25-06-2025
South Sharqiyah proposes turtle reserve in Masirah Island
Muscat – Municipal Council of South Sharqiyah has proposed establishment of a turtle reserve in Masirah Islands as part of broader environmental and urban development efforts in the governorate.
The initiative was discussed at a meeting of the council held on Tuesday chaired by Juma Abdullah al Araimi, Deputy Chairman. A presentation by the Health and Environmental Affairs Committee of the council recommended including the proposed site in Oman's national network of nature reserves.
The reserve would focus on protecting sea turtle populations around Masirah Island and its coastal areas. To support the project, the council suggested forming a technical committee to assess environmental needs and threats to marine life, while drafting a comprehensive strategy that includes improving waste management, reducing plastic use, promoting recycling and working with international conservation bodies.
The council also reviewed other key proposals, including development of an integrated fish market at the Sur fishing port, aimed at enhancing infrastructure and services for the local fisheries sector.
In the healthcare sector, members examined the Rafiq al Shifa (Healing Companion) initiative, which seeks to provide accommodation facilities in Sur for individuals accompanying patients during treatment.
Additionally, the council discussed standardising commercial signage across the governorate's wilayats. The plan aims to introduce a unified design framework to improve visual harmony, support tourism and reinforce the governorate's urban identity.
