Oman’s Environment Authority adopts climate policies to align with its net-zero goals

OMAN — The Environment Authority (EA) has unveiled a series of innovative financial policies and strategic initiatives designed to advance the Sultanate of Oman’s 2050 carbon neutrality goals.

The Authority’s approach centers on leveraging funding from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) through multiple tracks, including accreditation and readiness programs, proposal development for climate projects, and strategic partnerships aimed at accelerating the country’s environmental transition.

As a key national partner in climate project development, the EA plays a leading role in implementing Oman’s National Adaptation Plan (NAP).

This plan seeks to identify priority needs, create a national strategy for adaptation financing, and strengthen cooperation frameworks that open up pathways for green financing.

In collaboration with the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), the Authority has launched a cooperation program to facilitate access to GCF resources and to enhance the implementation of nature-based solutions, such as land reclamation and mangrove restoration, both critical for carbon sequestration and climate adaptation.

Regulatory modernization and readiness

The EA continues to update its Climate Affairs Management Regulation, introducing mechanisms to monitor company performance on mitigation and adaptation better, while providing a more effective framework to guide the transition to sustainable operations.

According to Eng. Khalid bin Mohammed Al Balushi, Acting Director-General of Climate Change at the Environment Authority, the Accreditation and Readiness Program enables national institutions to either obtain direct accreditation from the GCF or work through accredited partners to build local capacity for managing climate projects.

Recently, an Omani banking institution became GCF-accredited, enabling it to coordinate project funding requests and secure readiness grants to strengthen its ability to finance national adaptation and green growth initiatives.

Partnerships for sustainable growth

Al Balushi emphasized that local institutions are increasingly partnering with international organizations accredited by the GCF, such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and GGGI, to co-develop project proposals and attract private sector investment into green projects.

The GCF encourages the use of public finance to de-risk private investments, creating opportunities for greater participation in climate-resilient development.

For Oman, climate finance is pivotal to its long-term sustainability and economic diversification strategy, with four key drivers:

Achieving carbon neutrality — mobilizing investments for renewable energy, clean transport, and emission reduction.

Advancing a green economy — supporting Oman Vision 2040 through infrastructure resilience and sustainable sector growth.

Adapting to climate change — funding projects that strengthen coastal defenses, conserve water, and promote sustainable agriculture.

Attracting investment — establishing clear regulatory and financial frameworks to boost confidence among foreign and private investors.

Through these initiatives, the Environment Authority is positioning Oman as a regional model for climate finance innovation, fostering collaboration between public institutions, global organizations, and private investors to achieve a sustainable, low-carbon future.

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