Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) launched a series of green environmental events as part of the Salalah Festival celebrations.

Activities will include a full-day workshop on Green Economy with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), a PDO Majlis session on the same topic and a three-day litter clean up campaign of key tourist areas in the city.

Ensuring Litter-Free environment

The first of these clean ups was launched by HE Sheikh Salem bin Aufait Al Shanfari, Chairman of Dhofar Municipality at Sahl Ateen, where PDO volunteers were joined by others from Dhofar Municipality and several public and private entities to ensure the lush mountain is litter-free.

The volunteers will also clean up Sahl Sahnoot and Al Dahariz beach showcasing the strong commitment of the Company in protecting the environment.

This comes as part of the second phase of the “Better Than It Was” initiative which was launched on Oman Environment Day, January 8, by PDO and Muscat Municipality to battle the issue of public littering. The initiative is part of PDO’s wider Estidama environmental campaign.

The aim is to spread awareness, especially among the youth, on the importance of safeguarding the environment from public littering which can cause long-term damage to wild life and public health as well as negatively impacting the tourism industry.

PDO External Affairs and Communications Manager Mohammed Al Ghareebi said: “Our message is simple: if you are outside with your family or friends enjoying nature at the beach, beautiful mountains, deserts or wadis, please leave the place better than it was.

“It’s vital we teach young people that they are the guardians who will ensure Oman’s beauty remains intact”.

PDO’s Medical team will also be present at Salalah Gardens Mall for a health awareness event on smoking organised in collaboration with the Oman Anti-Tobacco Society. The five-day exhibition, commencing today, will include educational material, one-to-one counselling and a kids’ corner.