Positive response to tree plantation drive in Oman

Muscat: People in Oman can now get free seedlings of wild trees from the Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs (MECA), as a part of its campaign to promote growing more local trees in the Sultanate.

The campaign, which was started in March, has seen a positive response from both Omanis and expatriates, who are planting trees in their farms and houses.

The seedlings are available at three plant nurseries located in Barka, Dhofar and Al Kamilwa Al Wafi.

However, any person who wants a tree must apply online and provide information on the reasons they want it.

Most requests have been made by local farmers in Al Dhahira, the North and South Al Sharqiyah governorates, according to Saif bin Omar bin Saif Al Tobi, nature reserves specialist at the Desertification Combat Department, MECA.

“Some people requested these wild trees so they can park their cars in its shade,” he said, adding that farmers in the villages plant many wild trees around their farms so the wild trees help retain sand and other material.

The ministry, however, said the free seedlings provided through MECA’s online portal should not be used for commercial purposes.

Moreover, the spot where a person wants to plant the tree must be his/her private property.

The ministry also provides tree lovers with advice and recommendations.

“There are many differences characteristics of trees that grow in northern parts of the Sultanate and the ones growing in the south,” Al Tobi explained. “A seedling should be planted in the soil and temperature that suits it.”

Depending on the tree size, there must be a space of at least three to seven metres between each seedling, and the farmer should take good care of it and check upon it at least three times a week, according to MECA’s website.

20 types of trees

More than 20 types of trees from northern and southern areas of Oman are available at the ministry’s plant nurseries, including Christi, Prospiscinerari, Acacia tortilis and Ficusvasta.

Al Tobi said the initiative, named ‘Ashjar’ (which means trees) will be updated soon and is set to become a permanent project to make the best of one of the country’s most important resources.