Oman’s goats new heroes in fight against climate change

Muscat: Oman’s goats have taken on an important role in the global struggle for food security according to Dr. Nadiya Al Saady, Executive Director of the Oman Animal and Plant Genetic Resources Centre (OAPGRC).

As governments around the world tackle the challenges of climate change — amongst them its impact on all dimensions of food security and nutrition, an unlikely hero has stepped to the fore – the Omani goat.

The upcoming Oman Animal and Plant Genetic Resources Center (OAPGRC) Science Café titled: “Not all Heroes Wear Capes: Oman’s Goats on the Frontline in the Fight Against Climate Change,” aims to shed light on the important role of the local livestock.

“This OAPGRC Science Café will explore the part this popular creature can play in the battle for global food security, revealing the hidden superpowers of their DNA if you like. And given the great affection people have for our goats, which with an estimated population of 2.1 million is in fact our most abundant livestock species, and the wide concern about changing weather patterns around the world, I am sure this Science Café will particularly popular and generate some fascinating debate,” Dr. Al Saady said.

“Changes in climatic conditions mean that the livestock breeds the world relies on for food are likely to be adversely affected, unable to thrive in the face of unfamiliar environmental stresses such as increases in temperature or drought. This will make them vulnerable to disease, impact on breeding, and reduce the quality and quantity of their contribution to the food chain. However, thriving in harsh conditions and heat, the genetic code of Oman’s hardy goats is providing valuable information for scientists as they deal with the impacts of climate change on livestock around the world,” Dr. Al Saady added.

The event will be hosted at Mocha & More Coffee Shop in Al Ghubra at 7.30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 27.

Opening the OAPGRC Science Café will be Dr. Mohammed Ali Al Abri, assistant professor at the Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences at Sultan Qaboos University with Dr. Ihab Mustafa Mahmood shaat, animal breeding expert, Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries. Dr. Al-Mutasem Al-Maamari will moderate the event.

This edition of the OAPGRC Science will be held in Arabic and is free of charge, and open to anyone interested in the topic.