
Oman suspends export, import of sharks
The authority said the measure was prompted by environmental concerns and the need to conduct a thorough assessment of shark populations in Oman's territorial waters.
© Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).

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Zawya
14 hours ago
- Zawya
Oman: Khareef 2025 welcomes tourists to Salalah
Eco-friendly tourism projects add a new element of environment consciousness to revelry surrounding Khareef 2025, uplifting the soul of Salalah Driven by a firm belief in the potential of Omani youth and a deep passion for tourism, Nader bin Bakhit Fadhel, from the Wilayat of Salalah, is reshaping the landscape of sustainable, family-friendly tourism in Dhofar Governorate — beginning with the Khareef season this year. Central to his recent efforts is a newly signed agreement with the Environment Authority to develop the Khor Al Mughsail Nature Reserve, a project aimed at enhancing the region's ecotourism offerings while safeguarding its unique biodiversity. 'This project is close to my heart,' Nader told Muscat Daily. 'It aligns perfectly with my long-term vision to create sustainable tourism opportunities in Salalah.' Nader's tourism journey began in 2022 with the launch of Lamer Al Mughsail, a youth-led initiative rooted in Dhofar and focused on enriching the visitor experience during the Khareef season. Spanning 6,000sqm, the initiative takes its name from the sea adjacent to Al Mughsail — a tribute to the natural beauty of the area. Located along the scenic coast of Al Mughsail, the project has grown into a well-known destination during the monsoon season, offering a thoughtful mix of recreation and hospitality for visitors of all ages. Managed entirely by a local Omani enterprise and supported by private sector partners, Lamer Al Mughsail features restaurants and cafés serving international and Omani cuisines, a children's play area, a man-made waterfall, boating experiences, and beach seating facilities. 'The idea was simple,' said Nader. 'Create a space where nature and tourism co-exist in harmony, while contributing to the local economy.' Building on this success, Nader's latest venture — the development of Khor Al Mughsail Nature Reserve — will extend over 7,700sqm. Construction is scheduled to commence in Q3 of 2025 and the project will feature a 120m zipline, water activities, eco-education zones, and food and beverage outlets, all designed to blend seamlessly with the site's natural surroundings. Sanctuary for biodiversity Situated at the eastern edge of Jabal Al Qamar, Khor Al Mughsail covers over half a square kilometre and plays a crucial role as a habitat for both local and migratory bird species. With rich food sources available throughout the year, the lagoon attracts birds from regions as far-flung as Africa, Europe, and the Indian subcontinent — underscoring its importance on the global avian migratory route. Despite his growing recognition, Nader's journey has not been without obstacles. 'In the beginning, securing funding and navigating environmental regulations was extremely challenging,' he said. 'Many viewed the Khareef season as too short to warrant significant investment. But I believed in the vision and stayed committed.' By forming strategic partnerships with private investors and public institutions, and by training local youth to take active roles in the venture, Nader developed a tourism model that champions sustainability and community development. 'Working with small and medium enterprises helped us instill a shared sense of purpose,' he said. 'Today, we're not just building tourism projects, we're building local capacity and empowering the next generation.' Inspiring the next generation Nader's message to young Omanis is clear – stay resilient, think big, and believe in your ideas. 'Start small, but always think big. There will be challenges, but with persistence, teamwork, and a deep belief in Oman's untapped potential, you can make a lasting impact,' he asserts. As Dhofar continues to attract thousands of visitors each Khareef season, Nader's work stands as a shining example of what can be accomplished when community engagement, conservation, and innovation intersect. One project at a time, he is helping transform Salalah into a sustainable tourism hub — led by Omanis, for Omanis, and for the world. © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (


