Focus on sustainable utilization of agriculture and fisheries

Agriculture and fisheries have long been the bedrock of Oman’s economy and, surprisingly, considering that Oman is located in an arid zone, even in the past Omani agricultural products have found their way to trading posts in Asia and Africa. In combination with the country’s seafaring heritage and sprawling 1,700 kilometre coastline, the fisheries sector has also undergone development and today the agriculture and fisheries sector not only generates substantial income, it also provides livelihoods for tens of thousands of citizens.

Muscat — For the protection of the country’s natural wealth in the agriculture and fisheries sector and in line with His Majesty the Sultan’s directives in this regard, the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries is pursuing surefooted policies aimed at protecting arable lands and essential water supplies, it was announced in a recent response to Observer queries.

Developing nations most worried about climate change: Survey

Muscat — HSBC’s first international survey on public attitudes towards climate change showed that people in developing countries are most concerned about this issue while it is the opposite in developed countries. The HSBC Climate Confidence Index shows that people in developing economies exhibit the greatest concern, commitment and optimism towards the problem of climate change and in developed economies the greatest indifference, reluctance and fatalism.

Global warming set for rise after 2009

Washington - Global warming is forecast to set in with a vengeance after 2009, with at least half of the five following years expected to be hotter than 1998, the warmest year on record, scientists reported on Thursday. Climate experts have long predicted a general warming trend over the 21st century spurred by the greenhouse effect, but this new study gets more specific about what is likely to happen in the decade that started in 2005.