Latest news with #EnvironmentAuthority
Muscat Daily
9 hours ago
- Business
- Muscat Daily
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.
Times of Oman
10 hours ago
- General
- Times of Oman
Shoppers buy ‘green' bags as third phase of plastic ban rolls out
MUSCAT: Shoppers in Muscat were taken aback when they discovered on Wednesday that some supermarkets had stopped giving plastic bags with the items they had purchased. 'When I paid for the products, I had to purchase a green bag for 125 baisas at a supermarket in Ruwi as I was left with no other choice than to carry the products to my car without the bag,' said Sujata, an Indian expat living in Rex Road. This comes after Oman rolled out the third phase of its plastic bag ban on Tuesday, July 1, in accordance with the approved timeline in Decision No. (8/2024). Officials said if the regulations are violated, they can be fined ranging from OMR50 to OMR1,000. The Environment Authority (EA) said that the activities in this phase included sale of vegetables, fruits, grocery, foodstuffs, sweets, gifts and bakery stores. Regarding the alternatives, the Environment Authority suggested use of fabric bags and paper bags. The EA issued a statement, highlighting the long-term dangers of single-use plastic bags on marine life and the broader environment. 'A single plastic bag may seem harmless, but it leaves a profound impact on marine life and our environment for decades! Your simple decision to use sustainable alternatives makes a big difference,' it stated. The EA detailed the consequences of plastic pollution on ocean ecosystems. 'Fish, turtles, and whales may mistake plastic bags for food and swallow them, leading to suffocation or blockages in their digestive systems, which can result in death. Then the marine creatures like turtles or birds may get entangled in plastic bags, causing them to suffocate or suffer serious injuries,' it said. Sujit Kumar went to the supermarket to get essentials as he was expecting some guests at his home for lunch on Wednesday. 'I went to the supermarket to buy some juices and food packets but the person at the billing counter reminded me of the plastic bags directive from July 1.' Similarly, Sohail, a Pakistani expat, had been to a nearby supermarket in Qurum to shop for his daily essentials. Without knowledge of the ban, he purchased his monthly groceries, but he did not have any bags to carry the items. Therefore, he had to purchase a reusable bag. 'From now on, I will be keeping these bags in my car and whenever I go shopping, I will use them,' added Sohail. Phase one of the plastic ban was implemented on July 1, 2024, targeting single-use plastic bags thinner than 50 micrometres. The second phase began on January 1, 2025, and it included textile shops, tailoring shops, mobile shops, watch shops, retailers, etc. The third phase was introduced from July 1, 2025.
Observer
2 days ago
- Observer
Metal Compass Project marks highest point of Samhan
SALALAH: The Environment Authority in Dhofar Governorate, in cooperation with the National Survey Authority and the Royal Air Force of Oman, on Monday implemented the Metal Compass Project at the summit of Jabal Samhan. The project aims to document the highest elevation point in Dhofar Governorate and transform it into a prominent environmental landmark on Oman's tourism and environmental map. Implemented within the Jabal Samhan Nature Reserve, the project provides valuable data about the reserve's characteristics to enhance environmental, tourism and cultural awareness. A concrete block topped with a metal compass structure marking the four cardinal directions and nearby environmental/tourism landmarks has been installed at "Moden" summit to highlight the reserve's cultural and natural identity. Standing at 1,757.6 metres above sea level, Moden summit represents one of Oman's most distinctive natural locations and the country's second-highest mountain peak. Zahran bin Ahmed Al Abdulsalam, Director-General of Environment in Dhofar Governorate, stated: "This project establishes Jabal Samhan summit as a promising environmental, tourism and cultural landmark offering unique experiences for both visitors and local communities." The project enhances the reserve's status as a premier ecotourism destination while preserving its rich natural resources and authentic cultural values. Al Abdulsalam added that it invites enthusiasts to explore the reserve's natural, geological and biological aspects, which will expand fundamental knowledge for deeper understanding of its unique ecosystem and guide conservation efforts. Notably, the Jabal Samhan Compass Project incorporates scientific, environmental, tourism and cultural dimensions. It provides crucial data about various aspects of the reserve's ecosystem, encourages preservation of natural resources and boosts the tourism appeal of Jabal Samhan and its nature reserve.
Zawya
2 days ago
- Business
- 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. (
Observer
2 days ago
- Business
- Observer
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.
