Qualies has actively engaged with Nature-based Solutions (NbS) for more than a decade. NbS offer significant potential to counter deforestation and biodiversity loss, reduce soil erosion, improve water management, and restore degraded landscapes.
Since 2018, Qualies has undertaken tree-planting activities in Oman’s southern Dhofar Region, in particular through the Social and Environmental Reforestation Programme (SERC), sponsored by bp Oman and implemented in close collaboration with the Environment Authority (EA). The programme pioneered the use in Oman of the Dutch-developed Waterboxx, enabling native trees to become established in dry areas while requiring only minimal irrigation.
The SERC plantations have demonstrated strong and lasting results. After seven to eight years, more than 70% of the planted trees have survived. Compared with conventional irrigation, plantations using the Waterboxx have required only around 1–2% of the water normally used. Crucially, the technology induces trees to develop natural deep root systems. Following approximately two years of assistance from the Waterboxx, the trees become self-sustaining and continue to grow without further irrigation or human support.
Qualies continues to apply this approach in tree-planting initiatives across Oman. The potential is considerable: areas presently too dry to sustain conventional plantations can be brought back into productive ecological use, helping restore native Omani tree species, strengthen degraded ecosystems, and return vegetation to landscapes that have become largely barren.
Other Nature-based Solutions carry major potential in Oman and across the Middle East. One important example is the restoration and expansion of mangroves and wetlands. Together with international partners, Qualies has undertaken pre-feasibility studies demonstrating the potential for large-scale projects of this kind along Oman’s extensive coastline. Ample evidence points to substantial environmental as well as economic benefits. Yet narrow approaches to land development and short-term perceptions of economic returns have so far held back implementation.