Muscat: The Environment Society of Oman (ESO) organised its second virtual fundraising event on the 27th of September.

Hosted by ESO’s Board Member, Rumaitha Al Busaidi, ESO’s Environmental Big Night In drew local and international friends and supporters for an evening of fun events to raise awareness and funding to support the work of Oman’s only environmental NGO.

The event hosted several guest speakers including Kristian Teleki, Director of Friends of Ocean Action, Talal Hassan, an Omani environmental entrepreneur, and Omani media personality,  Ibtihal Al Zadjali, all of whom shared their collective belief in the importance of preserving Oman’s unique biodiversity as well as the community’s shared responsibility to protect the environment for the next generation.

Sponsored by Oman Arab Bank, one of the Sultanate’s leading financial institutions, the event featured videos of ESO’s past and ongoing work, an exciting raffle as well as musical performances from local artists like Maestro Al Kindi, Amal Waqar and Pulse and Soul. Most importantly, the fundraiser offered the public the opportunity to contribute to ESO’s tireless efforts to protect and preserve Oman’s precious environment.

The event had a silent auction with items generously donated from near and far including an exclusive dual location holiday in Bali supported by W Bali – Seminyak and Villa Seascape on Nusa Lemongan Island, stunning jewellery from Mistal, a framed original from conservation artists, Violet Astor, a private dining experience by Issam Sultan, a Catamaran Day Trip from Sea Oman, a coastal helicopter tour with Al Shariqiya Aviation (ASA) and a luxury escape to Alila Hinu Bay in Salalah, including return flights from Muscat from Salam Air.

There were additional generous donations from corporate organisations including the Ajit Khimji Group, Bank Muscat, Central Bank of Oman, Ernst and Young, National Finance, OCTAL, Oman Arab Bank, Oman Sail, Ominvest, Port of Duqm Company and Tawoos LLC.

“I would like to thank everyone who supported our event on Monday; our sponsor, Oman Arab Bank, the many organisations who donated auction and raffle prizes, the companies who donated funds and to everyone who turned out to support our event”, said Her Highness Sayyida Tania Al Said, President of ESO, “The economic impact of the ongoing COVID 19 pandemic has put significant strain on ESO. We are doing everything in our power to try to sustain our operations into 2022 but it is not easy.  We are Oman’s only environmental NGO. We are dedicated to promoting environmental awareness in the community and delivering programs to help preserve Oman’s rich biodiversity, but we cannot do this alone.

We had an ambitious target for the fundraising event of 80,000 OMR.  Sadly this target was not met and so our viability is still at threat.

We will continue to advocate for our environment and Oman’s extraordinary wildlife and are so grateful to everyone who donated so generously to support our work. 40,000 OMR is a huge achievement and gives us hope for the future, but we are not out of the woods yet and I hope that we can encourage the community to continue to donate – big or small, every donation counts!”

Commenting on the collaboration, Sara Al Kalbani, from the Corporate Communications Department at Oman Arab Bank, said: “In line with our sustainability strategy, the partnership with ESO has provided us with a platform to actively contribute to the preservation of the Sultanate’s rich environmental legacy.

“Our strategy is part of our broader commitment to improving environmental responsibility, community partnerships and financial inclusion in the Sultanate. We are all going through difficult times right now, but participating in vital activities like this fundraising event is one way to ensure a better and brighter future for the coming generations. We truly believe that every contribution makes a difference.”

As the country’s only non-profit organisation dedicated to the environment, ESO has spent the last 17 years working to protect Oman’s environment through education, awareness and conservation.

For those who missed the fundraiser, various membership and support options are available to help ESO carry on its important work, and secure Oman’s environmental health for the coming generations. To make a donation, visit www.eso.org.om.