لخّصلي

Achieving a balanced view of progress. Development in Oman has been characterized by transitions from traditional practices to modern alternatives, many of which have been long ingrained. While some changes have been for the better, others have been poorly conceived. The construction of aflaj channels is a prime example. These were once built with local stone and ingenuity, requiring long-term input and maintenance, but now channels are often dug with modern machinery, using concrete or plastic piping that negates the need for a source and is often done without prior assessment, resulting in a vast misappropriation of both water and funds. Similarly, in agriculture, many have abandoned traditional planting patterns and cycles in favor of high input, high-yield methods, which often result in uneconomic yields and loss of prior agricultural diversity. It is important to recognize such instances and have the wisdom to discern whether change is beneficial and to have the self-confidence to abandon those superior foreign ideas and practices, which simply do not fit. Recognizing the wisdom and experience of elder generations while also valuing the perspectives and aspirations of younger generations is crucial for building a cohesive and dynamic society. Inter-generational dialogue initiatives, storytelling sessions, and cultural exchange programs can bridge the generation gap and foster mutual understanding and respect.so Oman's unique natural landscapes, including its mountains, deserts, and coastline, are treasures that must be protected for future generations. Community engagement in environmental conservation projects, such as beach clean-ups, tree planting campaigns, and sustainable tourism initiatives, can help mitigate the impact of climate change and preserve Oman's natural heritage. In recent years, Oman has enjoyed significant material progress and development. The towns and countryside, once difficult to distinguish from each other due to similar building and living standards, now boast a wide range of concrete, traffic lights, and modern architecture. The tourists who return to Oman after a decade absence often find it difficult to reorient themselves in Muscat as each landmark they were familiar with has been removed and replaced with something new. This period of the Renaissance has seen widespread change in nearly every aspect of social and economic endeavor. While some of this has been positive, there are other areas where error in haste, anathema, and foreign thumbprints have left uncomfortable constriction. As Oman moves toward the next century, it is essential for Omanis to make a concerted effort at directing the energy of change in such ways as to retain those cultural, historically rooted, and intrinsic values best suited to their national character and environment and to discard those, which are a hindrance to further growth and development.