Zawya
3 days ago
- Zawya
Oman on the right track in environment protection
Oman is actively working to reduce plastic pollution through a phased ban on single-use plastic shopping bags, aligning with Oman Vision 2040 agenda for sustainable consumption and environmental protection. The Environment Authority is leading this initiative, with the goal of eliminating single-use plastic shopping bags nationwide by 2027. The ban is being implemented in stages to allow businesses and consumers to adapt gradually. The first phase, which began on July 1, 2024, targeted pharmacies, hospitals, and clinics. The second phase, effective from January 2025, expanded the ban to include textile stores, clothing outlets, eyewear shops, mobile phone vendors, watch retailers, furniture stores, and household goods suppliers. The third phase of the ban will begin on Tuesday and will encompass additional segments of the retail and food sectors. This includes fruit and vegetable shops, grocery stores, packaging units, candy factories, sweet shops, bakeries, gift shops, and outlets selling bread, pastries, and confectionery. Businesses in these categories will be required to switch to eco-friendly alternatives like reusable cloth or paper bags. The Environment Authority is actively monitoring compliance with the ban. Violators face fines ranging from RO 50 to 1,000, with repeat offenders subject to doubled penalties if another violation occurs within a month. The authorities are also conducting field visits to raise awareness and ensure adherence to the regulations. The initiative aims to promote environmental awareness and encourage the use of recyclable and eco-friendly bags. It may be noted that while several retailers encourage reusable bags, including cotton-made, thicker plastic reusable bags are still available across the country, leaving it to the consumers to decide whether they need to use them or not. Oman banned the import of plastic bags from January 1, 2023. Companies, institutions and individuals are prohibited from importing plastic bags and violators will be fined RO 1,000 on the first offence, which will be doubled on the violation. The Sultanate of Oman is also supporting and developing environmental monitoring work by installing vehicle tracking devices with units to determine locations and monitor fuel consumption and environmental efficiency of cars. The decision to ban plastic bags has played a significant role in spreading environmental awareness and promoting a culture of using recyclable and eco-friendly bags, such as those made from fabric or durable leather. Oman's commitment to a greener future is evident in its phased approach, with the expectation that more sectors will adopt eco-conscious practices, bringing the nation closer to a plastic-free retail landscape by 2027. The ban is part of a broader plan to preserve the Omani environment and wildlife, and to achieve sustainable environmental development goals. The move supports national sustainable development goals outlined in Oman Vision 2040 and aligns with international initiatives, such as the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management and global agreements like the Stockholm and Basel Conventions. Oman is actively engaged in environmental protection and the conservation of its natural resources, with a focus on sustainable development. The Environment Authority plays a central role in this, aiming to provide high-quality services related to environmental protection and the conservation of natural resources. Oman has implemented several initiatives to address environmental challenges and promote sustainability. The National Zero Neutrality Programme is a priority, aiming to balance carbon emissions through projects in various sectors, including energy, industry, transport and buildings. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (


Zawya
18-06-2025
- Zawya
New projects expand ecotourism in Oman's nature reserves
Muscat – Oman is stepping up its efforts to develop ecotourism as part of a wider push to balance environmental protection with economic growth and job creation. The sultanate is investing in its 31 nature reserves, which cover nearly 15,000sqkm – about 17% of its land area and 10% of its marine territory. Authorities say these protected areas are central to supporting biodiversity, attracting tourists, and encouraging research on ecosystems and natural processes. The Environment Authority (EA), in partnership with other agencies and civil society, is implementing management plans to conserve habitats while opening up investment opportunities. New investment in ecotourism is expected to strengthen local economies, create jobs in nearby communities, and contribute to a sustainable green economy in line with Oman Vision 2040. Royal decrees continue to protect endangered species and preserve the geological and ecological diversity of the reserves. Strict environmental rules have been set to ensure that conservation remains a priority even as tourism and related projects expand. In recent moves, the Environment Authority signed nine investment contracts worth more than RO44mn for projects in seven reserves. These include the development and management of sites such as Ras al Shajar, turtle, oryx, and wetland reserves, parts of Jabal Samhan and Khor al Mughsail, as well as an eco-resort and star park in Al Hajar al Gharbi Starlight Reserve. Private sector partners are helping to build eco-friendly lodges, camps, visitor centres, trails, and facilities that meet advanced environmental standards. These projects cover sites in Muscat, South Sharqiyah, Al Wusta, Dakhliyah and Dhofar. The new developments aim to provide authentic nature-based experiences, combining conservation with cultural and educational value. Plans include turtle ponds, eco-safaris and adventure tourism in protected settings. Officials emphasise that local communities are closely involved in the planning, running and maintenance of these projects, ensuring direct employment and opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises. The expansion of ecotourism, anchored in strong community participation and sustainable practices, is expected to strengthen Oman's position as a leading destination for responsible tourism in the region. © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (