Latest news with #EnvironmentSocietyofOman
Observer
14-06-2025
- Science
- Observer
Oman contributes to global whale migration atlas
In a landmark step for marine conservation, Oman has contributed to a major new global initiative to map and safeguard the migratory 'superhighways' of whales. The Blue Corridors platform ( launched this week by WWF and an international coalition of scientists and conservation groups, digitally charts decades of whale tracking data to drive action on ocean protection worldwide. Oman's unique satellite tracking data -gathered through the Environment Society of Oman (ESO) and marine research group Future Seas and supported by the Environment Authority is now part of this global dataset; helping to illuminate how whales travel through the region's waters and beyond. 'We've contributed Oman's dataset to this collaborative effort,' Suaad al Harthi from the Environment Society of Oman confirmed, 'offering insights that will support international efforts to protect whales from rising threats such as ship strikes, fishing gear entanglement, underwater noise and climate change'. For the first time, brings together three decades of global tracking data, integrating it with maps of overlapping marine risks to create a dynamic tool for governments, scientists and policymakers. The initiative highlights the movement of whales through the territorial waters of multiple countries and underscores the urgency of international collaboration, especially as seven of the world's 14 great whale species remain endangered or vulnerable despite decades of conservation efforts. 'Oman's contribution is a vital part of this global effort,' said Dr Andrew Willson of Future Seas Oman, one of the contributing researchers. 'By understanding where whales travel, and where they face the greatest risks, we can work together on more informed conservation plans to protect them —not just in Oman's waters, but across the migratory routes that connect the dots between important habitats used by the whales for breeding and feeding.' Launched ahead of World Oceans Day (8 June) and the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France, the project also advances global goals to protect 30% of the ocean by 2030 — part of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the UN Decade of Ocean Science. The Blue Corridors platform is publicly accessible and will evolve with further peer-reviewed science and collaborative input through 2025. 'Blue corridors are more than migration routes — they're lifelines for the ocean's giants and the ecosystems they support,' said Chris Johnson, Global Lead for WWF's Protecting Whales and Dolphins Initiative. 'This platform transforms decades of science into a tool for action — showing when, where and how to protect whales in a rapidly changing ocean.' The project builds on the Protecting Blue Corridors report (2022), now enhanced with open-access visualisations from more than 50 contributing research groups. The platform also highlights hotspots where solutions -such as marine protected areas or revised shipping routes- can make the greatest difference. As the oceans warm and human activities intensify, tools like this offer hope for species whose survival depends on protecting migratory pathways. And Oman's role in this collaborative atlas underscores the country's growing contribution to marine science and conservation on a global scale. Najah al Riyami The writer is a Media and Communication Master's graduate.
Muscat Daily
02-06-2025
- Science
- Muscat Daily
Endangered vulture rehabilitated at Wadi Sireen Nature Reserve
Muscat – In a move aimed at strengthening avian conservation, the Environment Authority, in collaboration with the Environment Society of Oman, has released a lappet-faced vulture (Torgos tracheliotos) into the wild at Wadi Sireen Nature Reserve in South Batinah. The bird, listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), was rehabilitated following an intensive care programme. It has now been fitted with a satellite tracking device to monitor its movement, nesting behaviour and habitat preferences. The data will help researchers understand the species' ecological needs and accordingly contribute to long-term conservation planning. Ali Nasser al Rasbi, an environmental specialist, said, 'There are more than 38 species of birds in the sultanate, and the lappet-faced vulture is the largest among them. Monitoring its behaviour in the wild provides crucial insights into the overall health of our ecosystems.' Once widespread across Africa and parts of the Arabian Peninsula, populations of the lappet-faced vulture have declined sharply due to poisoning, persecution and habitat loss. Only a small and rapidly shrinking population remains, making conservation initiatives in Oman and elsewhere vital to the species' survival. The reintroduction forms part of a broader strategy by the Environment Authority to protect endangered and vulnerable bird species across Oman. The programme aims to support biodiversity, maintain ecological balance, and raise awareness about the critical role vultures play as natural scavengers. Wadi Sireen Nature Reserve, about 45km south of Muscat in the eastern Al Hajar Mountains, was chosen for the release due to its protected status and biodiversity. It is also home to endangered Arabian tahr, among other rare wildlife, making it a key site for ongoing and future conservation efforts.
