RO44mn deals to boost eco-tourism in Oman's nature reserves
Muscat – Environment Authority (EA) has signed nine agreements worth RO44mn to develop and manage seven nature reserves across Oman as part of a push to promote sustainable tourism and protect the sultanate's natural heritage.
The deals include four contracts with the government-owned Omran Group to operate and manage Ras al Shajar Nature Reserve, the Turtle Reserve in South Sharqiyah, Arabian Oryx Sanctuary and the Wetland Nature Reserve in Al Wusta. Two other agreements cover development of the Laja Shlion site in Jabal Samhan Nature Reserve and the Itlalat Hayur area in the wilayat of Mirbat.
The authority also signed two investment contracts for an eco-tourism resort and a stargazing facility called the Stars Park Project in Al Hajar Al Gharbi Starlight Nature Reserve. The second is for development of the Khor al Mughsail Nature Reserve in Dhofar.
The agreements were signed during an official ceremony held under the patronage of H E Salim bin Mohammed al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism. Officials said the projects aim to support tourism, protect ecosystems and promote sustainable development, while ensuring the long-term preservation of Oman's natural sites.
Dr Abdullah bin Ali al Amri, Chairman of EA, said the projects will include eco-tourism resorts, star parks, eco-lodges, camps, visitor centres, safaris, trails and turtle ponds. 'This investment in eco-tourism aims to protect and preserve the natural heritage in nature reserves and ensure sustainability for future generations,' he said.
He added that the authority also aims to raise awareness among visitors, promote conservation education and encourage local communities to participate in eco-tourism. 'It also seeks to diversify sources of income, improve infrastructure and enhance the national tourism product,' he added.
Sulaiman bin Nasser al Akhzami, Director General of Nature Conservation at EA, said the seven reserves cover approximately 5,660sqkm. These include the Al Hajar al Gharbi Starlight Reserve in Dakhliyah, Khor al Mughsail in Dhofar, the Laja Shlion site in Jabal Samhan, Ras al Shajar in Quriyat, Wetlands Reserve in Al Wusta, Turtle Reserve in South Sharqiyah and Arabian Oryx Reserve in Al Wusta.
Akhzami added that the investment projects were selected based on specific environmental and operational standards, including environmental impact assessments, sustainable tourism practices and the use of eco-friendly materials. Investors are also required to demonstrate financial capability and a clear project timeline.
He noted that nature reserves play a vital role in protecting biodiversity and endangered species, adding, 'Financing their management and maintenance requires significant resources, making environmental investment a strategic option aligned with Oman Vision 2040's priorities.'
Oman currently has 31 officially declared nature reserves spread across various governorates.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Muscat Daily
4 days ago
- Muscat Daily
Oman, Turkey announce RO5mn venture to boost marine industry
Muscat – Musandam International Investment Company, in partnership with Turkish investors, has signed binding commercial terms and a shareholders' agreement to establish the Musandam Drydock and Marine Industries Company. The venture, based in Musandam governorate, will see an initial investment of over RO5mn in its first phase. The signing ceremony was attended by H E Dr Saud bin Hamoud al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, and Sayyid Ibrahim bin Said al Busaidi, Governor of Musandam. The company will offer a range of marine services including construction and maintenance of fish farming cages, coastal and commercial fishing vessels, marine tugs, service vessels, and transport vessels up to 35 metres in length. The facility is intended to cater to Oman's domestic market as well as regional demand. The project aims to enhance industrial integration in the marine and fisheries sector, supporting national goals for food security and sustainable economic growth. It forms part of Musandam International Investment Company's wider strategy to build an integrated local ecosystem and promote development in Musandam, aligned with Oman Vision 2040.
