Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
Fig. 19.3
Low cost materials (palm fronds and other debris) have been used to stabilize sandy
areas and reduce the impact of dust and sand storms
Special consideration was given in the Sultanate of Oman to the problem of desert
encroachment in general, and the degradation of some of its agricultural lands in
particular. The Sultanate has given special care to the desert encroachment issue due
to its geographical location which is connected with the desert within its strategic
vision to protect the environment in general and to conserve its natural resources
in particular. His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said's vision laid its foundation.
He believes that sustainable development in all socio-economic fields cannot be
achieved unless under suitable environmental conditions which provide the required
balance between securing decent life and stability to citizens and preserving the
country's natural resources in a sustainable manner.
On the basis of an integrated national plan for combating desertification prepared
in collaboration with ESCWA, FAO, UNDP and UNEP, the Sultanate during the
last three decades has undertaken a number of programs and projects aiming at the
protection of the productive land, development of rangelands and deserts, specifying
land use and studying the relation between arable land and areas of vegetation area
and establishment of shelter-belts for the halting of desert creep and development
of local life of human settlements adjacent to the desert areas. The Sultanate,
by hosting the international working group meeting on combating desertification,
indeed is assuring its permanent endeavors towards activating its national programs
and plans in this field, enhancing joint work and cooperation between the Sultanate
concerned authorities and other Arab and international organizations, particularly
parties to the UNCCD which the Sultanate acceded to by virtue of the Royal Decree
No. (5) of 1996.
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