Definition
Oman environmental law comprises a body of legislation, regulations, and international agreements that govern the protection of the natural environment, management of natural resources, and control of pollution. The cornerstone legislation is the Environmental Protection and Pollution Control Law (Royal Decree 114/2001), supplemented by regulations on environmental impact assessment (EIA), hazardous waste, air quality, water resources, and nature conservation. The Environment Authority (EA) is the primary regulatory body.
Context in Oman
All major development projects in Oman must undergo an Environmental Impact Assessment before approval. The EA reviews EIA reports, issues environmental permits, and monitors compliance. Oman has established a network of nature reserves and protected areas, including the Arabian Oryx Sanctuary (a UNESCO site, since delisted), the Ras al Jinz Turtle Reserve (protecting green turtle nesting beaches), Daymaniyat Islands Nature Reserve, and several wetland and coastal reserves. Marine conservation is important given Oman long coastline and biodiversity. The country is party to international environmental agreements including the Paris Agreement on climate change, CITES, and the Convention on Biological Diversity. Recent policy developments include regulations on single-use plastics, industrial emissions standards, and environmental compliance requirements for mining and energy projects.
Key Data Points
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Primary environmental law | RD 114/2001 |
| Regulatory authority | Environment Authority |
| EIA requirement | Mandatory for major projects |
| Protected areas | 15+ nature reserves |
| International agreements | Paris Agreement, CBD, CITES |
Vision 2040 Connection
The environment and natural resources pillar of Vision 2040 commits Oman to sustainable development, biodiversity conservation, and climate action. Environmental law reform is underway to strengthen EIA processes, introduce circular economy principles, and align Oman regulatory framework with international best practices for environmental governance.
Further Reading
- [[What is Carbon Neutrality]]
- [[What is Vision 2040]]
- [[Oman Food Security Strategy]]