The Omani Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs (MECA) has planted more than half a million mangrove saplings since 2001 to combat global warming.

 

Speaking during the Waljat College of Applied Sciences' (WCAS) environment day celebration on Tuesday, Maryam al Busaidi, acting head of biodiversity database, MECA, said, "Threat to environment is the main challenge for us these days. We must encourage the youth to take part in activities that tackle global warming."

 

She said that the government is speeding up efforts to achieve its plantation target this year. "With the help of experts from Japan, the ministry will plant saplings at Rose Garden in Qurm."

 

"We have spent almost RO4mn to plant more than half a million mangrove saplings in different parts of the country since 2001. Mangroves are the best way to combat global warming," Busaidi said.

 

The college organized several events to mark the day.

 

Winners of photography and painting competitions were awarded on Tuesday.

 

Akrati Kaul, assistant coordinator of the college's Environment Club said, "The main aim of the environment day is to spread awareness among students about the world we live in. Students from six colleges took part in these competitions."