Rahma Khalifa Al Riyami
Oman Environmental Services Holding Company (be’ah), Oman
Title: Solid waste management in the context of sustainable development
Biography
Biography: Rahma Khalifa Al Riyami
Abstract
The waste management hierarchy, which emphasizes on minimal waste production with disposal as the least favored option, is the foundation of the integrated sustainability approach which covers three main aspects of waste management: (1) stakeholders, (2) sustainability aspects and (3) waste system elements. This approach aims to adopt practices which diverges an economy from a linear approach where resources are utilized overwhelmingly with minimal reutilization towards a circular economy. The circular economy necessitates a recuperative and regenerative system designed to close the loop of industrial production to ensure minimal waste disposal at landfills. be’ah embarked on a journey to close all traditional dumpsites that cause air, water, and soil pollution and replace them with high engineered landfills, where feasible. These cutting edge landfills which are compacted and lined are designed to prevent leachate from polluting the soil and underlining groundwater and accept municipal solid waste for final disposal in a secure and safe manner, minimizing the risk to people and the environment. be’ah also aims at expanding the base of “greener” service offerings, such as consulting with citizens on waste reduction, recycling, and planning to produce biogas from waste as a high-efficiency renewable fuel to replace fossil fuels that cause pollution. We set aside as buffer zones, we make a concentrated effort to promote the natural value of environment by providing habitat for wildlife through planting and cleaning, and offering environmental activities that promote sustainability. The Environmental Center of Excellence has been established to achieve a new momentum in driving a culture of sustainability within be’ah. We engage broadly, and at every level, with all the environmental entitled stakeholders to discuss the issues affecting the environment and the methods in which sustainability can be achieved at national and international levels.
