More than 4,000 seedlings are distributed as part of “Green Muscat” initiative to promote community awareness, during Omani Agriculture Day
Comprehensive environmental commitment and development of green spaces in all governorate’s wilayats
New projects to implement parks, gardens and walkways with modern and eco-friendly facilities
On the 31stOctober, Omani Agriculture Day, which is celebrated every year in the Sultanate of Oman, Muscat Governorate, represented by the municipal sector, has launched a variety of environmental initiatives that reflect its commitment to environmental sustainability and the green spaces’ promotion. These initiatives are part of the “Green Muscat” initiative, which aims to engage the community in preserving vegetation, preventing desertification, and increasing the green spaces.
The initiatives included the distribution of 4,000 seedlings to various areas, with the first part of the campaign being implemented in collaboration with “Muscat Charity Team” to distribute 2,000 seedlings. This aims to encourage the environmental preservation’s culture among young people by involving them in the cultivation. Additionally, seedlings’ distribution in cooperation with “Seeb Charity Team” at Sur Al Hadid Beach. To celebrate this activity, another campaign will be launched on 3 November in Quriyat in cooperation with the “Basmatna Gheer Team”,which will distribute another 2,000 seedlings at an event at Quriyat Clubhead quarters. These campaigns come as the overall aim’s preview of the “Green Muscat” initiative, which pursues the cultivation of 10 million trees within the sustainable development purposes and the future vision of Oman.
Numbers and Statistics
Muscat Governorateprioritises increasing green spaces, believing that it has a great impact onimproving the quality of life and achieving a sustainable environment forresidents. The green spaces cultivated in the governorate reached 2730446square metres, including 19,565 palm trees, 51831 varied trees, 336777 shrubsand hedges, 84205 square metres of seasonal flowers, and 426577 square metresof soil covers.
Green Projects and Eco-Friendly Facilities
MuscatMunicipality launched the ‘Fins Beach Park’ in Quriyat in collaboration withthe Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, with an area of 7,000 square metres and3,000 square metres for car parking, and equipped with parking for campingvehicles with electrical and drainage services. The park includes forestationareas, children`s playgrounds, and other facilities such as a mosque,restaurant and café. As well as, smart lighting and modern irrigation systems.
Other wilayats such as Al Amerat have also launched new projects, including the 6,000 square metres’ area “Al Nahda City Park”. It includes green spaces, walkways, seating areas, shades, a children`s play space, and a six-a-side football staduim. Additionally, Muscat Municipality is implementing the “Al Maabilah South Park” project in Seeb (Stage 8) on more than 10,000 square metres’ area. It includes various facilities such as bicycle paths, a sporting area, children`s playgrounds, vast landscaping, irrigation systems and advanced lighting.
In Quriyat, the “Hail Al Ghaf Park” project was implemented on more than 3,000 square metres’ area. It includes a six-sided stadium, green spaces, a walkway area, a smart irrigation system, shades, and rest areas. There is also a grand project to implement “Al-Saleel Nature Park” in Quriyat, with a first stage that is estimated at 670,000 square meters. The park includes camping activities, recreational services, sports and entertainment facilities. As well as, greenspaces, shaded seating, and walking and cycling paths.
Among the projectsis the reopening of the 41,209 square metres of the “Al Wadi Al Kabir Park” inMuttrah, with a focus on establishing modern sports and recreational facilities.It includes two football fields, two padel courts, a bowling alley, a sports shop.As well as, various restaurants and entertainment facilities.
Healthy Walkways that Promote Physical Activity
Among the projects that the municipal sector continues to develop are the 24,000 square meters “Ministries District Walk” in Al Khuwair, which includes 15,000 square meters of landscaping areas. It has modern lighting and a smart irrigation system that uses artificial intelligence. The walkway covers 1,900 square meters, with 428 meters of private cycling paths, connected to a 1,255 metre-long external path.
Work is also progressing on the “Golden Jubilee Walkway” in Seeb, which covers 84,400 square metres’ area. The walkway includes a 1972 meters long, 6.5 meters wide pathway and a cycling path of the same length. With the establishment of PLAZA lounges with shaded seating, cafes, and entertainment facilities.
Community Partnerships Contribute to a Green Environment
Muscat Municipality enhances community partnership through agreements with the private sector. The municipality recently signed an agreement with Saud bin Hilal AlSabri to establish an integrated project in Al Maabila South. It includes a public park, commercial facilities, and a factory for Omani sweets “Diwaniya”.The project has more than 31,000 square metres’ area and includes green spaces, commercial outlets, kiosks for small and medium enterprises, playgrounds, and walking and cycling paths.
In partnership with Occidental of Oman, Inc., Muscat Municipality has implemented the 152,400square meters “Green Walkway” or “Longitudinal Park” project in Al Maabila. It includes a sports walkway, cycling path, games areas, and other facilities such ass eating, smart lighting, and green spaces.