Muscat Daily
27-05-2025
- General
- Muscat Daily
Oman plans management for Arabian Sea humpback whales
Muscat – Environment Authority (EA) launched a regional workshop titled 'Managing the Protection and Conservation of Arabian Sea Humpback Whales' on Tuesday in collaboration with Environment Society of Oman. The three-day event aims to enhance conservation efforts for one of the world's most endangered whale populations. Held with participation of international experts, researchers, and representatives from public and private sector entities, besides civil society organisations, the workshop is focused on developing a comprehensive management framework to protect the Arabian Sea humpback whale. Believed to number fewer than 100 individuals, the species is primarily found in waters off Oman, especially in the Gulf of Masirah. Key discussions during the workshop include the most pressing threats to the species, such as shipping traffic, oil and gas exploration, and fishing activities. Participants will also explore the latest scientific research from Oman and India, and evaluate practical steps for implementing a joint conservation management plan. The workshop will include a review of the plan's structure, with emphasis on coordinated actions between countries bordering the Arabian Sea. EA presented updates from the Marine Mammal Species Survey Project in Musandam, covering the period 2023 to 2025, at the workshop. The survey is part of broader efforts to enhance regional cooperation in marine conservation. A key part of the workshop is a proposal to establish a non-binding cooperation agreement between Oman and India to protect the Arabian Sea humpback whale. Additionally, a draft regional management plan will be prepared and a joint coordination committee will be formed comprising international partners from the International Whaling Commission. The Arabian Sea humpback whale has been under scientific observation in Oman since 2000. In 2008, the species was added to the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species due to its critically low population and isolated habitat. This week's workshop is expected to play a pivotal role in aligning regional conservation strategies and ensuring the long-term survival of this unique marine species.
Zawya
12-05-2025
- Zawya
Oman: Regeneration project enhances Masirah Island's ecological value
A new locally driven initiative is reimagining the future of Masirah Island by placing ecological regeneration at the centre of sustainable development. Positioned as one of Oman's most unique and underutilised tourism destinations, Masirah is now the focus of a pilot project exploring how natural capital can be restored while laying the groundwork for low-impact tourism opportunities aligned with Oman Vision 2040. The Masirah Beach Regeneration Project — funded by the British Omani Society — is a collaborative effort between local and national stakeholders, including the Wali's Office of Masirah, Environment Authority, Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning, Oman Botanic Garden, Environment Society of Oman (ESO), Ocean Ecology Network and Future Seas. The project showcases how community collaboration and environmental leadership can shape a more resilient and inclusive future for coastal areas. Masirah Island is home to some of Oman's most biologically rich coastal ecosystems, with endemic plants, fringing coral reefs, migratory and resident bird populations, and four species of sea turtles — including the globally significant loggerhead turtle population. However, these natural assets face growing threats from unmanaged visitors' activities, urban lighting and beach driving, all of which put pressure on biodiversity and hinder the island's potential as a nature-based tourism destination. 'Masirah is a really special place for wildlife,' says Suaad al Harthy, Executive Director of ESO. 'But these are fragile ecosystems. Our research over the past 20 years has shown that nesting success is easily disrupted by light pollution, beach driving and unregulated tourism. The opportunity now is to reverse these impacts in a way that strengthens both the environment and the economy.' Introducing the concept of regenerative tourism to Oman, the project aims to demonstrate how development can work with nature rather than against it. Regenerative tourism goes beyond sustainability — emphasising restoration, local stewardship and shared value creation across communities, ecosystems and future generations. Nature-based solutions are a cornerstone of the pilot strategy. The team is assessing which beaches carry the highest ecological value and studying how native dune vegetation can stabilise sediment and shield turtle nesting zones from erosion and rising seas. 'We're conducting field studies to understand how local plant communities can be restored and expanded,' explains Dr Laila al Harthy of the Oman Botanic Garden. 'We're looking at propagation both on-site and at our facility in Muscat, and exploring how revegetation can complement the island's broader eco-tourism vision.' The pilot phase is focused on a critical nesting beach on Masirah's east coast. Early activities include a landscape assessment and conceptual design for low-impact infrastructure — such as shaded picnic areas, interpretive signage, dune walkways and basic visitor facilities — designed to integrate into the natural landscape and enhance visitor experience without compromising ecological integrity. 