Gulf Eco 2013 to tackle current environmental issues in Oman in January

The common man of today is full of questions when it comes to the environment on a global scale. Will there be enough water for his children tomorrow? Will limited resources and increasing population affect his economic situation? Will genetic engineering impose health problems on his family? Will pollution and ineffective management of wastes and toxins send him to an early grave? Will the environment be strong enough to sustain life with bio-diversity being on the brink of extinction? Will impeding nuclear problems force his country to go to war? In order to quell these questions and save what's left of the environment for the present and future generation; countries are fast adopting sustainable practices.

Although environmental issues differ from country to country, the overall effect of any environmental issue is felt by the world at large, which is why if we hope to reverse the inevitable destruction we are bringing upon ourselves, change must come at a collective rate where every country aims to tackle their environmental issues at country level.

From an ecological point of view, despite being credited by the UN Environment Programme for having one of the best records for ecological conservation and balance, Oman still faces unresolved challenges. Some of these challenges include changing climatic conditions giving rise to increased temperatures, rise in sea level and desertification ; water shortages due to drought and limited rainfall leading to increased soil salinity; pollution particularly caused by oil spills in beaches and coastal areas ; and desertification as a result of overgrazing, climatic change, water scarcity and sand drifting.

These issues will be highlighted at the Gulf Eco Expo 2013 through a massive display of the most comprehensive solutions and services dedicated to protecting the environment including technological solutions to manage and preserve water resources ; suitable solar applications for Oman ; technological solutions for energy production and use of energy and finally effective waste management techniques and solutions (at the Recycling and Waste Management Pavilion, an added feature to this year's event). These issues will be taken up further through dialogue and discussion by key speakers at the Gulf Eco Conference 2013 taking place alongside the Expo from 21st- 22nd January, 2013 at the Golden Tulip Hotel from 8:00 am onwards under the theme Harnessing the potential of Oman's Renewable Energy."