Oman firm on implementing basic Earth Summit principles

Oman has affirmed its full support to create a conducive atmosphere for development, peace and security in the region and the world.

Addressing the Earth Summit on Sustainable Development at Johannesburg, Sayyid Asa'ad bin Tariq Al Said, Representative of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said at the Summit, said Oman is fully committed to the implementation of the basic principles adopted in the Earth Summit, in Rio de Janeiro, in 1992.

He added that the commitment is in accordance with Oman's belief that such principles constitute a solid framework of global partnership and collaboration towards environmental preservation and the conservation of natural resources, which "are central to sustainable development."

He said the National Conversation Strategy (NCS) for the Sultanate of Oman is designed to ensure that environmental considerations are incorporated in all aspects of development projects.

"It is also my great pleasure to reassert His Majesty's call for concerted efforts by the international community to shoulder the responsibility for protecting eco-systems, sustaining natural resources, and eradicating poverty, hunger and deteriorating social and health conditions.

These, in his view, are the guarantees for more stable and prosperous life for people all over the world in the beginning of the third millennium," he said.

According to Oman News Agency (ONA) Sayyid Asa'ad said: "Remarkably, sustainable development is the backbone of the philosophy of the Omani renaissance and development plans.

"It is an imperative dictated by the location of Oman at the southern tip of the Arabian Peninsula, characterised by aridity, water scarcity and sparse vegetation."

In furtherance of the vision of sustainable exploitation of non-renewable resources, the long-range development strategy outlined in 'Economic Vision Oman 2020' embodies an action plan that stresses sustainability through the diversification of the economy, so as not to depend entirely on oil reserves, but to strengthen other sources of income, especially agriculture and tourism to satisfy the demands of a growing population and development.