Oman faces a changing climate with significant effects such as salinization, heavy rainfall, and drought. Climate change impacts the agricultural and food system. Blue Harvest aims to explore natural solutions (Nature-Based Solutions) with a system approach focusing on balancing water, plants (food), and soil: the exploration targets Miscanthus cultivation, a plant capable of retaining water through its fine-meshed and deep root system, functioning as a buffer against salinization, thereby reducing the salinization effects on the hinterland agricultural areas. Miscanthus can also be processed into bio-based applications like bioplastics (packaging and consumer goods) and construction materials, both replacing fossil-based products.

The Blue Harvest project aims to address the increasing salinization along the coasts and deltas of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, caused by rising sea levels and freshwater extraction. In 2023, Wageningen Research conducted a feasibility study in Oman, using Miscanthus as a buffer against salinization and as a source of local raw materials for construction. The project strives for sustainable food security and climate resilience, with a focus on smart water usage, reducing heat stress, and cultivating renewable resources. The economic impact is enhanced by CO2 certificates, thanks to efficient CO2 sequestration by Miscanthus. The project is not only relevant for the Gulf region but also serves as a scalable model for other areas facing similar ecological and agricultural challenges.

WP1 Nature Based Garden
WP2 Local circular applications
WP3 Establishing Living Lab

Blue Harvest addresses both mitigation and adaptation: sustainable cultivation and a circular approach in the construction sector. The project combines new crops, local variants, and Dutch seedlings for bio-based materials cultivation.
An essential aspect of this project is the smart utilization of purified water currently discharged into the sea. Connecting water treatment plants with buffer zones and capturing rainwater improves the water balance and reduces heat stress impacts.
The research also focuses on identifying optimal crop combinations, emphasizing new crops suitable for saline cultivation. This approach promotes system resilience and sustainability. Implementing Miscanthus as a form of agroforestry can create shade, retain water, and lower the surrounding temperature.
The project provides a climate adaptation solution where water storage and peak showers are utilized for agro-production systems. Retaining water stimulates agriculture and combats salinization. Simultaneously, greening reduces heat stress and promotes biodiversity.
Blue Harvest supplies renewable bio-materials allowing the construction sector in Oman to transition to a circular approach as part of Oman Vision 2040, moving towards a new economy not based on oil and fossil applications. By-products from water treatment like magnesium/aluminum sludge combined with Miscanthus fibers create innovative 3D-printable concrete mixtures. This reduces CO2 emissions in the construction sector and stores CO2 long-term in the building material.
Bioplastics can potentially be used for work in GWW: for example, reinforcement spacers during concrete pouring and sheet material. This contributes to a circular economy, making the GWW sector more sustainable and economically attractive, given the increasing value of CO2 certificates.
Within Blue Harvest, we aim to take the next step in the innovation process and create a demonstration environment (Test Garden) in practice, at a location of the Port of Sohar, with various partners from the knowledge domain, the private and public sectors, both from Oman and the Netherlands. There is cooperation with local partners, support from the Dutch embassy, and recognition of the potential by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO). This brings us to a TRL level 5 (technology/component validation in a relevant environment) up to eventually TRL 7 (system prototype demonstration in an operational environment). Besides advancing the TRL, it is also important to pay attention to the Social Readiness Level, to involve local partners in the research and innovation. For this reason, a Living Lab is being used, creating an environment for testing the innovation in practice and with a practical network.

The Blue Harvest project, valorization involves taking the research findings related to salinity management, water usage, and Miscanthus cultivation and turning them into tangible solutions that benefit both the environment and the economy. By implementing these findings in real-world scenarios, the project aims to create positive impact and contribute to sustainable development in the Gulf region.

The results are public.

'- Presentations at events in Oman:
o Oman Sustainability Week in cooperation with Dutch Embassy
o Dutch Business Club - in cooperation with Dutch Embassy
- Seminars in Proeftuin Nature Based Garden - in cooperation with Oman universities
- Presentation within MENA network WUR
- Wetskills - contributing to student assignment Oman - to be carried out within the Living Lab
- Social media postings
- Presentation within TKI Delta Technology

The consortium will enter into a cooperation agreement that meets the requirements of the regulation.