Description

The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), established in 1961 and initially known as the World Wildlife Fund in Canada and the United States, is a prominent Swiss-based international non-governmental organization dedicated to wilderness preservation and mitigating human impact on the environment. Operating in over 100 countries with more than five million supporters worldwide, WWF oversees approximately 3,000 conservation and environmental projects, having invested over $1 billion in over 12,000 conservation initiatives since 1995. Funded primarily by individuals and bequests (65%), government sources (17%), and corporations (8%), WWF strives to halt environmental degradation and foster a future where humans coexist harmoniously with nature. Through initiatives like the Living Planet Report, Earth Hour, and Debt-for-nature swap, WWF focuses its efforts on food, climate, freshwater, wildlife, forests, and oceans, though it has faced criticism for its corporate associations and its impact on local communities.

Obverse

National Emblem of Oman, surrounded by the inscription "Qaboos bin Said" above, date in Hijri and "Sultan of Oman" below.

The national emblem of Oman is an insignia consisting of a khanjar inside its sheath that is superimposed upon two crossed swords. Adopted in the 18th century as the badge of the Omani royal family, it subsequently became the national emblem of the Sultanate of Oman. The emblem is featured at the canton on the Flag of Oman.

A khanjar (Arabic: خنجر‎‎, Persian: خنجر‎‎, Turkish: Hançer) is a traditional dagger originating from Oman. Worn by men for ceremonial occasions, it is a short curved sword shaped like the letter "J" and resembles a hook. It can be made from a variety of different materials, depending on the quality of its craftsmanship. It is a popular souvenir among tourists and is sold in souqs throughout the region. A national symbol of the sultanate, the khanjar is featured on the country's national emblem and on the Omani rial. It is also utilized in logos and commercial imagery by companies based in Oman.

قابوس بن سعيد
١٣٩٧
سلطان عمان

Reverse

Depicts a setting сaracal focused on either prey or a predator with some desert plants, denomination in Arabic above.

The caracal, also referred to as the desert lynx and Persian lynx, is a medium-sized wild cat identified by its robust build, long legs, short face, tufted ears, relatively short tail, and long canine teeth. Found in Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and arid regions of Pakistan and northwestern India, this feline boasts a uniformly reddish-tan or sandy coat with lighter ventral parts adorned with small reddish markings. Standing at 40–50 cm (16–20 in) at the shoulder and weighing between 8–19 kg (18–42 lb), it was initially documented by German naturalist Johann Christian Daniel von Schreber in 1776, with three recognized subspecies.

Engraver: Michael Hibbit

١/٢ ٢ ريال عماني

Edge
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.925
Weight 28.28 g
Diameter 38.61 mm
Thickness 2.8 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Alt # KM# PS3, KM# PS4

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