Observer
4 days ago
- Observer
Lease pact signed for environment friendly plant
SUHAR: SOHAR Freezone has signed a land lease agreement with Matrix Alloys (FZC) LLC, a leader in low-carbon ferrochrome production, to build a state-of-the-art, environmentally friendly ferrochrome plant. This initiative strengthens Oman's role as a regional hub for sustainable industrial development and supports the goals of Oman 2050 Net-Zero commitment to reduce carbon emissions and diversify the economy. The project, with an investment of $10 million, will occupy 2.2 hectares within SOHAR Freezone and aims to produce 20,000 tonnes annually of micro-carbon and low-carbon ferrochrome. The facility will meet stringent purity and sustainability standards demanded by key markets including Europe, Japan, South Korea and India. Utilising an electric-based production process that avoids coal and heavy-oil pollution, the plant will significantly reduce its environmental footprint and operate with zero waste gas or wastewater emissions. Furthermore, it seamlessly fits into Oman Vision 2040, promoting sustainable industrialisation and encouraging foreign investment to drive long-term economic growth and environmental stewardship. The first phase is expected to be operational by 2026. Bailin Yi, Chairman of Matrix Alloys (FZC) LLC, said, 'Launching our first international ferroalloy plant in SOHAR Freezone offers us a strategic location with excellent infrastructure, market access, and competitive, stable, and low-cost energy essential for the energy-intensive smelting processes. We are committed to delivering premium low-carbon ferrochrome products that support global stainless-steel producers and promote a cleaner industrial future.' Mohammed al Shizawi, Acting CEO of SOHAR Freezone, stated: 'This agreement underscores the trust that international investors place in SOHAR Freezone's integrated industrial ecosystem. Matrix Alloys is bringing advanced, sustainable manufacturing capabilities to our ferroalloy cluster, aligning perfectly with our vision to attract clean technology investments and strengthen SOHAR Freezone's position as a competitive gateway for global trade.' Matrix Alloys will benefit from SOHAR Freezone's proximity to raw material suppliers and customers, as well as direct port access, and a supportive regulatory environment that reduces operational costs. The plant also plans to secure ISO 14001 and ISO 14067 certifications to ensure full carbon emission traceability and compliance with international standards such as CBAM, EcoLeaf and K-ETS.
Observer
4 days ago
- Observer
Pact signed to turn oilfield waste into clean energy
MUSCAT, JUNE 3 Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) has signed a pioneering research agreement with ARA Petroleum to explore innovative ways of converting produced brine—a waste byproduct from oil and gas operations—into sustainable energy resources such as biohydrogen and biochar. The agreement was signed at the University's Cultural Centre by Professor Amer bin Saif al Hinai, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Postgraduate Studies and Research at SQU, and Dr Omar bin Salim al Jaaidi, Vice President of ARA Petroleum. The project will be fully funded by ARA Petroleum and supported with its technical expertise, bringing together academic research and industrial know-how to support Oman's sustainability goals. In an interview with the Observer, Dr Saleh al Saadi, Director of the Sustainable Energy Research Centre at SQU, said the collaboration reflects the University's core mission to advance technologies that address real-world challenges. 'This partnership aligns directly with SQU's vision of advancing sustainable technologies by addressing real industrial challenges through research,' Dr Al Saadi said. 'By converting produced water into biohydrogen and biochar, the project supports Oman's Vision 2040 and Net-Zero 2050 goals. It contributes to renewable energy development, water reuse, and environmental protection, while building local research capacity.' Produced brine, typically high in salinity and contaminants, is one of the oil sector's most complex waste streams. Dr Al Saadi's research team aims to overcome technical barriers such as low hydrogen yields and inefficiencies in the conversion process. 'We are tackling major challenges like the high salinity and toxicity of produced water,' he explained. 'Our team is developing an optimised two-stage fermentation system to increase hydrogen output, using biochar to enhance gas quality. In addition, we plan to incorporate AI modelling to improve process efficiency and ensure the project's economic viability. The aim is to transform waste into clean energy and agricultural inputs.' The collaboration is also notable for integrating public, private, and academic stakeholders. It has received strong backing from the Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation, with its Ejaad platform playing a vital role in linking academia with industry. 'This collaboration unites academia (SQU), industry (ARA), and government (Ejaad) to address national priorities,' said Dr Al Saadi. 'It shows how joint innovation can drive Oman's transition to a knowledge-based and sustainable economy. It not only enables the development of real-world solutions, but also builds national expertise and accelerates the commercialisation of green technologies.' Dr Omar bin Salim al Jaaidi remarked, 'This collaboration underscores the strength of local expertise and the potential of Oman's young generation. By working with Sultan Qaboos University, we are not only developing sustainable energy solutions, but also empowering the next generation of innovators and researchers to lead efforts to address global environmental challenges.' As the world moves towards more circular and sustainable energy practices, this initiative places Oman at the forefront of research-driven solutions for resource recovery and decarbonisation in the hydrocarbon sector.
