Why it matters for global and regional environmental governance

1. What happened?

  • Oman has been elected as a member of the International Coordinating Council of UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme for the term 2025–2029.
  • The election took place at the 43rd UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
  • Oman was represented by its Environment Authority.
  • The move strengthens Oman’s position in global environmental sustainability and aligns with Oman Vision 2040 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
WHAT IS MAB PROGRAM? UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme is an international initiative created to link scientific research, conservation, and sustainable development.

KEY OBJECTIVES OF MAB

  • Expanding and effectively managing protected areas
  • Conserving biodiversity across ecosystems
  • Supporting scientific research to tackle climate change
  • Empowering youth and researchers through grants
  • Promoting environmental awareness and sustainable practices
By joining the Council, Oman will now help shape international environmental strategies and participate directly in decision-making. OMAN’S CONTRIBUTIONS SO FAR Oman is not new to the MAB network. It has already succeeded in designating two major sites as part of UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves:
  1. Al-Sareen Nature Reserve
  2. Al Jabal Al Akhdar Landscape Reserve
These recognitions highlight Oman’s:
  • Commitment to biodiversity protection
  • Conservation of unique landscapes
  • Alignment with global environmental standards

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT FOR OMAN?

A. Strengthens international role Oman gains a stronger voice in global discussions on:
  • Climate action
  • Biodiversity conservation
  • Sustainable land and resource management
B. Supports national goals Membership aligns with Oman Vision 2040, which prioritises:
  • Environmental protection
  • Sustainable development
  • Scientific research and innovation
C. Enables knowledge exchange Oman can now:
  • Share its conservation experience
  • Learn from global best practices
  • Collaborate on advanced sustainability projects
STRATEGIC IMPLICATIONS Oman’s election signals international trust in its environmental leadership. As a Council member, Oman can:
  • Advocate for balanced policies that support both development and ecology
  • Push for innovative climate solutions
  • Contribute to global efforts at forums such as the UN Climate Change Conference (COP)
This strengthens Oman’s image as a responsible environmental partner on the world stage.