A new era of Omani field research supported by Earthwatch Europe
31st March 2025
Earlier this year was the launch of the Oman Earthwatch Field Research Programme and a five-day residential training in Jebel Akbar.
The cohort of 22 researchers and project staff from the Environment Authority and the Diwan of Royal Court joined Earthwatch, Outward Bounds Oman (OBO) and the Royal Academy of Management.
They began the programme in earnest, forming focus groups and mapping out potential research projects. They will be working on these projects over the next two years.
The endowment to Earthwatch Europe from the late His Majesty the Sultan of Qaboos bin Said is enabling this Omani Field Research programme. It will support the current and next generation of conservationist practitioners, researchers and policy makers in Oman to work towards Oman’s 2040 Vision National Priorities.
Omani Field Research Programme with Earthwatch
Through expert guidance, practical training, peer learning, knowledge exchange and international exposure, the Oman Earthwatch Field Research Programme will develop five environmental research projects.
There will be one for each of the five identified Omani focus areas (biodiversity, climate change, sustainable tourism, water resources and waste management). The programme will also build the skills of Environment Authority and Diwan staff to design and deliver these projects now and in the future.
Programme launch
The programme launched officially at the Royal Academy of Management on 19 January.
Programme participants and invited guests attended, including H.E Dr. Ali Al Lawati – President of Royal Academy of Management, H.E Dr. Abdullah Al Amri – Chairman of Environment Authority, Dr. Said Al Salmi – DG for Studies and Research at the Diwan of Royal Court, H.E Liane Saunders – British Ambassador. Earthwatch and Outward Bound Oman staff also joined the event.
Five-day residential training
After the launch, we left Muscat for the mountain air of Jebel Akbar. The first stage of the journey was by coach. Then we got into 4×4 vehicles to head up the mountain road, to our home for the week, the Outward Bound Oman Mountain Centre.
The aim was to build strong connections between the cohort, form focus area group teams, and to introduce key themes and topics for the programme.
These themes were about understanding key environmental challenges and the role research can play in finding solutions.
They included community engagement and co-creation of research, along with designing research projects for impact, citizen science, science communication, and storytelling. The goal was also to build confidence and develop teamwork.
“It was a wonderful experience filled with a mixture of academic, professional and life learning.”
Residential participant
Our hosts, Outward Bound Oman (OBO), made us feel incredibly welcome. The OBO experienced instructors, Sokayna and Mohammed, kept us energised and their team building sessions instilled a sense of fun and playfulness into our days.
There was a huge range of skills and experience within the group. We added an evening hike and overnight camp to help strengthen team dynamics whilst challenging people to get out of their comfort zone.
Hiking and camping were new experiences to some of the group. We worked hard to create a brave space where everyone was able to test themselves to their own limits.
“I learned new things, gained new friends, worked as a team in groups… it was a wonderful experience!”
Residential participant
Next steps
The focus groups are now formed, initial research project ideas discussed and mapped out. I now have the pleasure of working with these groups over the next two years to support them in achieving their project goals.
We are working with organisations and individuals within Oman. They will offer mentoring and expertise to ensure that the skills learned by developing these projects can be shared with peers.
This means they will be put into use now and in the future. Connecting people and nature is key to enabling projects like this to have a long-lasting impact.
“The workshop exceeded all my expectations. It served as a wake-up call regarding the connection between participants in environmental work and nature.”
Residential participant
The programme will run over the next two years. We are finding opportunities to be part of Earthwatch citizen science projects. We also plan to engage with university students from Sultan Qaboos University and others, to build our collaboration with the Royal Academy of Management and OBO.
Watch this space for updates!
