Children learn about biodiversity at Environment Society of Oman event

Muscat: Twenty-six students took part in a series of interactive workshops highlighting the importance of biodiversity and renewable activities.
The workshops were part of the annual Eco Summer programme hosted by the Environment Society of Oman (ESO) in partnership with Petroleum Development Oman (PDO).
This was the third year in a row that the programme was hosted as part of a wide ranging awareness drive to boost the idea of sustainable development in the Sultanate.
Held at the PDO Eco Oman Centre, the programme welcomed 26 students to a series of interactive workshops that highlighted the importance of biodiversity and renewable activities.
The workshops provided students with a first-hand look into the massive benefits of sustainable living, eco-friendly arts and crafts, in addition to events aimed at increasing their knowledge of Oman’s natural environment.
Themes included ‘Painting Oman’s Biodiversity,’ ‘Introduction to the World of Microorganisms,’ ‘Repurposing Cardboard into Art,’ ‘Environmental Photography and Photoshop,’ and ‘Biodiversity Research.’
Suaad Al Harthi, Programme Director at the ESO, said, “In order to build a more sustainable future and preserve the natural wonders of Oman for generations to come, it is imperative that we engage the youth of today to provide them with the tools and know-how to be the leaders of tomorrow. Previous editions of the Eco Summer Programme received very positive feedback from parents and this year’s programme took these into account to design an itinerary that will help students have an even greater impact on their communities.”
She added, “I would like to thank everyone who made the event possible, especially our partners PDO, Oman Botanical Garden, the Oman Plant and Animal Genetic Resources Centre, and the Omani artist,Moosa Al Lawati.”
ESO’s Eco Summer was sponsored by the PDO under the umbrella of a wider educational programme aimed at raising environmental awareness in different schools and Wilayats across the Sultanate. The themes of the educational initiative change each semester and range from ‘Water and Energy Conservation,’ ‘Biodiversity,’ ‘Carbon Footprint’ and ‘Green Schools.’