Center for Environmental Studies and Research
(CESAR)
Sultan Qaboos University
PO Box 17 Al-Khod 123 OMAN
Tel: +968 2414 3122, +968 2414 1442
Fax: +968 24414012
Email: ahmedm@squ.edu.om
rsiyabi@squ.edu.om
Introduction
Activities
The Sulatnate of Oman has been in the forefront in establishing sound environmental policies in the Arabian Gulf region. The country boasts of a relatively pristine environment due to its low population and limited scale of industrialization.
Its environmental consciousness has resulted in the formulation and implementation of policies that ensure a clean environment for the future. Environmental
research in the Sultanate is undertaken by the Sultan Qaboos University (SQU),
various ministries of the government and the private sector, especially companies
whose activities have a vast potential for environmental impacts. However, these
research activities remain isolated and there was a lack of co-ordination between
these institutions. Therefore, there was a need for establishing an organization to
promote and co-ordinate environmental studies and research in the Sultanate. A
proposal submitted to Sultan Qaboos University in June 1999 appealed for the
establishment of a Center for Environmental Studies and Research to fulfill this
role. His Excellency, the Vice-Chancellor of SQU, after the approval by the University Council, established the Center for Environmental Studies and Research
(CESAR) on 16th October 2000.
CESAR has carved a niche for itself in certain areas of research and expertise
and work at the CESAR has been aimed at influencing policy and strengthening
the institutional support required for better management of natural resources.
In addition to carrying out research projects that are local, national, and international in scale, the center actively contributes to local thinking and provides
intellectual input on sustainable development issues through representation in
government committees, and participation in seminars on local issues, training
programmes, and workshops. More specifically CESAR activities are;
Vision
The Center for Environmental Studies and Research (CESAR) at the Sultan
Qaboos University envisions conducting research, raising awareness on environmental issues locally, regionally and globally, helping various agencies of
government and other stakeholders to protect and sustainable management of
the nation’s natural resources through planned environmental initiatives and research in the Sultanate of Oman. CESAR would strive to become an internationally recognized Center of excellence for environmental research in the region.
• Gathering data, set up database and share information among all sectors
involved in environmental research/projects done at the University and outside
agencies
• Promote interdisciplinary environmental research at the University using
available expertise and other resources
• Seek and administer internal/external funding for environmental research and
programmes organized by/at the University
• Organize seminars, symposia and conferences on environmental issues with
the assistance of local, regional and international sponsors
• Facilitate interactions between government ministries, international agencies
and the private sector to carry out environmental research in the Sultanate
• Publish digests, directories, conference proceedings and special issues of
existing University Journals to disseminate research results
• Create awareness of environmental issues among school and University
students and public using mass media and by organizing special activities
Mission
• Facilitate consultancy projects by linking up SQU researchers with researchers
in other sectors
• To encourage, organize and co-ordinate environmental studies and research at
Sultan Qaboos University
• Support of postdoctoral fellows and visiting scholars to do environmental
research in Oman.
• To co-ordinate with government, international agencies and private sector to
collate and disseminate information on environmental research relating to
Oman and the region
Networking and Outreach
• To serve as a liaison promoting research collaboration and interaction between
University, Government, International Agencies and the Private Sector
• To contribute to the evaluation of environmental policy issues and assist
Government Agencies when requested.
The CESAR works in collaboration with other Colleges and Centers within
Sultan Qaboos University. CESAR has developed close relationships with the
government departments at various level. Additionally, through interaction and
working in partnership with other organizations, be they industry groups or other research/academic organizations, researchers at the CESAR keep abreast with
local and global developments in their respective fields.