The ecologist was awarded for her achievements in environmental protection, conservation and sustainability within the Sultanate of Oman, located on the south-eastern coast of Arabia. She studied a master’s degree in environmental science at Southampton University, followed by a PhD in climate change management at Surrey.

Dr Al-Sariri went on to work for the Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs where she progressed through various senior roles such as director of marine conservation and biodiversity. In 2015, she landed in her current position as assistance director general of nature conservation.

What does her work entail?

Dr Al-Sariri has aided in the planning and establishment of protected areas including Dark Sky Reserves which protect nocturnal animals and sensitive ecosystems from light pollution. She helped initiate and reinforce Oman's national plan to stop desertification by planting 10 million trees and is responsible for conducting sustainable development reports.

Additionally, she has made inimitable contributions to projects like Vision 2040 and the National Spatial Strategy, which aims for sustainable land-use and equal resource distribution to avoid overexploitation of its ecosystems services but also repair economic imbalances. Oman’s vision 2040 is a mission to enhance ecosystem integrity, genetic diversity, reduce extinction rates and meet other goals which align with the global biodiversity framework.

Her work for marine conservation and oceanography includes reporting on, monitoring and implementing turtle protection projects for IUCN and other organisations. She has participated in international workshops and conferences for biodiversity since the year 2000 and frequently attends universities as a guest lecturer.

Oman’s conservation status

Oman is a country of great ecological significance with more than one hundred endemic species in the south, 46% of which are threatened (CBD). It’s beautiful mangroves, rocky mountains, deserts and wetland habitats must be protected to prevent further loss of biodiversity and combat climate change.

More than half of Oman’s native species are vulnerable to extinction from habitat fragmentation, poaching, climate change and agricultural development. Global warming and urbanization are driving major deforestation causing species decline to many of its forest dwelling birds and mammals. Desertification is rapidly reducing genetic diversity amongst its plant communities with deserts making up 74% of the country.

It is home to five of the seven worlds marine turtle species, all of which are classified as critically endangered or vulnerable (IUCN). The region caters for migratory leatherbacks and harbours 40% of global loggerhead nesting sites. Coral growth is restricted in their coastal habitats due to breakage from overfishing, pollution and anthropogenic waste.

Gender inequality in Oman and the Middle East

In many Arabian societies women face financial and social challenges stunting their opportunities to progress in their career. They are frequently expected to prioritise childbearing and marriage over their education and occupation. They have limited access to resources, support, funding and training due to cultural and religious perceptions.

In Oman, patriarchal laws are still restricting women’s rights to work and those who do become successful in the field, often receive public scrutiny and lack of cooperation from their male colleagues.

Additionally, marital rape in not criminalised and if a woman loses an assault trial they may be prosecuted for sexual relations outside of marriage. They must be granted consent from a male relative to marry and prove a case of abandonment or financial stress to divorce their husbands, where men do not need a reason.

Women receive just half of the inheritance of men and when a divorce is granted, they often have trouble gaining custody of their children. The financial, emotional and legal ties associated with marriage often mean these women settle down very young and do not get the chance to fabricate a career or lifestyle for themselves.

Hope for the future

Dr Thuraya Said Al Sariri stands as role model for all young women in the middle east and in other parts of the world that experience gender disparity. She has not only encouraged conservation efforts and established projects that benefit social and ecological systems throughout the region, but contributed to key decision-making to conserve national and international biodiversity.