Why in news?
At the 43rd session of UNESCO’s General Conference held in Samarkand, the Sultanate of Oman was elected to the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme Council for the 2025–2029 term. This election acknowledges Oman’s efforts to balance economic development with environmental conservation and gives the country a role in guiding global biosphere policies.
Background
Oman occupies the south‑eastern corner of the Arabian Peninsula. It is bounded by the Arabian Sea to the south and east, the Gulf of Oman to the northeast and Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen to the west and north-west. The country covers about 309 500 km² and is largely desert, with the vast Rub’ al‑Khali in the west and the rugged Al Hajar Mountains in the north. The capital city, Muscat, lies on the coast. Oman gained prominence historically as a centre for seafaring and the frankincense trade. Modernisation began in 1970 under Sultan Qaboos bin Said, who developed infrastructure and opened the country to the world.
Key facts
- Climate: Oman has a hot, arid climate with very high summer temperatures. The Dhofar region in the south experiences a seasonal monsoon known as the khareef which brings greenery and mist.
- Natural resources: The country’s economy depends heavily on petroleum and natural gas. Other resources include copper, chromium, gypsum, limestone and marble.
- Biosphere reserves: Oman has designated the Al‑Sareen Nature Reserve and the Al Jabal Al Akhdar (Green Mountain) plateau as biosphere reserves to protect rare flora and fauna such as the Arabian tahr, Arabian leopard and frankincense trees.
- Population and governance: Oman’s population is about 5.3 million. It is an absolute monarchy headed by Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, with advisory bodies such as the State Council and Shura Council.
Significance
- Global conservation role: Membership in the MAB Council allows Oman to contribute expertise on arid‑land ecosystems and sustainable development.
- Regional leadership: The country can advocate for increased protected areas and ecological research in the Arabian Peninsula, aligning with its Vision 2040 goals for environmental stewardship.
- Tourism and education: Highlighting biosphere reserves may boost ecotourism and raise awareness among Omani youth about biodiversity.
Sources: Times of India, Encyclopædia Britannica, CIA World Factbook