Al Wusta Wetlands Reserve gets Ramsar certification
Prior to this, Qurm Nature Reserve and Al Ansab Wetland were designated as Ramsar Sites in 2013 and 2020 respectively. The new listing came within the framework of activities of the 15th Conference of the Parties to the Ramsar Convention (COP15), currently being held in Zimbabwe till July 31, under the slogan 'Protecting Wetlands for Our Shared Future'.
'This international recognition crowns the efforts of the sultanate in preserving biodiversity and reflects its commitment to implementing international environmental standards to protect fragile ecosystems,' EA stated.
The reserve is a vibrant mosaic of ecosystems, boasting rare biological diversity both regionally and globally. This makes it a unique site for biodiversity studies and sustainable wetland utilisation, especially in the intertidal zone.
Spread over an area of about 214mn hectares, the reserve houses a plethora of ecosystems exhibiting high environmental sensitivity. From natural marine islands, bays, creeks and coastal dunes to expansive landfills, salt flats, gravel plains and wild grasses, the reserve is a repository of ecological riches.
The marine life too is diverse, inclusive of rare entities like the Arabian Sea humpback whale, along with other whales and dolphins. Additionally, the area along the coast of Mahout Island in Ghubbat Hashish showcases the largest undisturbed concentration of mangrove trees in Oman, covering about 162 hectares.
The reserve's natural allure has the potential to draw nature enthusiasts, bird watchers and wildlife admirers, which can directly boost eco-tourism – a conduit to bolster the national economy through environmentally sustainable projects and investment opportunities, abiding by local and international laws to ensure the preservation and efficient utilisation of natural resources.
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Muscat Daily
4 days ago
- Muscat Daily
Al Wusta Wetlands Reserve gets Ramsar certification
Muscat – Environment Authority has announced an achievement in environmental conservation. Oman has obtained the official Ramsar Convention accreditation certificate listing Al Wusta Wetlands Reserve in Mahout as a Wetland of International Importance. Prior to this, Qurm Nature Reserve and Al Ansab Wetland were designated as Ramsar Sites in 2013 and 2020 respectively. The new listing came within the framework of activities of the 15th Conference of the Parties to the Ramsar Convention (COP15), currently being held in Zimbabwe till July 31, under the slogan 'Protecting Wetlands for Our Shared Future'. 'This international recognition crowns the efforts of the sultanate in preserving biodiversity and reflects its commitment to implementing international environmental standards to protect fragile ecosystems,' EA stated. The reserve is a vibrant mosaic of ecosystems, boasting rare biological diversity both regionally and globally. This makes it a unique site for biodiversity studies and sustainable wetland utilisation, especially in the intertidal zone. Spread over an area of about 214mn hectares, the reserve houses a plethora of ecosystems exhibiting high environmental sensitivity. From natural marine islands, bays, creeks and coastal dunes to expansive landfills, salt flats, gravel plains and wild grasses, the reserve is a repository of ecological riches. The marine life too is diverse, inclusive of rare entities like the Arabian Sea humpback whale, along with other whales and dolphins. Additionally, the area along the coast of Mahout Island in Ghubbat Hashish showcases the largest undisturbed concentration of mangrove trees in Oman, covering about 162 hectares. The reserve's natural allure has the potential to draw nature enthusiasts, bird watchers and wildlife admirers, which can directly boost eco-tourism – a conduit to bolster the national economy through environmentally sustainable projects and investment opportunities, abiding by local and international laws to ensure the preservation and efficient utilisation of natural resources.
Times of Oman
4 days ago
- Times of Oman
Oman gains Ramsar accreditation for Al Wusta Wetlands Reserve
Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman has received official accreditation from the Ramsar Convention for the inclusion of the Al Wusta Wetlands Reserve on the List of Wetlands of International Importance. This marks the third Omani site to be included in this prestigious list, following the Al Qurm Nature Reserve (2013) and Al Ansab Wetlands (2020). This achievement was announced on the sidelines of the 15th Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention (COP15), held under the theme "Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future" in Zimbabwe, which continues until 31 July. This official international recognition represents a culmination of Oman's efforts in biodiversity conservation and its commitment to implementing international environmental standards for protecting fragile ecosystems. It also highlights the reserve's status as one of the most important ecological sites at both regional and global levels. The Al Wusta Wetlands Reserve is distinguished by its rare ecosystems, including mangrove forests (Oman's largest pristine gathering, covering 162 hectares), salt flats, coral reefs, and seagrass beds. It also provides nesting habitats for endangered sea turtles such as the Olive Ridley and Green Turtle. The site accredited under the Ramsar Convention covers approximately 81% of the total area of the Al Wusta Wetlands Reserve, which spans 714,213 hectares, forming a unique ecosystem that combines sensitive natural habitats and rare species. The reserve is classified as the best site in the Middle East for hosting birds during winter, annually receiving over half a million waterbirds. This includes 23 species whose numbers exceed 1% of the total migratory birds between Asia and East Africa, such as flamingos, plovers, and gulls. The reserve also harbors rare and endangered marine species like the Arabian Humpback Whale and dolphins, and supports 80 species of global importance. The reserve has met all nine criteria of the Ramsar Convention. Prominently, it contains rare ecological systems (such as mudflats and salt pans), supports endangered species (like whales and turtles), and serves as a primary source for fish food and reproduction. The reserve is also an eco-tourism destination attracting birdwatching and wildlife enthusiasts, thereby promoting sustainable tourism. It further supports the national economy through environmentally friendly investment projects that adhere to international standards to ensure resource sustainability. The reserve began its role as a center for waterbird studies in the 1980s and was officially declared a Ramsar site by the Environment Agency in November 2023.
Observer
20-07-2025
- Observer
Tourism firm booked in Dhofar for misusing green areas
Muscat: The Environment Authority has registered a violation report against a tourism company after it damaged the vegetation in Wadi Darbat by driving a group of four-wheel drive vehicles and a large truck over green areas. This action is based on Article 21 of the Environment Protection Law, as part of the ongoing efforts to preserve the ecosystem and protect natural resources during the Khareef season.
