Ministerial Decision No. 20 of 2016 Regulations for the Management of Climate Affairs

Ministerial Decision No. 20 of 2016 defines what a "greenhouse gas emitting project" is per Omani law and requires such projects to apply for and obtain a "climate affairs permit" issued by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs. As part of the permitting process, this decision requires projects to monitor and report their annual greenhouse gas emissions to the government annually. It requires projects to use energy efficient technologies and submit a plan to the government about how it intends to increase green space around its areas of operation. The permitting process also requires projects to undertake "all necessary adaptation measures" to protect their business from the impacts of climate change.

This decision also creates obligations for the government of Oman. Among other things, it requires the Directorate-General of Climate Affairs, part of the Ministry, to create and maintain a national inventory of greenhouse gas emissions, develop and implement national mitigation programs, and conduct scientific research on climate change.