The Environmental Legislation Forum for Quarrying and Crusher Activities in Al Buraimi Governorate commenced today under the patronage of His Excellency Sayyid Dr. Hamad bin Ahmed Al Busaidi, Governor of Al Buraimi. Organized by the Environment Authority in Al Buraimi Governorate, the forum brought together representatives from government, private, and academic sectors with the aim of enhancing awareness of the environmental legislation governing the sector and promoting the principles of sustainability and environmental compliance. The forum featured five working papers addressing the legislative, regulatory, health, environmental, and economic aspects of quarrying and crusher activities. The Public Prosecution Department in Al Buraimi Governorate presented a paper titled "The Legislative and Regulatory Framework for Quarrying and Crusher Activities and Their Environmental Impact in Al Buraimi Governorate," highlighting the key laws and regulations governing the sector and the roles of the relevant authorities in their implementation. The Environment Authority’s Compliance Office presented a paper entitled "Environmental Monitoring, Compliance, and Innovation," which focused on environmental monitoring mechanisms and the importance of adopting innovative approaches to strengthen compliance with environmental requirements and reduce the environmental impacts of operational activities. The Directorate General of Agriculture and Water Resources in Al Buraimi Governorate delivered a paper titled "Environmental and Health Impacts on Soil and Groundwater," emphasizing the importance of protecting natural resources and addressing the environmental challenges associated with quarrying and crusher activities. Al Buraimi Health Complex also presented a paper entitled "The Environmental and Health Impacts of Quarrying and Crusher Activities," highlighting the health effects resulting from emissions and dust, as well as the importance of strengthening preventive measures to reduce their impact on surrounding communities. Be'ah Company presented a paper titled "Corporate Social Responsibility and the Economic Sustainability of Quarrying and Crusher Activities," focusing on the role of the private sector in achieving a balance between economic development and environmental protection, while promoting community initiatives that support sustainability. Engineer Salem Al Maskari, Director of the Environment Department in Al Buraimi Governorate, affirmed that the forum forms part of the Environment Authority’s efforts to enhance awareness of the environmental legislation and requirements governing quarrying and crusher activities. He noted that environmental compliance represents a fundamental pillar for achieving sustainable development and protecting natural resources. He added that effective collaboration among government entities, the private sector, and the community contributes to ensuring the responsible utilization of resources in a manner that balances economic development with environmental protection. For her part, legal researcher Marwa Al Wahshiyah explained that environmental legislation is an essential tool for protecting natural resources and ensuring their sustainability. She emphasized that forums of this kind contribute to raising legal awareness and strengthening understanding of the environmental obligations and responsibilities associated with various economic activities. She further noted that compliance with environmental regulations is not merely a legal requirement, but also a national and ethical responsibility toward society and the environment. The forum concluded with an open discussion session that featured an exchange of views and proposals among participants, alongside the presentation of several awareness messages emphasizing the importance of complying with environmenta requirements, protecting soil and groundwater, reducing emissions, and promoting a culture of sustainability and environmental responsibility. At the conclusion of the forum, participants stressed the importance of continued cooperation among all relevant stakeholders to further develop environmental practices within the quarrying and crusher sector and strengthen compliance with the applicable legislation and regulations, thereby contributing to sustainable
