Media

Duqm - January 9, 2023

Coinciding with the Sultanate of Oman’s celebrations of the Omani Environment Day, the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD) organised the Second Environmental Forum “Together to Reduce Carbon Footprint in Duqm”. A number of lecturers and specialists from government and private bodies, concerned with climate change affairs and reducing carbon emissions, took part in the Forum.

The Forum was presided over by HE Sheikh Bader bin Nasser Al Farsi, the Wali of Duqm, with the presence of representatives of the municipal council, a number of officials in the Special Economic Zone at Duqm, specialists from the Environment Authority, Sultan Qaboos University, Duqm Refinery Company (OQ8) and representatives of companies operating in SEZAD. 

The second edition of the Forum aimed to identify the potential environmental challenges resulting from the various construction and industrial activities and projects in the Special Economic Zone at Duqm. Also, it touched on discussing appropriate solutions to environmental issues that require strengthening cooperation between the various concerned parties operating in the Zone in aspects related to environmental and climatic affairs. The Forum urged joining efforts to develop plans to reduce carbon emissions in pursuit of zero neutrality in Duqm.

During the Forum, the importance of reducing carbon emissions, efficient use of natural resources and social inclusion was highlighted in the sessions. In addition, the Forum shed light to the significance of inventorying greenhouse gases and developing solutions to reduce carbon emissions in order to reach zero emissions in Duqm. On the other hand, innovations and updates in the field of preserving the environment, protecting environmental and biological diversity, and the main challenges facing climate change and sustainable development were discussed.

On this occasion, Eng. Ahmed bin Ali Akaak, Acting CEO of the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD), said, "As the Royal Directives of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik marked the year 2050 for achieving zero carbon neutrality in the Sultanate of Oman, SEZAD supports the establishment of an effective, balanced and adaptable system to protect Oman's natural resources and sustain them to support the national economy. This is a significant and encouraging step towards reaching carbon neutrality, which will help achieving a balance between sustainable development and mitigating the effects of climate change. This will also assist developing a knowledge economy, diversifying energy resources and using sustainable clean technology”.

"The Special Economic Zone at Duqm provided investment opportunities for clean energy projects. This has been witnessed in the high interest of international companies in the zone designated for clean energy projects, covering an area of 250 sqkm. In addition to that, there are other projects in this regard that will be announced in the future", he commented.

It is worth noting that organising the Forum "Together to Reduce Carbon Footprint in Duqm" reflects on SEZAD’s plans to lay the foundations for a carbon-free future. It, further, backs the continuous efforts of the Zone, represented by the Environmental Sustainability Department, towards protecting the environment, preserving the sustainable natural resources and supporting the world's endevours to reduce emissions. 

The Forum was held with the participation of other partners including Sultan Qaboos University, OQ Company, Jindal Shadeed Company, Worly Company and other corporates specialised in providing environmental services and consultancy and other sectors.