Muscat: Muscat Municipal Council held a meeting today chaired by HH Sayyid Bilarab bin Haitham Al Said, Minister of State and Governor of Muscat.
According to Oman News Agency, the council began its session with a presentation from the Ministry of Energy and Minerals concerning the Oman Net Zero Centre. Delivered by Eng. Salim bin Nasser Al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals, the presentation emphasized the centre's leadership role in achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. This initiative is aligned with Oman Vision 2040 and focuses on creating a green economy through national plans and coordinated efforts with relevant authorities to reduce carbon emissions and increase energy efficiency.
Mohsen bin Sulaiman Al Jabri, Director General of Oman Net Zero Centre, detailed recent advancements in the national net-zero strategy, including specific emission reduction pathways for various sectors and an implementation roadmap. Economic and developmental benefits were highlighted, such as enhancing national economic competitiveness, fostering green industries, attracting significant investments, and generating jobs in sectors related to achieving net-zero emissions.
The presentation further explored the centre's initiatives to regulate carbon markets and the development of the 'Meezan' national platform for emissions inventory and management. These efforts are aimed at supporting evidence-based decision-making, ensuring Oman's preparedness to meet climate objectives, and solidifying its role in global climate change mitigation and sustainable development efforts.
The council also approved the minutes from its previous meeting, which included recommendations regarding the 'Muscat Nights' events. Emphasis was placed on developing a comprehensive events system and expanding programmes and activities to benefit all wilayats of the Muscat Governorate.
Further discussions included recommendations from the Social Affairs Committee about animal enclosures in Muscat's residential areas and their impact on the urban landscape. The council advocated for sustainable regulatory solutions to mitigate these effects, emphasizing unified efforts and institutional partnerships that respect community values and urban development requirements.
Additionally, the council reviewed communications from relevant authorities concerning proposed alternative zones under the eleventh five-year plan for agricultural areas in the Wilayat of Quriyat. This review is part of ongoing efforts to enhance land and resource efficiency, support development objectives, and achieve sustainable development aligned with current and future goals for the governorate.