Sultan Al-Balushi is a prominent Emirati environmental researcher who has combined a childhood passion for nature with scientific precision in geography, geoinformation systems, remote sensing, ecology, and biodiversity. His scientific career is marked by several projects, including obtaining a patent for an innovative drip irrigation system that operates on carbon dioxide. This step reflects his commitment to sustainable solutions to address the challenges of climate change and water scarcity.
One of the most inspiring experiences in Al-Balushi's life is monitoring the Earth from space. Using satellite imagery, he can observe how lands change over time. His efforts extend beyond the laboratory and research projects to social media and community outreach, helping to portray the rich wildlife of the UAE to a broader audience. He was selected as an environmental influencer at Expo 2020 Dubai, presenting a role model for the youth who have made the environment a scientific and human mission inseparable from their identity.
At the outset of his interview with 'Emirates Today,' Al-Balushi discussed his specialization in geographical sciences, focusing on Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing, as well as ecology and biodiversity. He added: "My passion for the environment and nature was shaped through my studies and research, which were distinguished by a unique blend of academic and practical skills, along with my interest in the UAE's wildlife, local plants, and their traditional uses. My activities are centered on studying the environment, the impact of climate change, and the use of modern technology in environmental research."
He continued: "Throughout my scientific career, I have participated in several distinguished research projects, including creating a high-precision map for classifying the UAE's land cover and land use via satellite imagery, studying carbon sequestration in soils and local plants in the UAE's desert environments, and estimating soil organic matter using satellite images. In addition to obtaining a patent for an innovative drip irrigation system, this highlights my commitment to innovative sustainable solutions and leveraging technology and scientific research to address environmental challenges."
Recalling his childhood, the Emirati researcher described his beautiful memories spent amidst nature, born in the Eastern Region in a village surrounded by farms and mountains before moving to the city with his parents. He elaborated: "I would go back to the place to stay with my grandmother and grandfather during summer vacations, and at that time, I was keen on walking to the farm daily on foot due to my love for exploration, observing the plants around me, the trees, small creatures, and birds, trying to identify their species, observe their behavior, and how they adapt to the surrounding environment."
He emphasized that nature taught him patience and adaptability. His trips into nature were not just explorations but adventures filled with learning and challenges. He said: "I usually visit mountainous areas and wadis (valleys) because they are always known for their aromatic medicinal and blooming rare plants that hide in the corners of the mountains, and they have cultural and social value in the UAE."
He added: "One of the rare and beautiful plants I found was the mountain orchid, which is the only one of its kind in our region, and seeing it grow in our harsh environment was an exceptional experience that increased my respect for nature and its ability to adapt. I also searched for another rare type of dwarf palm called (Al-Ghadaf), which only grows deep in the dry mountainous areas and wadis. My happiness was indescribable when I found it and saw it in real life for the first time after spotting several groups in nearby and different areas."
Al-Balushi did not limit himself to mountains and wadis; he wanted to see the Earth with different eyes and found in satellite imagery a new way to explore its details. From space, he monitors changes in vegetation, water bodies, and even the impacts of climate change. He said: "Monitoring the Earth from space is one of the most inspiring experiences in my life. By using satellite images, I can see how the land changes over time, whether due to human activities like urban expansion and development, or natural factors like drought, desertification, and floods. I have a collection of images I took from space, such as the wheat farms in the area of Miliha during and after plowing and the greening of the wheat crop, showing green circular disks hundreds of kilometers from the Earth's surface. In other images, we see water accumulations in dams after rains, and in others, the vegetation in the mountains during the spring season."
Regarding his efforts in environmental awareness, Al-Balushi confirmed his concern about this on social media platforms to expand awareness among different segments of his audience. He explained: "I always strive to showcase the rich wildlife of the UAE to viewers, and I was chosen as an environmental influencer at Expo 2020 Dubai to represent the event's environmental and sustainable aspect. Through educational video clips and field visits to Expo city and sustainable pavilions, I managed to convey messages about the importance of sustainability and environmental protection."
With passion, the environmental activist Sultan Al-Balushi tells the stories of some plants and his memories with them, saying: "During my research trips, I discovered amazing stories about plants on the mountain slopes, and one of the plants that has a special meaning for me (the Al-Jadaa plant), or as it is known (Al-Yaaba), is an aromatic medicinal plant that my grandmother used a lot in treating some ailments."
