United Kingdom: Oman renews scientific cooperation with Kew Gardens

The Sultanate of Oman signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU)with the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to carry out joint scientific studies on Omani plants, document their diversity, publish research and develop specialised training programmes that build national expertise in environmental education and plant conservation.

The agreement was signed by Azan Albusaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, and Richard Deverell, Director-General of the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew.

The MoU renews and expands more than a decade of cooperation between the Oman Botanic Garden and the Royal Botanic Gardens in scientific research, plant conservation and biodiversity documentation. It reflects the commitment of both institutions to deepen knowledge exchange, training and capacity building, especially with regard to seed collection and preservation in line with international standards.

The MoU will remain in force for three years and may be renewed with the agreement of both parties, ensuring long-term cooperation and sustainable knowledge transfer between Oman and the UK.

Leila bint Said al Harthiya, Head of the Centre for Plant Diversity and Nature Conservation at the Oman Botanic Garden, said the MoU represents an inspiring model of international cooperation in plant conservation and scientific research. She noted that the long-standing partnership with the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew strengthens the ability to protect Oman’s plant heritage,  and that it positions Oman as a regional hub for botanical research, supporting global efforts to safeguard biodiversity for future generations.

Richard Deverell said the MoU will expand cooperation with the Oman Botanic Garden and boost joint efforts to protect plants in Oman and inspire future generations to preserve nature.