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Muscat: In a strategic move to drive innovation and environmental sustainability, Sohar Freezone marked the groundbreaking of the "Blue Harvest" pilot project.
This initiative focuses on cultivating Elephant Grass (Miscanthus) over 2,000 square meters to produce renewable raw materials through sustainable agricultural practices. The project underscores Sohar Freezone's commitment to pioneering innovative solutions that align with Oman Vision 2040 and support long-term sustainability goals.
"Blue Harvest" is a pioneering project in applying the circular economy in Oman, with the goal of producing Miscanthus fibers for use in 3D-printable concrete and bioplastics for indoor construction materials. Additionally, the project plays a significant role in reducing CO2 emissions, capturing 44 tons of CO2 per hectare annually. From the outset, the Embassy of the Netherlands in Muscat has been a steadfast supporter of the project.
The project reflects fruitful collaboration among multiple local and international partners. This includes a partnership with Wageningen University &Research in the Netherlands, which leads the project with its expertise in sustainable agriculture, and local universities such as Sohar University, Sultan Qaboos University, and the German University of Technology with the ELAF Technology Center. Other key partners include Dutch companies such as Vybrant, which developed the concept, Dealin Green, which supplies the plants, and Royal Eijkelkamp, specializing in soil and water monitoring and AI-driven solutions.
In this regard, Emile Hoogsteden, CEO of Sohar Port, stated:"We are proud to collaborate with a range of local and international partners to bring this ambitious project to life. Blue Harvest represents a major step forward in promoting the circular economy in Oman. This project not only underscores our commitment to sustainability but also contributes to developing innovative solutions to improve soil and water quality, while mitigating the impacts of climate change in the region. We look forward to expanding this initiative into more economically viable applications, further solidifying Sohar Freezone's position as a leading hub for sustainable investment."
The project marks a significant milestone in fostering knowledge exchange between Oman and the Netherlands, focusing on developing sustainable solutions in agriculture and construction, optimising water resources, and improving soil quality in the region.
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