numerous local schools, Wali offices and other volunteers. I wish to express my most profound thanks on behalf of ESO for each and every volunteer’s efforts and hard work throughout this campaign.”
The ceremony included a summary presentation of the various phases of the campaign, as well as presenting certificates and gifts of thanks to the supporting agencies and volunteers whom have continuously assisted in the project over its two year timeline.
Ahmed Akaak, Acting CEO at the Port of Salalah, said, “By planting trees, we are sending a clear signal that we are committed to creating a sustainable future. Trees provide us with many benefits by reducing the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere and making our society more resilient to climate change. The Dhofar Governorate is host to more than 900 plant species, one of Oman’s richest biodiversity zones and planting indigenous trees will ensure that this natural treasure is preserved for future generations.”

Monday 26th, May 2014 / 18:34 Written by Oman Observer 

in Features