(cesar) tel: +968 2414 3122, +968 2414 1442 fax: +968 … · • publish digests, directories,...
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Center for Environmental Studies and Research (CESAR)
Sultan Qaboos UniversityPO Box 17 Al-Khod 123 OMAN
Tel: +968 2414 3122, +968 2414 1442 Fax: +968 24414012
Introduction
The Sulatnate of Oman has been in the forefront in establishing sound environ-mental policies in the Arabian Gulf region. The country boasts of a relatively pris-tine environment due to its low population and limited scale of industrialization. Its environmental consciousness has resulted in the formulation and implemen-tation 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 Uni-versity Council, established the Center for Environmental Studies and Research (CESAR) on 16th October 2000.
Vision
The Center for Environmental Studies and Research (CESAR) at the Sultan Qaboos University envisions conducting research, raising awareness on envi-ronmental 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 re-search in the Sultanate of Oman. CESAR would strive to become an internation-ally recognized Center of excellence for environmental research in the region.
Mission• To encourage, organize and co-ordinate environmental studies and research at
Sultan Qaboos University• To co-ordinate with government, international agencies and private sector to
collate and disseminate information on environmental research relating to Oman and the region
• 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.
Activities
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 inter-national 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;• 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
• Facilitate consultancy projects by linking up SQU researchers with researchers in other sectors
• Support of postdoctoral fellows and visiting scholars to do environmental research in Oman.
Networking and Outreach
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 oth-er research/academic organizations, researchers at the CESAR keep abreast with local and global developments in their respective fields.