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Module 5. Step E: Policy Narrative Sheet
5 Table 8 Policy Narrative Sheet

9-12 December, 2013 Describe the Environmental Issue in terms of indicator trends for the State and key Driving forces, Pressures

and Impacts.

In the Sultanate of Oman groundwater is the main source for water supply and it contributes about 75% of
the available water resources (Al-Bakry, 2005).Unfortunately, during the last 30 years this resource has been
deteriorated in terms of quality and quantity. The key driving forces identified for this problem are:
? Population growth rates
? Anthropogenic activities (Agricultural & Municipal)
? Economic development
? Urbanization expansion

? Frequent drought periods
? Inefficient and Inadequate institutional capacity in waste management

Since its renaissance in 1970, Oman has witnessed unprecedented growth and development. Population
growth and development activities have been associated with increasing water demands and many
anthropogenic unplanned activities are threatening groundwater quality. The heavy reliance on groundwater
has caused lowering of groundwater levels and drying of Aflaj and springs in the interior regions, and seawater
intrusion in the coastal areas. The groundwater deficit in the Sultanate is estimated at about 380 Mm3 in
2005. Furthermore, uncontrolled/unplanned development has increased waste generation and created many
threats to groundwater resources. The Ministry of Regional Municipalities Environment and Water Resources
(MRMEWR) have reported several cases of groundwater contamination.

The direct pressures creating this problem are:
? Increase solid and liquid waste discharge

? Increasing demands
? Groundwater over-exploitation
? Reduction in groundwater recharge
? Poor environmental practices in waste management
? Poor landfill design

? Low STP capacity
? Lack of environmental regulation enforcement

126 Integrated Analysis of Environmental Trends and Policies