'We're looking at how other countries have successfully implemented nature-focused tourism,' says Andy Willson from Future Seas, who has supported conservation work on Masirah since 2008. Long-term community benefit and local leadership are essential pillars of the project. Stakeholders are engaging with community members throughout the process, envisioning a locally run model with beach rangers, eco-guides and conservation stewards all trained and employed from within the island. The initiative also highlights a need for investment to strengthen waste management, protect fragile dunes and mitigate threats like light pollution and vehicle erosion. At present, visible impacts from fishing debris, unmanaged tourism and development pressures continue to undermine both ecological health and visitor appeal. 'Much of the value of these beaches is being unnecessarily lost,' says Andy. 'But we know that high-value tourist destinations thrive when their environments are pristine and protected. Masirah has everything it needs to become one of them.' As the pilot progresses, the team aims to demonstrate a model that aligns conservation with tourism and community-led planning — not just for Masirah, but as an example for other sensitive coastal areas across Oman. Richard Stanford, Chairman of the British Oman Society, adds: "The Masirah Beach Regeneration Project is very important for improving the ecological condition of the island which will help to boost responsible environmental tourism and grow the economy. Encouraging collaboration between local communities, environmental experts and national stakeholders, this initiative not only safeguards Masirah Island's unique biodiversity, but also unlocks its potential as a model for regenerative tourism in Oman. The British Omani Society is proud to support such important environmental work as we seek to support Oman Vision 2040." Visitors are invited to support these efforts by respecting beach guidelines; avoid driving on beaches and vegetation, limit the use of torch and camp lights on beaches during the nesting season and leave no waste behind. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Observer
04-05-2025
- Health
- Observer
Study affirms resilience of Oman's frankincense trees
MUSCAT: A landmark scientific study has confirmed that Oman's frankincense trees — renowned for producing an aromatic resin deeply woven into the nation's historical and cultural legacy — do not face widespread decline in the southern reaches of the Sultanate of Oman, despite facing a variety of environmental and human-induced threats. This encouraging discovery stems from the first-ever comprehensive conservation assessment of Boswellia sacra, the botanical name for these iconic trees, in their native mountainous habitats of Dhofar Governorate. The research initiative was led by the Environment Society of Oman (ESO), in collaboration with the Environment Authority, Wageningen University & Research, FairSource Botanicals and Mendel University in Brno. The project received initial funding support from the British Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in Oman. In a statement, Dr Amor al Matani, President of ESO's Board of Directors, hailed the successful completion of the study as a pivotal step forward. 'ESO's role in driving this landmark study is a testament to its long-standing commitment to safeguarding Oman's frankincense heritage, given the priceless cultural and ecological value associated with this aromatic resin. Our sincere thanks to the Environment Authority and all the international partners who helped bring this initiative to life.' Ali bin Salem Bait Said, Director of the Office for the Conservation of the Environment, at Environment Authority office in Dhofar, said: 'This study has brought together local and international institutions in a first-of-its-kind collaboration to deliver science-based insights into the health of our frankincense populations." These findings are an important step forward to protect frankincense trees not only as a cultural and spiritual symbol of Oman's ancient incense trade, but also as the cornerstone of a thriving domestic industry centred around incense and related products. Of the roughly 24 species in the Boswellia genus worldwide, Boswellia sacra Flück. — a deciduous tree of modest stature — is native to southern Arabia (Oman and Yemen) and Somalia. In Oman, the species is found across Dhofar growing from sea level to elevations as high as 1,774 metres in the mountain ranges. However, the trees are not immune to threats. Overgrazing, particularly by camels, poses one of the most serious risks to sapling survival. Additional challenges include insect infestations, pest attacks, unsustainable resin harvesting, nearby mining activities, and increasingly erratic weather events — all of which can impact tree vitality and regeneration. While the study dispels fears of an imminent population collapse, the researchers caution against complacency. The threats facing Boswellia sacra are complex, varying by location and season, and influenced by ecological, social, and political dynamics. To be effective, conservation strategies must therefore address the full socio-ecological context, the paper emphasises.
